Easy Lake District Bluebell Walks

Early to mid-May is peak Bluebell season where here in the Lake District woods and fellsides are swathed in these joyous spring blooms. And to help you enjoy this most wondrous of natural spectacles, we’ve put together some of the best places to see bluebells in the Lake District.

We’ve complied some of our favourite, easy woodland, lowland & fellside walks to see the beautiful Lakeland bluebells this spring.

So pack a picnic, get your camera phones at the ready and head out into the glorious Cumbrian countryside for a fabulous, bluebell-filled day.

Eskdale Green to Dalegarth along River Esk

This low level walk is hard to beat. Taking in gorgeous woodland the route follows the picturesque River Esk in the stunningly beautiful Eskdale Valley. If you’re feeling brave enough, you even cool down in one of the river’s crystal clear pools on a warm spring day. The walk begins from a large layby, next to a stone bridge over the River Esk near the King George IV pub near Eskdale Green. A footpath sign next to the bridge marks the start of this walk which loosely follows the path of the river and weaves its way though ancient woodland – flooded with bluebells during May. And if you would like to extend the walk, then a detour to Stanley Ghyll Waterfall is well worth the effort. Upon arrival at Dalegarth you can find refreshments and ice-cream at the station then retrace your steps back to The Green. Or even better, catch the La’al Ratty back to The Green station – a train ride not t be missed on any visit to the Lakes.

Coppermines Conservation Area

The bluebells display at Coppermines Conservation Area, Coniston, is improving year on year thanks to dedicated rewilding efforts. Unlike some of the other walks in this list, these bluebells are superbly displayed on open fellside against an incredible mountain backdrop. You can also enjoy as gentle or as strenuous walk as you wish, taking in the bluebells on the way to Coniston Old Man or simply by wandering up to Miner’s Bridge Coppermines Valley. The Conservation area is yours to explore as you see fit- but please keep to the paths to preserve the bluebells and other wildflowers which are now beginning to flourish. View map

Beacon Tarn

This walk is lovely at any time of year but is at its best when the bluebells are in full bloom.

Beacon Tarn can be from Sunny Bank near our Mill Pool Barn cottage in Torver but this time we’ve started the walk from Water Yeat in the Crake Valley.

A layby in Water Yeat is the starting point. From here walk along the quiet road until it ends at a farm. Take the footpath directly opposite which follows the drystone wall. Stay on the path ahead as it enters between 2 stone walls before emerging onto fellside. The path gradually climbs up towards Beacon Tarn. At arrival at Beacon Tarn you can do a looped circuit of the water – this can be boggy however so if the ground is wet underfoot an alternative is to walk to the summit of Beacon Fell instead which is to your right as you face the tarn. From the summit you can sit and enjoy some glorious views across to the Old Man of Coniston and its ancient neighbours – making it well worth the effort of the short climb.

Duddon Bridge to Corney Fell

This walk starts in the Duddon valley near the lovely Cow Barn. From Duddon Bridge (A595) turn right to take the Corney Fell road. After approx. 1 mile a layby on your left provides parking. Slightly further along the road a footpath is signposted on the right (next to a no-through road sign). Follow the road through the cottages and bear left as it turns into a track. Follow the footpath as it runs next to the wall. The path passes through forest and woodland which is swathed in bluebells during May.  Eventually the path reaches a gate before emerging into open farmland. Cross the field then follow the path as it turns left and passes through another gate. At a T-junction turn left to follow the path as it climbs the fellside.

You’ll shortly pass a huge boulder on your left. As the path levels out take the gate on your left and cross the stone pack-horse bridge. Continue up hill. You’ll eventually come to a forested area. With forest of your right, pass through another gate and turn left to follow the path to the brow of the hill before it begins to descend. At the bottom of the hill pass through another gate, at the lane turn left & cross the stone bridge. There are some lovely spots next to the stream to sit, relax or paddle.  The road can be followed back to your car – or even better, send your designated driver while you enjoy some peaceful moments by the water!

White Moss

There are some lovely, level walks amongst the woodland at White Moss in between Ambleside and Grasmere. You can make a walk here as long or as short as you wish. Wander through the woodland to your heart’s content or venture further to visit Rydal Caves or Loughrigg – the choice is yours. The wide, easy to follow paths are perfect with those with young children or accessibility needs. The woods are here for everyone to enjoy and will be carpeted in Bluebells throughout May  – giving this already very special place a feeling of pure magic during spring.