Banish the supposed January blues and get out to enjoy the beautiful surrounding Lake District scenery. We love nothing more than wrapping up warm, lacing up our walking boots and getting out in the crisp fresh air. It may be a short walk, an all-day peak-ascending adventure or a stroll punctuated by lunch or a cup of tea (and maybe a slice of cake).
Here are 5 of our best loved walks in our beautiful surroundings.
Watchtree Nature Reserve near Wiggonby is a 14-mile drive from our cottage and is a lovely reserve with two trails measuring just over 1 mile and 2.25 miles. Ideal for the whole family, you can explore the woodland, spot wildlife in the ponds, view the reserve from the bird hides and hopefully spot a newt or two. The welcoming café, gift shop and toilet facilities ensure there is everything you’ll need for a morning or afternoon in the great outdoors.
The Gowbarrow Fell and Aira Force walk is 4.2 miles long is really enjoyable for the entire family. Your efforts of ascending to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell will be rewarded with stunning views over Ullswater and Patterdale. Pack lunch or snacks to enjoy whilst you are at the top to maximise those vistas before you begin your descent. There are two beautiful waterfalls to encounter on this walk, High Force and Aira Force. We head for High Force first and then save the spectacle of Aira Force for the way back.
Loughrigg Fell is west of Ambleside and we like to make a day trip of this fell walk. Starting from the lovely town of Ambleside, this hike is 3.25 miles, so not too long, but the ascent takes you up 575 feet for amazing panoramic views of the surroundings. It’s a popular circular walk so you know everyone can’t be wrong! On a clear day you will see Grasmere to the north and lakes Windermere and Coniston in a southerly direction. After you descend, be sure to explore Ambleside, and if you are in need of refreshment The Golden Rule pub is dog friendly so everyone in your group can have a well-earned drink after their adventure. We also enjoy Rattle Ghyll Café for their delicious cakes, scones and pastries.
Jump in the car for half an hour to get to Keswick and scale Skiddaw mountain. The summit will reward you with completely breath-taking panoramas in all directions. The best route to complete this 970-metre ascent is via the Jenkin Hill Path, follow the link below for details. The 10.5-mile trek will take, on average, 6-7 hours so be sure you’re prepared to climb a mountain with suitable attire, equipment, food and drink. Amazing views await you, both from the summit of Skiddaw and also the south side as you ascend and descend.
The Lanthwaite Wood and Crummock Water walk is a moderate 4-mile circular trail encompassing the views of the Buttermere Fells over the stunning Crummock Water. You’ll pass the Boat House on the lake edge and enjoy the wildlife surrounding the Lanthwaite Woods and also discover an Iron Age homestead. A fabulous way to spend 2.5 hours in this beautiful scenery.
Once you return to your holiday accommodation – no matter how far you’ve walked – you will have certainly earned a warm cuppa and the right to put your feet up, enjoy your photos of the great Lake District scenery, views and wildlife and the marvellous memories you’ve made.