4 April 2017
The Lake District is the perfect place for a springtime break. Here are some fantastic walks recommended by us to tempt you this season. Want to learn more about this fascinating area? Join one of our many guided walks this season with local expert volunteers who love to share their knowledge of this wonderful National Park.
"Spring can bring snow, soaring temperatures and then back to frost. Despite the UK’s fickle weather, May eventually brings a wondrous carpet of diminutive bluebells. Brigsteer and Witherslack woods in South Cumbria have long been among my favourite walks. The rich smell of bluebells interspersed with pungent white wild garlic.
But further north, squeezed on a hillside between Crummock Water and Buttermere, Rannerdale holds one of the most delightful secrets of nature. Another stunning blue carpet, this time not hidden under trees but splashed across the valley sides. So vivid is the colour, it stands out from high above on Grasmoor.
Pick a bright day for the circuit from Lanthwaite, up Whiteside and Gasgale Crags to Hopegill Head, down Sand Hills fine scree to Coledale Hause. Take the detour up to Grasmoor. A suitable lunch spot and first view of blue.
Finally, descend via the ridge of Whiteless Pike into Rannerdale and its bluebells. A wonderful wander, guaranteed. I doubt you’ll rush to leave." Alvina, Lake District volunteer
A carpet of blue (photo: Alvina Labsvirs).
"My favourite place to visit in the Lakes is Tarn Hows, between Coniston and Ambleside. I love the beautiful views on a sunny day. Enjoy the circular route round the tarn or one of the many walks that go a little further afield depending on how much time you have. It’s a great location for a picnic and not too far from plenty of other little places to visit along the way like Hawkshead and Wray Castle. It’s a good easy route for those new to the Lake District and a great chance to enjoy stunning views if you don’t have time to go further into the National Park." Lydia, Marketing Coordinator
Tarn Hows. Explore this stunning area on our Black Crag and Yewdale guided walks in April, May and August.
"Sourmilk Gill was now curdling down to the Easedale valley below. I’m surrounded by the spectacular wild and craggy fells of the Lake District National Park and my ‘coffee stop with a view’, Easdale Tarn, is getting close. This great hike is a fine example of everything that I love about the Lakes. In less than an hour you can leave charming Grasmere village, pass through traditional Lakeland farmland and then move onto the more dramatic and exciting steeper, rockier path up to the tarn and Tarn Crag beyond. Find your boulder seat, crack open the flask and breathe in some of the best mountain air and scenery the English Lakes has to offer." Sarah, Volunteers Service.
Sourmilk Gill on the way up to Easedale Tarn (photo: John Edmondson). Our volunteers lead a challenging walk taking in the summit of Silver How on our Easedale Tarn and Silver How walks in May and September.
"Spring to me means leaping lambs and the distant call of the cuckoo, echoing across the fellside. Blossoms burst into life bringing splashes of colour and scintillating scents to this special landscape. Think butter yellow gorse with its heady coconut perfume. When the gorse is in flower, kissing's in fashion, so the saying goes. I was on my way up to Coniston's famous Coppermines Valley the other day and it reminded me just how rich and interesting this place is.
The remnants of an industrial past litters the landscape. The shores of Coniston Water offer tranquil, easy walking and breath-taking views up to the famous summit of Coniston Old Man. A must-hike for summit baggers. There really is something for everyone in this gem of a Lake District location." Belinda, Walks Coordinator and Lake District National Park blogger.
Coniston Water and fells (photo: Thomas Beecham). Lots of guided walks on offer. Book to secure a place!
"I’ve been asked what is my favourite place in the Lakes? This is not an easy question. There are a lot of places to choose from. For a challenge I’d climb the Fairfield Horseshoe and arrive back in Ambleside for a rewarding pub lunch and pint. I’m hugely into my arts and crafts so I find Grizedale forest a mash of both outdoors and artistic qualities. There’s a gallery at the visitor centre and some fantastic sculpture walks to choose from. Then again I’d also pick a gentle stroll around Grasmere or Rydal water, perfect for a spring day out!" Steph, Communications team.
View from Loughrigg (photo: Steph Fulke). Guided walks to Loughrigg in July, September and October.
