Almost 16 million visitors each year are attracted to the Lake District National Park in North West England; with the beauty of the surrounding scenery there is no surprise. Visitors particularly flock to the towns of Keswick, Ambleside and Windermere and their nearby hillsides and summits. If you want to escape the crowds, there are still plenty of Lakeland valleys and fells, where even in the height of summer you will barely pass a soul when out walking. The quieter areas, as expected, do tend to be further from the main roads so are not quite as accessible, but your extra travel is well rewarded.
Travelling round the Lake District
Robinson Lake District – Copyright Ann Bowker
Although a car isn’t essential for a trip to the Lake District – for its rural nature it has a surprisingly good bus service for its locals and visitors alike – if you are keen to get off the beaten track, it’s necessary to get you to those more secluded destinations for walking. Should you have travelled to the Lake District by train or coach, you can arrange car hire in one of its towns; though if you have flown into the UK, you might prefer to pick up a car from the airport. If you are a keen cyclist try out the mountain bike trails in Whinlatter Forest and Grizedale Forest – near Keswick and Hawkshead respectively. However, if you are looking for gentler bike ride , a 6 mile loop from Keswick takes you along an old railway line to the village of Threlkeld and then back along quiet lanes, taking in Castlerigg Stone Circle on the way.
A hidden valley
Dale Head – Copyright Ann Bowker
Ennerdale is the most westerly Lake District valley and also the most remote, so is one of the best places in the National Park to go if you are looking for some peace and quiet, particularly as there is no road running through much of the valley. A challenging walk that this valley offers is the Ennerdale Horseshoe. This 23 mile walk, which can potentially be undertaken in a day, is more enjoyable if spread over two days due to the large number of ascents and descents involved. Starting at Ennerdale Water’s western end, the route takes you first to the summit of Red Pike, providing stunning views over the Buttermere valley. Onwards to Haystacks, the favourite mountain of Wainwright – the man famous for his pictorial guides of Lakeland fells. After further summits along the ridge, Great Gable allows views of Wasdale and Scafell Pike – the highest mountain in England – before descending to the head of the valley. Black Sail Youth Hostel makes an ideal stopping point, which although basic, is a lovely location to spend the night. The second day after climbing back on to the hilltops, you take in Pillar and Steeple – the former providing breathtaking views over much of Lakeland – and after some further walking, descend back to the valley floor towards the starting point. An overnight stay at Ennerdale Youth Hostel is recommended, as by this point you will be in need of a well deserved rest. As the first day of the horseshoe showed, Scafell Pike is not far away. Although the summit is likely to be busy, you might still like to make the hike up Scafell Pike the next walk on your itinerary. After the exertions of the previous day, a circular route of approximately 7 miles from Wasdale Head can provide an easier, but none the less, picturesque walk up Scafell Pike. Reward your efforts from the past two days with a meal at the nearby inn; the Cartmel sticky toffee pudding is a must to try if it is on the menu.
Lakeside walks
Black Fell – Copyright Ann Bowker
A trip to the Lake District would not be complete without a walk around one of its many lakes. With 16 to select from you are spoilt for choice. However, Rydal Water is one of the smaller lakes and makes a perfect option if you are looking for a shorter walk – perhaps with younger children or anyone not used to hiking. This 3 mile walk takes you past two of Wordsworth’s old homes , as well as Rydal Cave – a large cavern in the hillside overlooking the lake. If time allows after your walk, a trip into Grasmere is recommended and a visit there wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of their famous gingerbread.
Post by guest author: Evelyn Robinson