THE LAKE DISTRICT
The Lake District is an absolute treat no matter the time of year you visit. Whatever the weather, there is plenty to see and do. For more adventurous types, there’s heaps of hiking trails, climbing spots and water sports to fill your cup. For the slower-paced traveler, cutesy towns, spa hotels and incredible restaurants can be found around every corner. There is equal balance of outdoor adventure opportunities and relaxing retreat experiences that I say why choose? The Lake District almost insists on doing both. Here are a few of my top things to do during your trip to the lakes.
RENT A VINTAGE ROWING BOAT ON LAKE GRASMERE
Already soaked from the sudden downpour that graced us on our walk around Grasmere, we figured there was no reason to let that stop us taking a boat out on the lake. The Misty Dancer seemed a fitting name for our little rowing boat, as we pushed away from the banks. Only minutes later, the sky cleared and we found ourselves to be the only ones out on the lake, save for a few ducks and swans. To find your own boat, stroll out of Grasmere town toward Grasmere Lakeshore and you’ll discover Faeryland, an outdoor tearoom that also rents out these adorable vintage rowing boats. Ask to row Misty Dancer. We are convinced she’s lucky!
VISIT AMBLESIDE
It’s difficult to imagine that Ambleside could ever exist anywhere else. Everything about it is quintessentially Lake District. The path is tinged brown from mud-caked walking boots, hiking poles balance precariously against shopfront windows, and there are more camping shops than one can count. Just a five minute stroll to Lake Windermere and with heaps of walking trails close by, Ambleside is the perfect base for a weekend of exploring. Not to forget that some of the yummiest restaurants can be found in the town. Grab some famously delicious apple pie from Apple Pie & Bakery, or start your morning at The Copper Pot for the best brekkie in the area.
TRY THE WORLDS BEST GINGERBREAD
‘It better be worth this wait’. Famous last words from my impatient queue buddy, as he checks his phone again and reveals we’ve been stood in line for about half an hour. The spicy smell that wafts out of the vents of the tiny cottage promises that the gingerbread we’d heard was a ‘must try’ in Grasmere will indeed be worth the wait. We would be back again before the trip was over, to queue for what we certainly agree is, in fact, the worlds best gingerbread! If you know what’s good for you, you’ll put this top of your list of things to do in The Lake District. Trust me. If you want to make the experience even more special, save your first bite for when you’re sat overlooking Grasmere Lake itself.
DISCOVER TARN HOWS
As we drive up over the top of the hill, the wild and mountainous beauty of Tarn Hows presents itself. No wonder this is one of the busiest spots in the lake district, as demonstrated by the amount of times we’ve had to pull in to let other cars pass by on the way to the car park. The tarn, surrounded by tall trees in every shade of green and a rugged mountain backdrop, is a favourite for good reason. What’s more, the circular walk around the tarn is incredibly accessible. A well maintained smooth track circles around the entirety of the tarn making it an easy option for anyone to become acquainted with the wild beauty of the lake district.
HIKE UP RAVENS CRAG
Neck aching, I stop for the 100th time to look up at the top of Raven’s Crag, seemingly no closer than it was 10 minutes ago. Clouds gather around the summit as I debate turning back towards the car where I know that Grasmere gingerbread is waiting. The climb up, though not particularly long, is incredibly steep and does not stop until you reach the top. What keeps me slowly marching upwards is the view behind me that gets increasingly more spectacular with every thigh-burning step. When we reach the summit all complaining instantly dissipates as we are presented with a stunning view of Lake Thirlmere and the surrounding mountains. We may have had to share the view with the passing clouds, but when the sky cleared, we were left with one of the best views in the lake district. It’s a walk that should be on everyone’s Lake District itinerary.
KAYAK ON LAKE WINDEREMERE
It’s hard not to feel the magnetic pull of the lakes. As soon as you arrive you’ll be itching to be on the water. Whether that’s in the form of an invigorating wild swim, a peaceful stand up paddle-boarding experience or an exciting cruise on a traditional steamer boat, the allure of the lakes is unlike anything else. This, we note, is exactly the reason we find ourselves stood outside yet another watersports centre, eyeing up the kayaks. Before long, we are paddling away on Lake Winderemere, grinning ear to ear. Choose to paddle early in the morning so you can avoid the rush of boats on the lake and have the most peaceful experience.
