A Hiker’s Guide to the Lake District

If you love getting out into the country for some serious hiking, there are a variety of amazing scenic options around the UK. One of the most visited locations all year round is the Lake District, located in the North West of England.
Covering some 885 sq miles of countryside, it’s a hiker’s dream with large, glassy lakes, steep hills and beautiful fells and woodland. There are walks for all ages and levels of experience with some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

Where to Visit in the Lake District

There’s so much choice in the Lake District that it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’ve never visited the region before, iconic locations include lakes Windermere and Wastwater and they are certainly good places to start.
The highest and most challenging walk in the Lake District is Scafell Pike which rises to 978 metres with amazing views of Wastwater lake and the hills beyond. On a clear day, you can see for miles and appreciate the Lake District in all its glory. There are several routes up to the top of Scafell Pike, some more difficult than others, with the most direct route beginning from Wasdale Head.

Helvellyn is another great hike in the region and lies between Ullswater, Grasmere and Thirlmere. Some of the routes, particularly those which approach the summit via Striding or Swirral Edges, require a little more walking experience than Scafell Pike but the views are just as magnificent.

For those with limited mobility who want to take advantage of the country air, there are no less than 48 walks that the National Park class as ‘miles without stiles’. These are accessible routes that can be suitable for those with pushchairs or wheelchair users.
Many hiking routes also show off the region’s history. You can find the homes of William Wordsworth or visit where Beatrix Potter wrote Peter Rabbit, for example. Many of the lakes offer boat trips, allowing you to enjoy a scenic boat ride then hop off and enjoy a beautiful lakeside walk back to your car or accommodation. There are also numerous, scenic picnic spots including Tarn Hows and Orrest Head.

When to Visit the Lake District

During the summer, the Lake District is a pretty busy place wherever you decide to walk, although it is still possible to find places of solitude away from the busier routes. And as the Lakes is open all year round, autumn, with all its spectacular colours, is a great time to visit. While winter presents more physical challenges because of the weather, many hikers like to visit at this time of year and take advantage of the lower numbers of tourists.

Hikers Essential Gear

It’s always essential to have quality walking boots and take some waterproofs with you, even if the weather starts fair. If you’re on a serious hike, adding food and water, map and compass, and taking your mobile phone with you is also important.

Cottage Holidays in the Lake District

The Coppermines offers a range of fantastic cottages of all shapes, sizes, and budgets so you can have your own slice of Lakeland living to return to after a day spent . There are many Lake District cottages that have walks available right from the door, so you don’t even have to drive to the start of the walk. The Coppermines Mountain Cottages are particularly well placed for those on a walking holiday. There is also something very special about heading to your holiday cottage home after a long day in the fells, kicking off your muddy boots and relaxing in the garden or in front of the fire to relive your exciting day and look through the photos you have taken along the way.

Hiking in the Lake District

The Lake District is the perfect hiking location and a great place to spend days or even weeks exploring. With glorious lakes, amazing hills and woodlands and a whole host of routes of different grades, you’ll find walks for the hardened hiker as well as the enthusiastic beginner.