A diligently planned walking holiday in the rugged fells of the Lake District rises to heights never reached anywhere in the North of England. These types of trips are perfect for hikers who wish to explore this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site destination on foot and finish off a hard day with a pint of ale in a traditional Cumbrian pub.
The carefully picked walks over moor-clad hills and past whitewashed houses will take you through places that have been the inspiration of some of the greatest writers and poets of the country, not to forget the bustling villages and the spectacular scenery which forms their backdrop.
Important tips: For walking in the Lake District a sturdy pair of boots and good waterproofs are essential, irrespective of the season. Other than that the poor waymarking requires the need for good map reading to make progress across the fields.
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The Cumbria Way
Source: macsadventure.com
This 73 miles trek links the two historic towns of Ulverston and Carlisle through some of the most fascinating and contrasting landscapes of the Lake District National Park. Low-level walking with just two major high-level sections, has made The Cumbria Way walk a hit with new walkers as it provides a perfect introduction to long-distance walking through classic Lakeland country via Coniston, Langdale, Borrowdale, Derwent Water, Skiddaw Forest and Caldbeck.
The route can be walked in either direction and generally takes five days to complete. However, it is more usual to hike from Ulverston in the south to Carlisle in the north. Since the Cumbria Way is easily accessible from all parts of the United Kingdom, it makes for an ideal multi-day walking adventure.
Westmorland Way
Source: mickledore.co.uk
The Westmorland Way is a scenic 95 miles walk that traverses the Lake District in a generally north to south direction. It commences from the ancient town of Appleby-in-Westmorland to the town of Arnside on the shores of Morecambe Bay. This exclusive walk stretches past Roman roads, forts, castles, churches and abbeys and takes the shores of Ullswater and Windermere past the highest point of 2000′ between Patterdale and Grasmere.
The route is generally travereded in a week, but walkers can choose eight or nine days depending on how much one chooses to walk each day and the time on hand. A short three day hike between two dramatic sections of Pooley Bridge and Ambleside is ideal for those looking for a short hiking holiday. A moderate walk to discover the north eastern and central lakes.
Vale of Lorton
Source: outdooractive.com
Extending from Cockermouth to Keswick, there are a sequence of valleys, home to High Lorton and Low Lorton, passing through some of the prettiest sections of the Northern Lakes such as Crummick Water, Buttermere and Loweswater.The Vale of Lorton provides an idyllic and quiet walking holiday and takes 4-6 days to walk the entire 43 km route over well-marked forest tracks and country lanes.The circular walk begins and ends at the bustling market town of Keswick. Hikers choose this area of Cumbria to get off the beaten track and away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the roads.
The route is overall flat and has one easy 200m climb. Walking days, therefore, are short which allows the traveler to relax and take it easy to enjoy the scenery in this peaceful area of Lake District without the hordes of walkers found elsewhere.There are a number of other routes in this area including one to the waterfalls at Spout Force. Key attractions in the village of Lorton is the St Cuthbert Church and the Lorton Village Hall.
The Inn Way to The Lake District
Source: brigantesenglishwalks.com
The Inn Way to the English Lake District, takes the hiker on a 90 mile circular journey through some of the prettiest parts of the Lake District passing through as many as 40 traditional Lakeland inns on the way. The walk is ideally travereded in seven stages over seven days, begining and ending at Ambleside, covering on an average eleven to fifteen miles in a day. The day stages cover a stopover at a pub during lunchtime and overnight stops are at other pubs with all facilities.
From Ambleside, one heads west towards Borrowdale fells and then travels south through the picturesque mountains and valleys of western Lakeland, which is perhaps the most remote and dramatic landscape to be found in England. Hikers should know that the route is challenging in many ways and proficiency in map reading is a must to attempt this long-distance hike. The key attraction is the hike to Wasdale Head, against the backdrop of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.
Tour of The Lake District
Source: cicerone.co.uk
The Tour of the Lake District is essentially around a 96 miles circuit walk, over different optional sections, both easy and challenging. Following in a clockwise direction, it starts at Windermere and finishes at the popular tourist town of Ambleside. Use of a compass and knowledge of map reading is important in order to successfully traverse this hike.The route is usually done in nine or ten days and a number of trail options are available.
For those on a short hiking break, the 58 km path from Keswick to Ambleside is perfect as it includes some of the popular tourist hotspots of Keswick and Grasmere, not to forget a visit to the Castlerigg Stone Circle in just four nights. Another section from Windermere to Keswick covers the more peaceful and remote areas of the Western Lakes, including the stunning valleys of Wasdale, Eskdale and Ennerdale. During the trip you get to stay in some of the popular towns of Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick and Coniston.
North Lakes Traverse
Source: hikingproject.com
Self-guided walks through the fells of Northern England are what hikers dream off. One these routes you get to encounter a variety of Lakeland terrain over woodland, valley and moorland paths. The route essentially follows a trail around the lakes of Ullswater, Derwenwater and Thrilmere and then goes over mountain passes. The full length of the route is 48 km, which can be covered in 4-6 nights depending on the choice of the traveler.
The North Lakes Traverse has only recently been inducted into the Lake District hiking scene.Though the route is still unofficial, it takes in the best of the Cumbria lakes, quaint villages, hamlets and over some of the most challenging landscapes in Britain. A higher route goes over the mountain passes but provides breathtaking views, while a lower and more manageable one which encompasses serene woodlands and cascading waterfalls and offers excellent valley views.
