Lesser Known Lake District Spots to Escape the Crowds

The Lake District can be a busy place, especially at the height of summer in the biggest tourist hot spots. But the best thing about the Lake District is that even if you come during the summer season, you can still find places where you won’t see another soul – you just need to know where to go.

Typically, visitors flock to the most well-known spots in the largest numbers. Derwent Water, Buttermere, Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick are a few of the places that are very busy during the warmer months. But what about those lesser known Lake District spots? Where can you go to avoid the crowds?

We’ll let you in on a secret. Below are the places that far fewer people know about and even less people visit. Hidden in the nooks and crannies of the gorgeous national park are a plethora of hidden gems. Take note of where they are, but don’t tell too many people!

These are a few of our favourite hidden gems.

Ennerdale Valley

Despite its size, Ennerdale Valley is one of the quietest parts of the Lake District. Part of the reason for this is that it’s a reservoir, so no boats, swimming or water sports are allowed. The activities that draw people to the other lakes in droves are not permitted here, adding to the rural charm of this tranquil spot.

It isn’t the easiest spot to reach either – you need a car to get here. The lake itself doesn’t have much in the way of facilities but makes up for that in stunning views and spectacularly wild places to walk and picnic. Nearby there’s the village of Ennerdale Bridge, which is the only real Ennerdale village, and the town of Cockermouth isn’t too far away either. 

Basically, if you’re looking for a range of walking options where you won’t run into loads of other people, head to Ennerdale for gorgeous scenery and a more authentic Lake District experience.

Highlights

·        Wild Ennerdale is one of the UK’s largest rewilding projects and as nature takes over, it’s incredible to see the range of wildlife and native species returning to this rugged valley.

·        Ennerdale Water is overlooked by the high fells of Pillar (892m), Great Gable (899m) and Kirk Fell (802m) and has both low level walks and high peak climbs.

·        The Fox and Hounds Ennerdale Bridge is a real country pub with huge portions and tasty meals – the perfect place to recover after a long walk or a busy day exploring the area. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Wasdale and Eskdale

The ‘wild’ west part of Cumbria is generally less popular with tourists as it’s also tricky to get to but contains some of the most stunning landscapes in the Lakes. Visit England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, from Wasdale and get here via Hardknott Pass – one of the steepest roads in the UK with a 1:3 gradient. Reach these neighbouring valleys via the A595 which skirts along the breathtaking west coast of Cumbria. Driving here takes in hundreds of miles of picturesque coastline where the famous Lakes meet the Irish Sea.

Wasdale is the more rugged of the two spots and home to Wastwater, or Wast Water, the deepest lake in England. Wasdale Head marks the start of the most direct route up Scafell Pike and visitors in their thousands flock here annually to climb this iconic peak, although few stop to explore the surrounding area.

In contrast, the Eskdale Valley area has gentle fells and woodland, dotted with farmhouses and some very nice pubs. Here you’ll find wonderful wild swimming spots, ancient forests, ghyll scrambles and some great walks, suited to all ages and abilities.

Highlights

·        Muncaster Castle is in the area, allegedly one of the most haunted places in the UK. They host a busy calendar of events, have an excellent bird of prey centre and are a fantastic place to spend the day, especially for families with children.

·        You’ll also find the narrow gauge railway affectionately known as The La’al Ratty here. Officially called the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, this seven mile steam railway journeys from Ravenglass on the coast inland to Eskdale, where you can spend a lovely day walking and return on foot or on the train.

·        The Wasdale Fairy Pools are a secret wild swimming spot and home to Wasdale Emerald Pool, one of the most scenic swimming spots in the Lakes. You’ll find these awesome pools nestled in the valley between Great End and Great Gable.

·        Tongue Pot Eskdale is another secret swimming spot and can be found near Lingcove Bridge, high up the River Esk. Drive back down the valley afterwards to warm up with a hot meal in the Boot Inn Eskdale.

