Walking the Lake District: Top 5 Walking Routes

Walking the Lake District: Top 5 Walking Routes

A true haven for walkers, the picture-perfect mountains, rolling hills and glass-like waters of the Lake District are not to be missed. If you’re planning your next walking holiday, take a look at Shoetique’s guide to the best Lake District walks.

Wray Castle to Blelham Tarn

The 3.5 mile walk from Wray Castle to Blelham Tarn is the perfect way to take in the beauty of the region. Starting in Ambleside, you’ll take in the magnificent architecture of the castle and the mysterious broken Iron Age sword.

There’s plenty more to discover as the walk progresses back to Wray Castle, including a lakeside path that offers outstanding views over Lake Windermere.

• Where to stop: There’s plenty of pubs in the town centre of Windermere, but we suggest packing a picnic for this walk. During the route, you’ll see Latterbarrow, an impressive green hill that offers panoramic views over the surrounding area. On a fine day, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic.
• What boots? While the walk mainly covers low-lying farmland, it can become boggy in wet weather. You’ll need a pair of water-resistant walking boots — choose a leather pair to make cleaning easier.
• Find out more: Visit the National Trust website for more details about the route.

Dungeon Ghyll to Keswick

Only committed walkers should attempt the route from Dungeon Ghyll to Keswick. At 17.4 miles, the remoteness of the walk means there is very little scope for bowing out and returning mid-way through.

Starting in Dungeon Ghyll, you’ll follow a rough track up to Stake Pass, through Langstrath, Borrowdale and Rosthwaite before reaching Keswick. Throughout the walk, you’ll admire the breath-taking greenery and staggering mountains of your surroundings.

• Where to stop: To fuel up before your walk, pop into the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel for a tasty breakfast in the Walkers Bar. If you’re craving a cuppa during your walk, pay a visit to the Flock-In-Tea-Room at the Yew Tree Farm Guest House. The homemade food is sure to warm you up after colder rambles!
• What boots? Rocky, uneven pathways populate this route. To successfully tackle these steep slopes, you’ll need a pair of boots that can effectively support your ankle to minimise the risk of injury.
• Find out more: For more information about the route, visit WalkLakes online now.

Footsteps of Wordsworth

Literature lovers will enjoy the Footsteps of Wordsworth route. The walk explores the sublime areas that inspired William Wordsworth, one of the most prominent Lake Poets. As you walk the circular route around Rydal Water, you’ll fully immerse yourself in the beautiful woodland and outstanding greenery of the area.

As anyone who has walked the route will agree, it really helps to bring the magic of Wordsworth’s poetry to life.

• Where to stop: During your walk, you’ll pass The Badger Bar. There, you’ll find locally brewed ales that are perfect if you’re in search of a refreshing drink, as well as a great selection of snacks and bar meals. Make sure you pay a visit to the toilets — they’re built into the rock face.
• What boots? The terrain of the walk is relatively flat, although the waterside location can make it soggy in places. Choose a multi-purpose, water-resistant pair to keep your feet clean and dry.
• Find out more: You can find out more about the route at Where2Walk.

Stanley Force

Wonder at the incredible Stanley Force waterfall as you follow the 4.1-mile route through picture-perfect woodland. Starting and finishing in Ravenglass, you’ll cross pretty stone bridges, walk along magnificent river banks and enjoy views of a majestic waterfall.

• Where to stop: Your starting and finishing point, the Ravenglass railway station, is the perfect place to refuel before and after your walk. For example, The Turntable Café serves up a great selection of home-cooked meals and their dedicated bakery is not to be missed if you have a sweet tooth!
• What boots? Although there are some inclines in places, the walk itself is fairly easy. However, it can be slippery. Select a pair of boots with thick rubber soles and a deep tread to maximise your grip as you make your way along the route.
• Find out more: More information about this route can be found on WalkScene.

Buttermere to Rannerdale

Why explore just one lake when you can take in incredible views of three in just one ramble? The Buttermere to Rannerdale walk is just three miles in total but it provides stunning views over the magnificent waters and imposing mountains.

As you travel over grassy walkways and stony paths, you’ll be able to see for miles, so make sure you pack your camera for some incredible holiday snaps.

• Where to stop: The Fish Inn is ideally located in the village of Buttermere. Whether you pop in at the start or the end of your walk, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome, great food and refreshing drinks. If the weather permits, you could even sit outside to take in more of your surroundings.
• What boots? The steep stone steps that lead to Crummock Water can become slippery when wet. Because of this, you should select a pair of shoes with a thick rubber sole and sturdy ankle supports to minimise the chance of an injury should you trip.
• Find out more: Full directions and further information about the route can be found on the National Trust’s official site.

Visit Shoetique online today to find the perfect shoes for your next adventure in the Lake District.

Thank you to Shoetique for providing me with this interesting article! The shoe choices at the end of the post are my own.