Fun, Family Lake District Walks for Easter
Are you planning on spending some time in the Lake District this spring? Getting out and about in the fresh air is know to be beneficial for both physical and mental well-being. It’s also a wonderful, and free, way to spend some true quality family time and make lasting memories together.
Lakeside daffodils, spring lambs, fellsides filled with bluebells – we’ve put together some of our favourite family walks you can do to get out and about as as family during springtime – or any time!
So lace up those boots, pack up some snacks and start exploring some of the fantastic scenery we have here in the Lakes.
1. Rannderdale Knotts
Swathes of bluebells, incredible lake and mountain views and some easy, fun scrambling make this is great walk for the whole family.
From Buttermere Village car park cross the road and take the signposted footpath behind Cragg Cottages heading up the fellside away from the lake. Pass through the gate and follow the path along the fence for a short time. You will see a low ridge on your left – this is what you are aiming for. Keep following the path and it heads steeply uphill before it branches off on the left to join the ridge. Once your on the ridge it’s a simply matter of following the path towards the rocky outcrop that is Rannderdale Knotts. Along the way you’ll be rewarded with some breath-taking views and, if it’s the right time of year, a spectacular display of bluebells. Lakeland perfection!
From the summit, the return takes you down to Buttermere shore from where you can enjoy incredible, iconic views down the lake of Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks to name but a few. Once seen, never forgotten.
2. Cathedral Cavern from Tilberthwaite
We’ve featured this walk before but it’s such a great, and exciting walk for family’s we couldn’t help but tell you about it again! The walk starts at Tilberthwaite which easily accessible from any of our Coniston village cottages, a picturesque valley nestled underneath the imposing Wetherlam mountain. The walk winds its way through Hodge Close Quarries and ancient woodland before a “secret tunnel” brings you out into the magical Cathedral Cavern. A walk absolutely guaranteed to delight anyone with an adventurous spirit both young and old. Don’t forget your torches!
From the parking area in Tilberthwaite take the lane winding right past a row of cottages. Go through the farm (ignoring the path branching off to your left – you’ll return via this path later). Stay on the main path and it meanders through the woods and quarry. Eventually you’ll pass the isolated Brooklands Cottage. Shortly afterwards a gap in the stone wall on your left heads uphill to the entrance tunnel to cathedral Cavern. Follow the tunnel straightheaded until you emerge into daylight within the quarry. Scramble down the path leading to the lower area, leading into cathedral Cavern itself. Once thoroughly explored leave by the other exit via a short tunnel. Turn left and follow the path down through a gate onto a track. Follow the track until you reach a sharp left turn, signposted to Tilberthwaite 1mile. Follow this track back to Tilberthwaite. Full walk route can be found here.
3. Rydal and Grasmere Loop (6 miles)
This is a longer walk but with a midway stop in Grasmere village for refreshments, it’s perfect for families. Our of our favourites is the lakeside Faeryland Café, with its famous visiting swans, but there are plenty of places to choose from. The walk also takes in Rydal Caves – perfect for adding a sense of adventure and discovery to the walk.
The walk starts in Rydal village. From the car park take the path leading out at the far end. Follow the path until a gate leads you out near the lakeshore. Take the left hand path heading upwards (can you also take the lower path running next to the lakeshore but this misses out the caves). After an steep uphill section you’ll arrive at Rydal Caves. After exploring, leave the cave and turn left, taking the path with the lake on your right and Loughrigg above you on your left. As Rydal water finishes head right towards the wooded area then take the path leading downhill which brings you out on the lake shore of Grasmere – a perfect spot for some stone skimming. From the lakeshore take the path leading into the woods which roughly follows the lake. Eventually the path will take a sharp left uphill, bringing you out onto a quiet road. Turn right to follow the road into Grasmere village.
Head out of Grasmere. Cross the road towards the Wordsworth Museum then take the road leading past Dove Cottage. Keep heading up the steep road before coming to a footpath signposted the Coffin Route. Take the footpath and follow the Coffin Route back to Rydal village enjoying some stunning views along the way. Route map.
4. Duddon Valley to Corney Fell (4.3miles, 2 hours)
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 woodland (full of bluebells in May) before eventually emerging into open farmland via a gate. Cross the field then follow the path as it turns left and passes through a 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, ass 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!
5. Sunny Bank to Coniston, including outward boat ride on Coniston Launch
For those staying in Coniston Village this really is a perfect walk and boat trip combination. This varied and interesting walk takes in lake and mountain views, and includes sections of open fellside, ancient woodland, forest and lakeshore. And around Easter time the walk is awash with vibrant and sweet-smelling gorse bushes in bright yellow flower. The summer timetable for Coniston Launch begins in March and can be found here:
Boats leave via the Boating Centre at the bottom of Lake Road, Coniston Village.
Disembark at Sunny Bank. From the pier turn right to head back up the lake to Coniston. The path roughly follows the lake shore so as long as you keep the lake on your right you’’ll eventually arrive back in Coniston via Coniston Hall Campsite. Once you emerge on Lake Road you can turn right to head back down the lake shore and Bluebird’s Café for coffee & cake. Alternatively turn left to head back into the village centre for refreshments (liquid or otherwise) at many of the splendid pubs or cafes we have in the village. A grand day out indeed.
