The Lake District is undoubtedly one of the finest areas to take a walk. Surrounded by lakes and fells, you will be graced with a backdrop of stunning scenery wherever you decide to wander. To help you decide where to head first, here is our list of top five walking areas recommended by the Lake District's own website.
Grasmere Riverside
This route is suitable for everyone and is a delightful walk taking you along the River Rothay, away from the busy streets of the popular village of Grasmere. It is a 1 mile circular route which starts at Broadgate car park. At the beginning of the walk you'll cross a footbridge, and here you're likely to spot ducks, dippers, wagtails and even kingfishers. Continue along and go straight over the Millennium Bridge before turning left past the gingerbread shop. It is almost impossible to resist a quick look inside! From here you head through St Oswald's churchyard, the resting place of William Wordsworth, and then along the riverside back to the bustling streets of Grasmere.
Coniston To Torver Jetty
This route is a nice lengthy, leisurely walk along the shoreline of Coniston Water, with the option of returning via boat, on the Coniston Launches, from Torver jetty. The walk is a 4.3 mile linear route and starts at the Coniston Boating Centre. From here you walk up Lake Road along the stone footpath. Continue along the track until you get to Coniston Hall Farm, you'll see the chimneys – they're huge! Then keep going until you find a gate giving you access to the shore. From the lake you have views over to Grizedale Forest and Brantwood house, which was home to John Ruskin. You then follow the path to Torver Common Wood and this is where you have the choice to return by boat or retrace your steps.
Broughton Railway
This walk is suitable for everyone and is an easy walk along a disused railway line to Woodland Valley, a peaceful corner of the Lake district. It is around 3 miles, with an additional section if you decide to go through the park. The start point of this walk is in the Market Square of Broughton-in-Furness. This small market town dates back to the 11th century, and the pretty little market square is its focal point. The old railway originally went to Coniston but closed in 1958. The first mile of this walk has been improved, and the track has a compacted stone surface, perfect to walk along!
Lakeshore
This is a beautiful woodland walk along the western shore of Derwentwater. At 5 miles this walk is not too difficult, however can be shortened at any point. The route starts on the Hawse End access road and after a while you are taken off the road through a wide gate, and along to the lake shore at Victoria Bay. You are then led through woodland and will have some spectacular views of the lake, framed by mountains. A short stretch of road leads to the woodland of Manesty Park and on to the Great Bay. Finally you will travel over a route of recycled plastic boardwalk and to the finish.
Stair Riverside
This pretty little riverside walk is around 2 miles long and is in a quiet, unspoilt corner of the northern Lakes. This walk starts in a lay-by at Little Braithwaite. Newlands is one of the Lake District's quietest valleys and is ringed by a circle of steep-sided fells, namely Catbells, Hindscarth and Robinson. After about half a mile the walk takes you along the top of an embankment, you should especially look out for dippers and wagtails in Newlands Beck. The path continues to weaves through trees until you reach its end.
Stay at Braithwaite Court in Keswick and enjoy a fantastic base from which to explore the Lake District and try one (or all!) of these lovely walks.
