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catbells-from-latrigg

It was many years past that the hordes of Victorian tourists rumbled in from Penrith on the old steam trains that largely followed the present route of the A66. Although it was closed finally in 1972 and the tracks taken up what remains between Keswick & Threlkeld is an excellent cycling and walking path, populated by red squirrels and a myriad of bird life. It was many years since I had walked the old railway line and it was a pleasant surprise, the powerful River Greta a constant companion with glimpses through the trees of Skiddaw, Blenacathra and even the Helvellyn range. Doubling back over Latrigg though is all about the pleasant underfoot terrain and outstanding views of Keswick and the Borrowdale Valley – it is simply superb. I dawdled on the summit with memories flooding back of my first (and many peoples first) successful climb aged about 3! It was a real mountain then.

Recommend: Take some time on the railway section reading up on the history of the railway and admiring the deep cuttings through the hard Skiddaw rock

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shores-of-rydal-water

This exceptionally pretty walk around the tranquil waters of Rydal Water is the inspiration for so much of the poetry of William Wordsworth and the writings in the diary of his sister Dorothy. It is very easy to see why – Rydal Water itself is tightly enclosed between the steep slopes of Loughrigg Fell and the  Fairfield horseshoe creating the landscape of trees, lake and mountain which so inspired them. Most of the walk is through lovely woodland which clings tightly to the shores of the lake but not thick enough to cut off the views which so characterise the walk. There are some alternatives on the route, particularly on the far side of Rydal Water but it is best to keep to the waters edge where possible with the only exception being a visit to Rydal Cave, a large man made amphitheatre of slate complete with resident goldfish!

Recommend: Add in a trip to the shores of Grasmere and the popular pebble beach at its southern end.

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tranquility-on-loweswater

I have to admit that I have never even driven past Loweswater let alone stopped and had a walk nearby. It is slightly off the beaten track (most drivers heading up to Buttermere) but appears to have some loyal admirers as there were a few fellow walkers when myself and Mist explored the shoreline. It is only 4 miles for the circuit but the path sticks close to the lake for most of the way and compares well with some of the other smaller lakes. The lake itself is quiet and peaceful, there are some rowing boats for hire from the National Trust and even a small bothy for hire, and is a good spot for bird watchers in particular. The walk through the woods on the south side of the lake is obvious and easy to follow; however the O/S map does not show a track on the north shore, there is one for most of the distance and very welcome it is too.

Recommend: Have a look for the pretty waterfall of Holme Force in the woods to the south

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devoke-water

Hidden away on Birker Fell lies Devoke Water, a paradise for fishermen and entertaining enough for a short walk. I visited the higher ground of Water and Rough Crag to the north for the lovely views up Eskdale and the Scafell range which certainly adds to the walk’s attraction. It is also in my favourite area of the Lake District near the Duddon Valley. Devoke Water itself is a large tarn nearly 1 mile in length which houses brown trout and perch for the connoisseur (fishing rights from Millom Anglers) and maybe the largest tarn in the Lake District – I only say maybe as there is sometimes some dispute as to when a tarn becomes a lake with a slightly arbitrary height measurement used. As well as offering an excellent short walk Devoke Water has a number of ancient bronze age settlements and surprisingly the most radio active brown trout in the country (for no apparent reason). However for the walker it is the peaceful surroundings and great views which attract – something unusual on such a large expanse of water.

Recommend: A full week or long weekend’s walking holiday either in the Duddon Valley or Eskdale would be superb with short walks like Devoke Water combined with longer such as Scafell or Dow Crag.

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kendal

Staying in the market town of Kendal certainly does not mean that there any walks have to be done with the use of a car. A short stroll from the town centre brought me on to the heights of Kendal Fell (although I am not convinced that I ever located the summit) and a very pleasant walk over the fringes of the golf course and the moorland over Kettlewell Crag. There is a myriad of paths to follow on what the locals know as the ‘Heights’ which all lead towards the ancient Serpentine Woods. The woods were originally planted in 1790 but converted to walking pathways in 1824 when a Summerhouse was built for guests to enjoy tea parties – how very Victorian! The woods have always been popular and offer a peaceful afternoon stroll for visitors and locals alike. Back on the open heights the views stretch for miles north with well appointed benches looking up the valleys of Longsleddale and Kentmere. Enjoy the walking and envy the golfers who, as well as playing an excellent course, must have one of the best views in the land.

