Nestled amidst the rugged and enchanting landscapes of Northwest England, the Lake District is the hiker’s paradise. There are endless opportunities for outdoor activities, but the tallest mountains, lofty peaks, and rolling hills make it an ideal choice for hiking. There are an array of routes and trails that cater to both novice and pro hikers. When it comes to accommodations, the Lake District cottages take care of the different needs.
Covering an expanse of 2,362 square km, The Lake District in the United Kingdom is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts people from across the globe, especially for its natural beauty and ample hiking possibilities. In the words of the famous poet William Wordsworth, it is “The loveliest spot that man hath found”, so that is one reason you need to visit this place once in a lifetime. Who knows you may wish to visit again and again.
It is best to explore the Lake District through walking. Even if you are not a seasoned climber, several guidebooks and maps can help you in this expedition. So, put on your hiking shoes and explore this picturesque area walking. For those seeking an introduction to the beauty of this region, the Cat bells trail can be an excellent opportunity.
Cat bells Trail, Lake District (climb takes around an hour on the western side)
Situated close to the busy town of Keswick, the Cat bells is one of the well-known walks in the Lake District. The reason behind it is that this relatively short hike offers a stunning panoramic view of Derwentwater and the surrounding fields.
In the whole walk, you will climb almost 1300 feet. The distance is 1.5 miles from Hawes End or 2.5 miles from Grange.
Helvellyn Range (a tough climb on the central side that takes almost 9 hours)
For the more fearless hikers out there, the Helvellyn range has a host of challenging routes. Though there is a route for every ability in the Striding Edge. You can take the challenge and scramble the route directly, or avoid most difficult moves by following the right-hand path.
During the winter months, the routes are dangerous. Once you dare to traverse the rocky arete, you will feel an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and enjoy a vast stretch of landscapes as far as you can see.
Scafell Pike (challenging 5 hours climb on the south-western side)
Another equally impressive hiking possibility lies in scaling the Scafell Pike. It is the highest peak in England that can be conquered via multiple paths. However, all the paths to the primary crests are wild and rocky with sufficient elevations. From the rocky terrain of the Corridor Route to a sufficiently gentle one of the Eksdale approach, hikers can select a route according to their capability and choice. Each of the paths has its challenges and rewards to experience.
The geography of the mountain may sometimes appear bewildering, but on a closer inspection, it excites walkers with a sense of adventure. A relatively easier climb to the Scafell Pike is the direct route via Brown Tongue from Wasdale. However, it is a better choice to explore this great mountain range through the longer routes. Such paths enable you to enjoy this stunning mountain range from close.
Whitbarrow Scar and Lord’s Seat (an easy 3hr climb along the north-western side)
A circular walk along the Whitbarrow Scar begins from the village of Mill Side in the Lake District. The initial walk is through the woodlands before you climb up the White Barrow Scar. After walking for about 2 km along the scar, Lord’s Seat can be reached from where it is possible to witness an astounding view of the surrounding area. The Morecambe Bay is visible right from the top. The path that descends from Scar also passes through a fascinating woodland.
There are several other hiking opportunities to explore in the Lake District. It’s a hiker’s paradise in its truest sense. You may study different hiking routes present in that area and select the one that suits you the most. The Lake District is dotted with quaint villages like Windermere, Grasmere, Keswick, and Ambleside that have many cosy accommodations for hikers to stay. Also, there are different types of Lake District cottages where one can expect bed and breakfast options and luxury stays.
Keep in mind that the weather in the Lake District is quite unpredictable. Hence, it is best to select dry months to travel to if you have any plans to hike. However, in the dry months, this popular tourist place remains crowded. It is better to reserve an accommodation in advance. Even if you are traveling in the dry months, there is no guarantee that rain will not happen. So, you must always keep a waterproof gear, a rain jacket, and sturdy footwear along with you to protect yourself from the untimely showers.
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