Imagine this – you are surrounded by bird song, you lift your head towards the sky and feel the warmth of the sun caressing your face, you take a big inhale of fresh crisp air and then release it slowly. You feel completely at peace. You open your eyes and see a vast array of greenery with frequent splatters of vibrant colour where patches of wildflowers bloom. You feel a smile beginning to creep across your face and it makes you wonder when you last felt this naturally happy.
Does this sound like something you’d love to experience? If so, hiking in the Lake District is the perfect holiday for you!
It is easy to lose yourself in our modern world where our lives are ruled by the importance of our next pay slip. Immersing yourself in nature is an effective way to take a break from the stress of everyday life and improve your mental wellbeing. There are many ways you can do this, but hiking stands out as a timeless and rewarding method to do it. Whether you are a seasoned, well-experienced hiker or a novice, the Lake District has something to offer everybody.
Do you want to experience this feeling of tranquillity but don’t know where to start?
Well, we have done the hard part for you, continue reading for inspiration! Here are some captivating trails that can be reached easily from the welcoming doorsteps of our own hotels:
1. Lodore Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Around 25 minutes.
Recommended Accommodation: Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Notes: The easiest route for the public starts from the National Trust’s Kettlewell car park. The route is very short and easy. For hotel guests, the route can be taken directly from our retreating gardens. The waterfall is a beautiful scene to behold and is often used by wedding parties for photo opportunities!
2. Derwent Water Circular
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate (depending on ability)
Duration: Just under 4 hours.
Recommended Accommodation: Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Skiddaw Hotel, The Kings Arms Hotel and Inn on the Square.
Notes: Due to the circular nature of this walk, this ten-mile route is easy to follow. You can begin from any point; the paths are flat and don’t require a great amount of skill to tackle. It is a beautiful trail, taking you both through woodlands which are full of life, and along the lake shore itself.
Why not stop at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa for a refreshing drink and a hearty meal either to keep you going or as a reward for your hard work?
It may be a tough walk for those lacking walking experience or with limited mobility. However, the lake has a boating launch which can be used on a ‘hop on, hop off’ basis. The launch stops are as follows: Keswick, Ashness Gate, Lodore, High Brandelhow, Low Brandelhow, Hawes End, Lingholm, Nichol End. Timetable and pricing information can be found on Keswick Launch’s website.
3. Surprise View - Lodore Falls, Watendlath Tarn, and Surprise View Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Recommended Accommodation: Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Notes: Surprise View must not be missed if you are staying close by! It is recommended that you download a map for this route as it can sometimes prove difficult to follow. I would suggest that the route is planned so you end the walk at Surprise View; this will ensure that you are rewarded with breathtaking scenery after your hard work. The terrain can be quite rough, often made worse by wet weather but, not to worry; Surprise View can be reached easily by car so it can be experienced by everybody. For an easier walk underfoot, you can walk up the public road also.
4. Catbells Fell
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Recommended Accommodation: The Kings Arms Hotel, Skiddaw Hotel and Inn on the Square
Notes: Catbells is a hugely popular trek. It has stunning views to offer and there are many different routes that can be taken to get there. The Hawes End to Catbells route is highly recommended due to the beautiful scenes of the lake that can be viewed along the way. It should be mentioned that this walk does include some scrambling so may be viewed as difficult by some people.
All that walking is sure to make you hungry! Why not check out our Hikers Board at Skiddaw Hotel for a tasty and affordable option?
5. Aira Force
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1 hour
Recommended Accommodation: Inn on the Lake
Notes: The Aira Force Circular is relatively easy but there are steep inclines involved and wet conditions can cause some difficulty. It is a beautiful route with a high frequency of photo opportunities! The great thing about this walk is that there are many other routes close by such as Ullswater Way and High Force, so if a one-hour walk doesn’t leave you feeling satisfied, it is easy to prolong the duration!
Inn on the Lake is the perfect place to end your walk; with a wide range of dining options, there is something to appeal to everybody’s taste. Why not try out afternoon tea in the Orangery or grab some pub grub in the Rambler’s Bar?
6. Ullswater Way
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes
Recommended Accommodation: Inn on the Lake
Notes: It is best to dedicate a full day to this route due to the estimated duration. There is a large variety of terrain involved which makes it a route best served to more experienced hikers. The trail involves climbing steep rough inclines, so it is highly recommended that walking boots/shoes are worn to avoid injury. It also includes walking on the road so it should be highlighted that you remain aware of any vehicles that may come your way. It is a truly beautiful walk and creates a euphoric, rewarding feeling when you come to its end!
Inn on the Lake is visible along this route…see if you can spot us from the other side of the lake!
Plan your next Lake District visit…
As we conclude this exploration of the Lake District’s captivating trails, remember that each footfall brings us self-discovery, of moments etched in memory, of connection with the world around us.
We would love to be apart of your venture. With six different hotels designed to appreciate a wide range of tastes and budgets, we really do have something to offer everyone! Check out our offers page today and book yourself in for a relaxing retreat.
