Away From the Crowds

The vast majority of visitors to the Lake District never set foot on a serious walk and when the do it is on the popular fells and walks near the central spine from Keswick to Windermere. This leaves many other valleys and hills, if not entirely empty, certainly less visited.

On the many walks listed below it is possible to walk all day during the summer holidays and see no-one else. Many crave that isolation in the outdoors. There are some quieter walks (such as Grey Crag and Dock Tarn) which are situated in the heart of the Lakes but most tend to be in the quieter areas to the west, north and east of the National Park.

Hidden gems.

Discover the Upper Esk

On leaving the road as it heads towards Hard Knott pass you enter a new world and discover the Upper Esk. The tumbling river, steep mountains and lack of people make this extremely enjoyable and a classic Lakeland walk.

Eel Tarn in Eskdale

For a short walk in to some rugged, quiet typical Lakeland scenery look no further than Eel Tarn in Eskdale. Start from Boot and climb steadily through the bracken to Eel Tarn, continuing to Stony Tarn if you wish.

Dow Crag via Seathwaite Tarn

Starting from the Duddon Valley the walk heads towards the Coniston Fells via Seathwaite Tarn. From here climb the steep slopes to Dow Crag and enjoy the wonderful views.

A Fistful of Dodds

The long northern ridge from Helvellyn comprises a number of rounded lumps. It offers some easy walking, an easy climb from Dockray and superb views. The name Fistful of Dodds is courtesy of Clint Eastwood.

Craggy Eskdale Walking

If you fancy some craggy Eskdale walking away from the crowds head to the area south of Boot. The walking is simply marvellous amongst the hidden hollows and rocky knolls.

Bowscale Tarn and Bannerdale Crags

Mungrisedale is the start of this interesting walk to Bowscale Tarn and Bannerdale Crags. The tarn is in a beautiful setting and the easy walking across to Bannerdale does have some wonderful views over Blencathra.

Keep scrolling for more walks

Dacre and Dalemain

To the north east of Poolety Bridge lie the quiet area of Dacre and Dalemain House. The house is a lovely building and Dacre an interesting village set in rolling countryside.

Woodland Fell and Beacon Tarn

Lying south of the Coniston fells Woodland Fell and Beacon Tarn offer a beautiful 1/2 day in a landscape of bracken, heather and small rocky outcrops. It is a rarely visited beauty spot.

Fells over the Duddon Valley

The Fells over the Duddon Valley lie between the Duddun itself and Coniston Lake. Rocky knolls and hidden tarns characterise this quiet but very appealing area. The valley itself is my favourite.

Black Combe and the Irish Sea

Perched on the far south west corner of the Lake District Black Combe sits almost on top of the sea. There is an excellent path up the mountain and it is is possible to carry on in to the lands between Eskdale and the Duddon.

The Northern Fells

A walk in the Northern Fells offers a real feel of Scottish remoteness, rolling fells and steep valleys characterise the area. Good to pick off some Wainwrights.

Top o’ Selside

This is an interesting and quiet walk along the south east shores of Coniston. The Top o’ Selside is the highest point above the lake with some great views north along the lake to the Coniston fells.

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