Walking In Lake District

The Lake District

Walking in the Lake District

• Scafell Pike: well you have to don’t you?! If it’s your first time in the Lake District, climbing the highest mountain in the country is a must. Standing at 978m it’s a tough and steep hike, at times scrambling over hard terrain. The most common (and quickest) route is up and down the Brown Tongue Path from Wasdale Head, but we’d recommend a more circular route to explore more of what this complex mountain has to offer. Instead head up to Sty Head and then cut across the mountain on the ‘Corridor Route’. This joins the Brown Tongue Path for the final ascent to the summit, and then follow this all the way back down again to the car park at Wasdale Head.

• Helvellyn via Striding Edge - arguably the finest ridge walk in the country, and it’s no surprise that this hike was voted Britain’s Favourite Walk in a poll on ITV in 2017! Another one not for the fainthearted, the ascent of this 950m peak via Striding Edge can feel quite exposed, and likely to require the use of hands in a few places. The views are spectacular though, especially over Ullswater as you ascend, and worth stopping for a while before the descent back to Glenridding.
• Haystacks, above Buttermere: for one of the best and most beautiful views in the National Park, head to Haystacks. If you’re confident descending in low light then stay for the magnificent light during sunset over Buttermere and Crummock Water beyond.
• Cathedral Cave, Coniston: starting from the village of Elterwater is a fantastic approximately 8 mile hike to the hugely impressive man-made quarry that is now called Cathedral Cave, with it’s incredible echo and a few tunnels worth exploring. There’s also two waterfalls of note along the route, Skelwith Force and Colwith Force, and also the charming Slater’s Bridge, a 17th century packhorse bridge over the River Brathay, which offers a lovely picnic site for families in the summer, with lovely pools for little ones to paddle in.
• Ennerdale Water: making a change from all the climbs above, this 6.5 mile lakeside walk also happens to be around one of the areas least visited lakes, making it a relaxing and tranquil location. The route encompasses tracks and forest roads, some narrow and rocky footpaths, and the odd short climb (well it wouldn’t be the Lake District without some climbing!)

Hidden gem hikes in the Lake District

• The Bowder Stone, Borrowdale Valley: anyone (or anything) exploring this valley some 10,000-13,500 years ago might have had quite the shock as this 200 ton lump of hardened lava crashed down to earth from the Bowder Crag above, landing with such force that it remained embedded in the ground teetering on one corner. The stone itself is believed to be over 450 million years old and even has a staircase, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with this dramatic example of the area’s geological history.
• Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick: just a short (30 minute) walk from Keswick lies one of the best stone circle sites in Britain. With 38 stones in total it sits in a large field, meaning kids can play whilst adults enjoy a picnic and take in the amazing views. Visitors are also able to touch the stones, which date back to Neolithic times some 4000-5000 years ago. The site is also popular with photographers with it’s great backdrop of Skiddaw, though best to visit at the beginning or end of the day to capture the best light and avoid the crowds!
• Wordsworth's Grasmere: find out what inspired one of our greatest poets at Dove Cottage, the Grasmere home of William Wordsworth. Discover more about the man himself, and take in the landscapes that feature in many of his finest works.

Best hikes for couples in the Lake District

• Ennerdale Water: Ennerdale is one of the less visited Lakes, and the reason for this is simply because it’s one of the least accessible. Which is great if you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet, especially during the summer months. With some great walks and lovely picnic spots on the western shore, it's also where Bill Clinton proposed to Hilary!
• Rydal Mount and Gardens: home to William Wordsworth until his death in 1950, the beautiful gardens here give some insight into some of the poet’s greatest works. Of particular note is the waterfall, Rydal Falls, located a short walk from the house.
• If you’re early-risers then head to Castlerigg Stone Circle for the sun rise. Wrap up warm as it can be quite exposed, but there are few more romantic moments than sharing a cup of something hot watching the first dawn rays hit the stones.

Best hikes for families in the Lake District

• The Coffin Route, Ambleside to Grasmere: this 6.5km route follows the old corpse route between the two villages of Ambleside and Grasmere. Of particular note is the fact it passes two of Wordsworth’s houses (Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount), leading you above Rydal Water before finishing in Grasmere. From here you can either do the return leg too or instead have a well-earned tea-break and catch a bus back to the start.
• Latrigg, near Keswick: at just 2km long and with only 90m of ascent this is a great short walk that gives great views across the town and Derwent Water beyond. Hopefully one to inspire the kids to the next - slightly bigger - summit!
• Tarn Hows: this is one of the most scenic locations in the Lake District and this walk gives a full appreciation of it by including a climb up Black Fell to look down over the tarn. Whilst slightly long for younger children at just over 8km, this can be shortened by cutting out Black Fell but still enjoying the beauty with a walk around the tarn..

What to Wear for Hiking?

What to Pack for Hiking or Long Walks?

• Navigation tools: a map with a compass (even if it’s a backup to your digital tools), for the worst case scenario of the digital navigation tools running out of battery.
• Mobile phone: fully charged. Don’t rinse through the battery using instagram in case you need to call for emergencies.
• Take a good backpack, preferably with a built in hydration system so you can constantly take on water as you move, making it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day.

• First Aid Kit and Medicines: very important if going up particularly challenging terrain
• Head touch and spare batteries: In case it gets dark due to the sun setting or a storm setting in, a head torch can be very useful, if not vital.
• Group Shelter: can be used to set up quick camp, in the case of an almost immediate storm, should you wish to shelter temporarily.
• A whistle: In case fog sets in and you need to help others find you.

• Crampons and Ice axe: for winter mountaineering, the use of crampons to get grip on snow and ice, and ice axes to aid with grip can be used. It’s essential to practice using these before going on a mountaineering expedition as they can take some getting used to.
• Walking poles: Not always essential, but can be used to take weight off your feet and ease impact on your knees and hips. They can help with keeping good posture and can make it easier to walk if used correctly.
• Belay device, harness and ropes: If going up particularly challenging, steep areas or ridges with big drop-offs, sometimes the use of ropes can aid safety in the case of an accidental fall. If climbing, these are essential pieces of kit.

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