Recommend:

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north-to-castle-crag

The walk round Castle Crag and along the shoreline of the upper River Derwent is deservedly one of the most popular walks in the Lake District. I find this patch of Lakeland a micocosm of the whole area with rocky peaks and cliffs , open fellside, some ancient mining remnants and a lovely area of riverside walking packed in to a small area. I prefer starting at Seatoller and walking back down the valley which initially (after a short climb) gives great views of Castle Crag and down to Skiddaw and Blencathra over Derwentwater. Circling Castle Crag the walk changes character with pretty woodland paths running beside the fast flowing Derwent – the river being a catchment for much of the highest mountains in the District.

Recommend: Castle Crag is a lovely little fell with great views from the summit. If at all possible include it in the circuit, the climb is short but steep with much of the path winding its way through mountains of slate.

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centre-at-grizedale-forest

Taking a walk through a forest somehow defeats the object for me – I love the views, the wide open spaces and the big skies which typify most walks. Having said that I found the hour and a half I spent taking the white route to Grizedale Tarn and back very enjoyable and an all together interesting experience. This is no Galloway Forest; dark, closely cropped conifers blocking out all light and views (and which depressed me on the Southern Upland Way), but has been well laid out and enjoys an interesting mix of trees. The Forestry Commission have once again done a good job in way marking the 8 walking routes and building some interesting structures for children to play on and there is an excellent visitors centre at Grizedale itself. I chose the Grizedale Tarn route as there appeared to be a purpose to the walk (I nearly missed the tarn!) and I will return to visit Carron Crag at some stage which has apparently an excellent viewpoint but I may return with a bike – this really is more the terrain for a cyclist than a walker.

Recommend: Do not choose the long 10 mile trail – if you do not get lost you will certainly go crackers!

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dalemain-house

The pretty village of Dacre and the historic house of Dalemain lie in an exceptionally quiet corner of the Lakes yet only a few miles off the M6. Like everyone else I either headed towards Keswick or drove past Pooley Bridge to the higher mountains of Ullswater whilst completely neglecting the area between. It was only when Helen demanded a visit to Dalemain House that I was forced to stop and have a look round the area. Revisiting a few weeks ago I linked the triangle of Pooley Bridge, the house at Dalemain with Dacre and spent a thoroughly enjoyable few hours. Dacre itself must be one of the most sort after places to live in Cumbria with its beautiful church and castle (and pub!) with the river Dacre winding its merry way at the foot of the village. The walk passes beside a lovely stretch of river at Pooley Bridge, through the beautiful and colourful grounds of Dalemain House finishing with an option to climb Dunmallard Hill ( no views) or just by enjoying the views down Ullswater. As a shorter walk on easy paths in an unlikely area full of interest this is unsurpassed in the Lake District.

Recommend: Spend some time in Dacre, have a drink at the Horse & Farrier and enjoy this most beautiful of villages.

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tarn-under-school-knotts

I never thought walking from Windermere could be so much pleasure! To the east of Windermere lie 2 small, but rugged fells which enclose a delightful, but seemingly nameless, tarn all of which appeared to have bypassed all walking guides. School Knott and Grandsire may become more popular in summer but on this glorious Spring day I found them practically empty with the crowds sticking to the lakeside or even the better known Orrest Head. The views over Windermere and the lake are excellent giving truth to Wainwright’s oft quoted theory that the better views are often not from the highest points. From the ‘unnamed’ tarn I joined the final yards of the Dales Way (a long distance walk from Ilkley to Windermere) and past some grand old houses from where it is easy to imagine Victorian families emerging and taking a walk down to the lakeside. Heathwaite Manor is a particularly good example. I also enjoyed the lovely copse before reaching the fellside at the start of the walk, all in all a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.

Recommend: From the gate to the east of the tarn is the path up to the 2nd summit of Grandsire which is definitely worth a short extension.

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latterbarrow-monument

Walking from Hawkshead always struck me as very limited with the hills a little distant and Esthwaite Water difficult to get at. Not so, as the ascent to Latterbarrow Monument is a very worthy short walk. Throw in some forestry and delightful views opening up down Esthwaite Water and this 4 mile walk takes on a satisfying purpose. Latterbarrow itself may only be 800 foot high but it does stand proud and isolated from any other high ground which makes it an interesting viewpoint in all directions. Rather than return directly to Hawkshead from the summit I headed into the forest that leads to Claiffe Heights and Beatrix Potter Country – finding my way rather better than I did on Claiffe Heights. Breaking out from the forest there are some great views of Esthwaite Water and across to the Coniston Fells before the track landed me back at pretty Colthouse and the short walk back to Hawkshead. Latterbarrow is another of Wainwright’s outlying fells which really should be included in his main guide books….despite its rather meagre height.

Recommend: Spend time on the summit of Latterbarrow and start counting the number of summits that you can see, if not recognise. In particular wander over to the Lake Windermere slopes with excellent views over the Fairfield Horseshoe.

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