The Lake District's Wild Walks
Wherever you go in the Lake District, you’re practically guaranteed views that will knock your socks off and walks that will live long in the memory. Here are a few I’ve been walking with my friends and family whenever we get the chance – I hope one or two become your own firm favourites, too!
Walking on waterfalls
One of my most-loved walks takes in the mouth of the Langdales. Because we are based in Elterwater village, it’s one I can do with our dog Kota on sunny summer evenings after work – I’d love to share it with you, too!
Start at the National Trust car park in the village centre and head towards Skelwith Bridge along the river. You’ll pass through beautiful bluebell woods before the views open out over the lake to Lingmoor Fell, Wetherlam, Black Fell and the Langdale Pikes. It’s sublime.
From here you’ll trace a line past the magnificent sight of Skelwith Force, where the water leaving Elterwater is channelled into a narrow gap and short waterfall, Chesters Tearoom for a quick pit stop, join the Cumbrian Way and loop your way back to Elterwater. No matter when you head out, the views are ever-changing thanks to the dramatic light and weather conditions. Don’t miss it!
An arty amble
Grizedale Forest is home to miles of trails used by mountain bikers, orienteers, walkers and runners. But it’s also home to a fantastic sculpture trail. It’s the largest collection of site-specific art in the environment in the UK!
The forest holds around 50 permanent artworks created by leading international artists in response to the landscape. Created over the past 30 years, Grizedale Sculpture is the first collection of its kind in the UK. Artists continue to respond to the unique forest environment, creating new works in a continually-changing landscape.
The works of art displayed at Grizedale are deliberately left to decay over time and replenished each year by new works. There are way-marked trails through the forest to see the current sculptures – but you’ve always got the chance of stumbling across the lost remains of sculptures from years or decades ago, too. Whether you’ve booked the nearby Holmewell House or another property, take a picnic and prepare to get cultural – for me, this is one of the top family days out in all the Lakes.
The finest square mile
You’ve heard the quote, now see the view! The legendary Alfred Wainwright called Dalt Quarry ‘the finest square mile in Lakeland’ and there’s a fantastic National Trust walk that takes it all in. Today, the quarry is a wetland habitat thriving with life.
You start at Bowder Stone car park and climb through valleys and crags to the gorgeous vistas of Borrowdale and the quarry. Castle Crag is a Roman hill fort and you’ll gaze out over fields and gently rolling hills backed by dramatic mountains and light that never fails to dazzle. I love it up there.
Continue the journey
Let us take you on a journey to the Lake District from the comfort of your sofa! We’re bringing the best of England and Wales to you – so read on and experience Natalie from Good Life Lake District Cottages’ favourite places to go and some hidden gems, too. We’ve got plenty of nearby properties, and can’t wait to welcome you back soon…
