Six Superb Great British Walks

We’ve teamed up with the National Trust again this autumn to offer you six seasonal Great British Walks. Join a National Trust Ranger and one of our knowledgeable Lake District volunteers and discover the fantastic scenery of the North West Lakes.

Glorious Green Gable

This wonderful walk climbs steeply from the Honister Pass to Grey Knotts, traverses Brandreth then onto Green Gable. The summit view on a clear day must be one of the best in the Lake District. 

Four fells above 3000 feet can be seen from here: Scafell Pike (978m, 3210ft) with the huge cairn clearly visible on top and Scafell (964m, 3163ft) to its right. Towards the East is Helvellyn (950m, 3118ft) and to the North, Skiddaw (931m, 3053ft).

Just across Windy Gap is the huge bulk of Great Gable (right in the photo). Turning towards the West is Ennerdale valley with Pillar standing guard, the Black Sail Youth Hostel in the middle distance and the Irish Sea beyond. The view of Buttermere and Crummock Water is simply stunning. Also visible are the Langdale Pikes with a glimpse of Windermere behind. You can also see the Pennines with Ingleborough visible on the skyline. A great all round view!

Roy Ellis, Volunteer Guided Walk Leader

Photo: Alistair Kirkbride

Castlerigg Stone Circle

As an archaeologist, I have visited lots of archaeological sites but Castlerigg holds a very special place in my heart. 

It was the first monument that I visited when I joined the National Park. Not only is it remarkably well preserved, it is a fine example of one of the earliest stone circles in Cumbria. But best of all, it is easy to access and is situated in a great location overlooking the dramatic Lake District fells; a great opportunity to visit an archaeological site of national importance.

Holly Beavitt-Pike, Archaeology and Heritage Assistant

Photo: Michael Turner

The Hidden Valley of Watendlath

I thought I knew the Lake District pretty well until I joined this guided walk a couple of years back. 

The views are simply stunning and it’s a lesser visited area. 

It’s a great car-free walk using the bus and walking back to Keswick. 

Definitely not to be missed!

Belinda Turnbull, Volunteer Led Activity Coordinator

And more...!

There are three other fantastic walks to choose from, too:

• Walla Crag is a short walk from Keswick and offers magnificent views from its summit. No visit to the area is complete without a visit to the iconic Ashness Bridge (photo, right: Michael Turner).

• Rannerdale Knotts is a small fell rising out of the Borrowdale Valley, escape the crowds and find out about the fascinating folklore surrounding this area. Visitors in April and May get an extra treat when the bluebells come into flower.

• For a lovely lower level walk the Borrowdale Ramble is a must. The walk starts by catching a bus from Keswick Information Centre to Seatoller. From there, its a walk along to Grange, then Catbells terrace to Nichol End. You can either walk back to Keswick from here or cruise back on a boat.

See you soon?

We've plenty more walks this season so check out our guided walks calendar to discover and enjoy a new part of the Lakes!