Wheelwrights
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As the famous fellwalker Alfred Wainwright wrote in 1966, “The Fleeting hour of life of those who love the hills is quickly spent.” With over 200 fells and countless green valleys filled with babbling brooks, ready and waiting to be explored- it’s no wonder that the Lake District attracts thousands of hikers every year.
Whether you fancy a short lakeside ramble or are looking to tackle one of the 10 highest peaks in the UK, The Lake District has a walk for you.
One of the most pleasant walks in the Lake District, this family-friendly circuit around Tarn Hows won’t take you more than an hour and a half, but you’ll love every minute. The stunning views of the Langdale Pikes in the distance, combine with the picturesque lake and its romantic woodland to provide a breath-taking backdrop.
The trails are well-marked, and the terrain is easy-going, plus there is a toilet block in the car park. Mobility scooters (called Trampers) are also available to hire from the National Trust in advance.
Starting Point: National Trust Tarn Hows Car Park
Length: 1.8 miles (2.9km)
Arguably the most famous, and beautiful, waterfall in the Lake District, Aira Force was a favourite haunt of Wordsworth himself. Take in the wonderous sights and sounds on this 1-hour round loop from the carpark.
Due to various sets of steps, the walk isn’t pushchair friendly but is the perfect place to take kids, as there is plenty to explore. If you want to go further, up to Gowbarrow, you can buy a map from the shop to see all the trials in the area.
Starting Point: National Trust Aira Force Carpark
Length: 1 mile (1.6km)
Orrest Head was the first place that Alfred Wainwright walked in The Lakes, and later in life, he wrote that, “Orrest Head cast a spell that changed my life.” The view from the top, 238m high, is certainly impressive, with a viewpoint that has plenty of benches to sit at and have a picnic in this wonderous spot.
Some sections of the walk through Elleray Wood, are steep, but on the whole, the route is moderate and easy to follow. There is also an accessible route, signposted in blue, that is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and scooters.
Starting Point: Rayrigg Meadow & Millerground Carpark
Length: 3.5 miles (5.6km)
Also called the Lion and the Lamb, Helm Cragg looks almost otherworldly from down in the valley. The trail up from Grasmere village is popular with walkers, bird watchers and runners, as it is steep in parts, but not too challenging. The views are to die for, especially if you tackle the route anticlockwise, as the scenery you take in on your way up is pretty magical.
Starting Point: Red Bank Road Car Park, Grasmere.
Length: 4.5 miles (7.4km)
If you want to get off the beaten track and explore one of the most tranquil parts of the Lakes, head to Wordsworth’s ‘long-loved Duddon’. The charming River Duddon, which is a delight to walk besides, flows along the beautiful valley.
Though it’s fairly long, most of the ascents on this walk are short, and there are alternative paths if you want to avoid them. The way back is mostly flat, alongside the river.
Starting Point: Birks Bridge Car Park
Length: 6.2 miles (10km)
This stunning walk takes in not one, not two, but eight Wainwrights! One of the most popular horseshoe walks in The Lakes, it is a tough, but rewarding route. The scenery is dramatic and varied, plus, there are plenty of pubs at the bottom to reward yourself with a well-earned pint. Make sure you pack the proper kit, as the weather up in the mountains can be very unpredictable.
Starting Point: Rydal Hall
Length: 11 miles (17.7km)
If you fancy a challenge on your Lake District break, there is none better than climbing the tallest mountain in England. At 978m high, the peak looms large over the Borrowdale Valley to the northeast and the Wasdale valley to the southwest.
Whilst many people tackle this hill via the shorter, but steeper, route from Wast Water, if you take the longer corridor route from Seathwaite, you will be able to take in all the beauty of the area’s scenery. You’ll also avoid the crowds if you visit in peak season. This route is strenuous, requires proper walking equipment, and should only be attempted by experienced walkers in good conditions.
Starting Point: Seathwaite Farm
Length: 9.1 miles (14.8km)
Raring to lace up your boots and try your hand at one of these Lake District walks? You’ll need a comfy place to stay, so you can relax with a cup of tea on the sofa in after your rambling! Our holiday cottages are perfectly situated on the doorstep of the great outdoors, so that you can ramble to your heart’s content.
What’re more, our local experts can help you out with any queries you have about walking in the area when you book your stay. Just give us a ring on 015394 37635 or drop us a line at enquiries@wheelwrights.com.
Browse our selection of holiday cottages in The Lake District today, to book your next walking break in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.