England’s Lake District is an incredible place to escape to for much-needed doses of fresh air, spectacular scenery, and epic walks. It’s so stunning that famous writers and poets have been flocking here and letting the staggering views inspire their work for centuries, most famously, William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
It’s safe to say that a walking holiday in the Lake District is an unforgettable experience and deserves to be on your bucket list. So, to inspire your next trip, we’ve compiled a list of five unreal Lake District walks. Take a look at them below, and get ready to lace up your boots and plan a legendary adventure in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
1. Langstrath Valley Hike
This 8.7 mile walk is a family favourite! It winds to the hidden Langstrath Valley and doesn’t force you to work too hard for outstanding vistas. You’ll walk next to calming streams and encounter pleasant images of rolling hills cloaked in greenery. It’s the perfect hike for introducing your kids to the natural wonders in the Lake District.
2. Helvellyn Walk
Often labelled as the best hike in the Lake District, the Helvellyn Walk lives up to all expectations. This 8.45 mi walk deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list. To reach the ridge, you’ll first have to scramble up Striding Edge. Marvel at the sweeping views over Glenridding and Ullswater at the top! The scramble is challenging and may have you climbing on your hands and knees at some points. But the sights along the ridge make everything worth it, and let’s face it, a little bit of scrambling can be fun (but do be prepared for this).
3. Haystacks Walk
Alfred Wainwright, creator of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, favours the Haystacks Walk over the rest of the hikes carved into the Lake District. This 4.97 mi hike may be shorter than most in this area, but it doesn’t compromise on stunning views. It gives a unique perspective to the valley, rolling hills, and lakes sprawled below.
4. Newlands Horseshoe Walk
This 10.5 mi walk is challenging but so worth it. At one point, the terrain will have you embarking on a steep climb, which may require you to do some scrambling! At around the 14 km mark, you’ll reach the iconic Catbells, where a staggering picture of the Lake District awaits. Admire the verdant valley, the layers of peaks fading into the horizon, and lake vistas on this incredible walk.
5. Scafell Pike Walk
Conquer England’s tallest mountain on this 9.3 mi walk! It’s advised to take the more extended version via III Crag rather than the direct route. You’ll encounter more mythical-like views this way. Walk by a montage of textbook Lake District landscapes and sights, such as shimmering lagoons and endless peaks.
A walking holiday in the Lake District never fails to disappoint: the staggering scenery and fresh air tend to evoke natural escapism.
