4 Unforgettable Lake District Walks
Outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, climbers and archaeologists (armchair or otherwise) have travelled far and wide to delight in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Lake District.
With a rich cultural heritage to complement its natural splendour, the postcard-worthy county of Cumbria is a popular destination for local and international travellers alike.
Discover the best of its beloved Lakeland landscapes and famous Windermere walks alongside a personal guide - the knowledgeable and personable Steve Watts of Lakeland Walks & Talks - as he leads you through the area’s top trails.
1. Visit the Old Man
An inspiration for children's writer Arthur Ransome, Wainwright Fell - known to locals as The Old Man of Coniston - is the highest of the Ferness Fells to reach the slate peak (at 803 m).
The ascent up The Old Man’s volcaniclastic trail is peppered with fascinating abandoned ruins and mines once used for copper and slate in the Bronze Age.
Views for miles can be expected along the stretch from Coniston Village via Church Beck and the mines, allowing hikers to take in the best of the scenery while reflecting on the rich history that has inspired writers, blacksmiths, and explorers for centuries.
2. Follow in the Footsteps of Wordsworth
Situated in the scenic Howgill Fells, Great Langdale is a star attraction for hiking enthusiasts and history buffs thanks to its spectacular rocky routes and archaeological bounty.
Excavations in the area have revealed stone axes and other tools from the Neolithic period. Other unmissable attractions are the ascending views of the Pike of Stickle, and the Dungeon Ghyll Force Waterfall that Wordsworth so eloquently described:
“The valley rings with mirth and joy;
Among the hills the Echoes play
A never, never ending song,
To welcome in the May.”
-William Wordsworth, Idle Shepherd-Boys
3. Take it Easy
If you’re looking for a less strenuous expedition, the route from Brant Fell is an unhurried meander directly from the Linthwaite House doorstep. With a 192 m ascent extending over a 2 mile (3.2 km) range, it’s one of the shorter walks in the area. We would actually recommend that you take it as slowly as possible in order to soak in all the surrounding splendour.
The easy trail traverses two magnificent view points - Post-Knott and Biskey Howe, both of which overlook the quaint town of Bowness-on-Windermere.
4. Soak in the Views
Built in the 1790s, the Claife Viewing Station offers some of the most beautiful views in Cumbria (and that’s saying something!).
This historical edifice has been popular since the 1830s, when it played host to parties and dances attended by Cumbria’s elite.
Today, it is perhaps best known for its unique stained glass windows, which allow viewers to experience the landscape through the lens of different ‘seasons’ - summer yellows, orange autumns, and blue for the remarkable thundershowers.
Ready to start walking Windermere?
Linthwaite House has teamed up with Watts to offer guests a bespoke guided walking package in and around Windermere. Paired with award-winning fine dining, world-class luxury accommodation and carefully curated art from around the world, it offers the ultimate Lake District experience.
