The Lake District is perhaps most famous for its scenic walks, which have inspired so many poets and writers. It’s arguably the best place to walk in Britain. Step out of our quirky holiday cottages for walks at all levels.
If you’d prefer not to venture too far from our properties, there are plenty of lovely walks around Underbarrow which are also suitable for the whole family.
There’s a lovely easy circular walk of the village, starting and finishing at the Black Labrador Inn.
Suitable for families with small children, a short walk up the well-travelled track to the summit of
nearby Scout Scar rewards you with unparalleled views over Kendal, Morecambe Bay and the Lyth Valley.
The eight-mile circular walk to Crook and back takes you across country lanes and rough tracks through charming scenery, including the beautiful 17th century church tower.
Windermere is a hotspot for gentle walks around the Lake and longer treks in the surrounding fells.
A short walk on flat paths around the grounds of Brockhole, followed by an ice-cream, is ideal for those with little legs, especially if you stop by their impressive adventure playground.
For intermediate walkers, following the paved path along Windermere’s western shore will give you
a lovely view of the Lake, the big advantage being that it’s far less busy than the eastern shore.
A walk from Bowness to Cockshott point allows you to take in the bustling village before escaping to the quiet shoreline around the point, with space for a picnic and plenty of benches for admiring the view across (and down) the Lake.
Gummer’s How in the Lyth Valley, delivers panoramic views in return for short, sometimes breathless climbs up well-worn paths. This is fell walking at its best, as both have plenty of pubs for a post-walk pint and snack nearby.
A short drive from Windermere takes you to Tarn Hows, a local favourite, which begins with a trek through woodland up to the picturesque Tarn; the track is hilly in places but suitable for beginners, and the views are well worth the short climb.
The cathedral cavern walk through the steep Langdales takes you through truly breath-taking scenery, with views of Lake Windermere and Wainwright’s fells. The walk winds past the impressive ‘great hole’ quarry, and on to the colossal cathedral cave, which is well worth exploring.
Starting at the tiny hamlet of Sadgill, Longsleddle, head up the steep valley slopes for a challenging walk that will take you over the summits of the surrounding fells – Grey Crag, Harrop Pike, and Tarn Crag, before heading back down into the valley. See if you can spot the stone survey columns placed during the construction of the Haweswater-Manchester underground aqueduct. Be sure to bring your boots, because the ground can be boggy, and paths can be slippery after it’s rained.
Experienced walkers seeking a real challenge can climb the steep slopes of Scafell Pike – England’s highest mountain – or traverse the difficult path along Striding Edge towards Helvellyn.