ENJOY PEACEFUL LOWESWATER
After trying and failing to find a car parking spot near popular Buttermere Lake, we drove on in the hope we would find somewhere equally as lovely for an afternoon walk. We barely turned a corner when we spotted another lake which just so happened to have a few parking spots by the side of the road. Leaving Buttermere for another time, we jump out of the van to explore Loweswater, a tiny and peaceful lake, resplendent in the afternoon sunshine. We took the circular walk around the shore and through the lovely woodland that runs along it, stopping to say hello to the sheep and for scenic snack breaks. It’s perhaps the areas best kept secret and we didn’t pass many people at all, especially in comparison to the crowds we had passed near Buttermere lake.
RELAX AT BLEA TARN
As we look back along the path we have just climbed up, our view is of the scenic tarn nestled in the valley, a handful of paddle-boarders gliding across the lake, and the Langdale Pikes towering above us. As we continue our peaceful walk around Langdale Valley, we remark that it’s probably one of our favourite places we have found on our trip. Thanks to its remote location in Langdale Valley, Blea Tarn is a lovely quiet spot in the lake district that is relatively undiscovered in comparison to more popular areas. It’s the perfect spot to go for a circular walk and then to return to rest on the banks of the tarn for a for a while. Blea Tarn is also one of The Lake District’s many wild swimming spots and I can only imagine how lovely it would be to swim in on a hot summers day, before settling back on the banks and enjoying a book and a picnic.
TAKE A SCENIC ROAD TRIP
Hands sweating and leaning forward in my seat, I stare out of the window at the mountains that tower above. Realising I have been intermittently holding my breath, I let out a nervous laugh at the thought that I’m not even the one behind the wheel winding up one of England’s steepest mountain passes. Kirkstone pass, hilariously nicknamed ‘The Struggle’ we realise, is as terrifying and stunning as any infamous mountain pass our campervan has tackled in the past (we’re looking at you, Switzerland). We agree once more as we find ourselves later in the week pinballing up the hairpin bends of the Hardknott pass. It is true that The Lake District has incredible roads to explore and is such a fun way to appreciate the nature the area is known for. For the brave, take on one of the mountain passes and marvel at the dramatic landscape before you. For the not-so brave, choose a less scary, though equally beautiful route around the area, such as the Grasmere to Windermere short stretch that will see you driving alongside the lovely lakes.
RENT AN E-BIKE
“What were you thinking taking me down there!” I shout as I push my bike back up the sinister and rocky death trail that my partner had insisted I’d be fine to ride on. I’ll admit, there is something about The Lake District and it’s adventurous soul that entices you to get out of your comfort zone, but this was definitely beyond my limits. My partner just continues to laugh as I read the description for the bike trail on the map, ‘severe and ambitious loop’ highlighted in bold. We had found ourselves tackling the cycle trails of Whinlatter Forest after renting some E-bikes from Lake District Off Road near Derwentwater. The ride to the forest was full of quiet countryside roads, sunshine and chirping birds, the perfect contrast to the adrenaline-filled afternoon flying down the trails. Renting a bike in the lakes to appreciate the landscape is a no-brainer, but if you can encourage the daredevil inside of you, take on some mountain biking too for an unforgettable experience.
GO HOUSE HUNTING
‘Imagine living there!’ I exclaim as I pass yet another stunning home and add it to the top of my ‘dream homes in The Lake District’ list. The truth is, the champion is hard to determine as there are so many incredibly beautiful buildings dotted around the area. I adore peeking at the houses of places I visit, especially when I fall in love with an area and can picture residing there myself. Let yourself daydream as you pass a gorgeous house sat overlooking one of the lakes, or better yet, rent one out for your stay and revel in what it feels like to live in a home in one of the most scenic locations in the UK.
You’ll find that there is heaps to do and see in The Lake District. My advice would be to get outside and enjoy as much of the natural landscape as possible. It’s certainly a place I think of often and it’s the scenic backdrop and outdoor adventures that make this place so incredibly special.
Happy travels!
Molleigh
