When people think of the Lake District, it’s usually vast rolling hills, shimmering lakes and dramatic mountain peaks that come to mind.
But beyond the breathtaking scenery, there are hundreds of inspiring places to explore throughout England’s largest National Park – from peaceful woodlands to historic landmarks, all waiting to be discovered.
According to Vivienne Crow – an author and avid adventurer who’s spent two decades walking every corner of the Lakes – the National Park and surrounding areas are home to over 300 must-see spots for walkers of all levels.
After years spent exploring the region on foot, Vivienne has poured her passion, knowledge and stunning photography into a new book that highlights some of the very best the Lake District has to offer.
Published by Ordnance Survey, Outstanding Walks: Lake District is a glossy, photo-filled book packed with 60 walk ideas and over 300 inspiring places to visit.
The routes are broken down into 27 short walks under three miles, 18 half-day walks, and 15 full-day hikes, complete with maps and easy-to-follow overviews.
Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or an all-day adventure, there’s something here for everyone – including winding trails to the Cathedral Cave, or taking on one of many challenging climbs to the top of Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak.
The book also picks out 48 ‘don’t-miss’ landmarks and 42 perfect photo spots, celebrating the Lakes’ rich mix of scenic views, natural wonders and historic sites. Scroll on to see the hidden beauty of the region for yourself…
Glenridding Beck to Catstye: This route, which is typically seven miles-long, and takes between four and six hours, starts in Glenridding village, following Glenridding Beck, passing the site of the Greenside Mine before ascending Catstye Cam
Formerly comprised of 42 stones, Castlerigg Stone Circle was raised in about 3000 BC during the Neolithic period. It’s about 30 metres in diametre, and now features only 38 stones
The Buttermere pines in the Buttermere Valley have made their reappearance, following a pine bark beetle infestation approximately a decade ago
Skiddaw, England’s fourth highest mountain at 931-metres tall, is a striking visual display in winter
Jetty at Wray Castle provides access to the western shore of Windermere and is a key stop for exploring Wray Castle and its grounds
YHA Black Sail, which sits near the foot of Great Gable, is one of the UK’s most remote hostels
A bronze sculpture of Laurel and Hardy sits in Ulverston, the birthplace of one half of the iconic British duo: Stan Laurel
The crags of the Langdale Pikes – formed from a compact group of three main peaks in the Lake District: Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle, and Loft Crag
Crummock Water in the Western Lakes provides an especially breathtaking view in the autumn months
Nethermost Pike, part of the Helvellyn group, is the second-highest Wainwright in the Helvellyn range at 891 metres (2,923 ft), located just south of the main Helvellyn summit
The path above Glenderaterra Beck, between the Skiddaw massif and Blencathra, is a popular hiking route for its scenic beauty, and is a starting point for ascents of Skiddaw
Formed over 450 million years ago, England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, stands at 978 metres (3,208 feet)
The Langdale Pikes form a picture-postcard backdrop to Loughrigg Tarn, a small lake nestled in a bowl beneath the flank of Loughrigg Fell
The Solway Firth is a shallow estuary with large intertidal areas and boggy terrain – stretching all the way to Criffel (an extinct volcano) in Dumfries & Galloway
The Newlands Valley is renowned for its mining heritage, including the famous Goldscope mine, and its association with Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit’s author as a source of inspiration
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