Caldbeck

Caldbeck is both a region of the northernmost fells, an area of the Lakes without any actual lakes, and a village. People looking for water sports, lake walks and anything water related aren’t usually drawn here, but there’s still plenty to see and do.

It’s a great place for walking and the Cumbria Way passes through on its way from Ulverston to Carlisle. There are spots for crystal hunting or find Bowscale Tarn for a very bracing swim. Caldbeck Village itself has a ruined mill and brewery to visit as well as plenty of picturesque villages around it. Wild fell ponies can often be seen grazing on Caldbeck Common and the northern slopes of Blencathra and Skiddaw hide views of Lake Bassenthwaite, the northernmost lake in the Lake District. One of our favourite places to visit here is the Oddfellows Arms, Caldbeck. A cracking country pub with excellent service and heart home-cooked food, this pub should be on your list when passing through the area.

Highlights

·        Visit the Watermill Café, Caldbeck, and enjoy tea and cake in an old water mill. With a wonderfully quirky setting and lots of delicious treats to choose from, this is a real highlight of the Caldbeck region.

·        Climb Binsey, a 447m fell just 20 minutes drive from Caldbeck Village. This small peak is perfect for little legs with a short sharp ascent offering incredible views across the northern fells and little glimpses of Bassenthwaite below. You’ll also see across to the Solway Firth from your Binsey walk and there’s plenty of wide open space for a picnic stop at the top!

·        Hesket Newmarket is a neighbouring village to Caldbeck whose residents formed their own cooperative when the local pub, The Old Crown, was put up for sale. Wander around this pretty little village and stop in for a cold drink if you’re in the region.

Haweswater and Kentmere

The eastern fells along the eastern edge of the Lake District are a less common place for tourists to visit. Haweswater is a reservoir west of Shap and is tricky to reach, with a single road leading in and out. You need a car to get here, and the best views are found on foot. High above the southern end of Haweswater Reservoir is Harter Fell (653m), Tarn Crag (551m), High Street (828m) and Kidsty Pike (780m) – to name just a few! This area is jam-packed with soaring peaks, rugged landscapes and very few visitors.

Haweswater is one of the largest lakes and was created by the flooding of the village of Mardale back in the late 1920s. When rainfall has been low, you can see the remains of the church appearing from the depths.

Over the peaks that surround Haweswater, Kentmere sits between Haweswater Reservoir and Lake Windermere. You’ll find plenty of high level fells that can be a bit of a hike to reach, but well worth the effort when you get there. Breathtaking views across endless Cumbrian landscapes abound. The Kentmere Horseshoe is a particularly iconic walk that begins in the village of Kentmere and takes in the Wainwright summits of Yoke, Ill Bell and Thornthwaite Crag as it circles the upper Kentmere Valley.

Highlights

·        RSPB Haweswater supports the Wild Haweswater project, alongside United Utilities, to restore the stunning landscapes around this important lake. Find guided deer walks, animal and bird hides, red squirrels, Atlantic salmon and other wildlife here. Meditation events, photography courses, wild camping with fell ponies and badger watching events all take place at intervals throughout the year here too.

·        Shap Swimming Pool is the highest outdoor swimming pool in the UK and is open from May to September. It’s one of five outdoor swimming pools around the northern Lake District and well worth a dip! It’s heated and great for cooling off in summer.

·        We love Haweswater walks and there’s a particular route that starts at Mardale Head rises up above the lake and follows High Street before heading back down past Kidsty Pike that offers unrivalled views of multiple hidden tarns, high peaks and distant valleys that’s tons of fun!

Remote Cottage Holidays in the Lake District

The Coppermines has some superb properties in other quieter Lake District villages. Torver, near Coniston, is a tiny hamlet with a great location and the Duddon Valley is a particular favourite region of ours.

Check out our guide to the best towns and villages in the Lake District to find your next stay and avoid the obvious tourist traps in favour of a more peaceful retreat.