With the bright, sunny days of summer on their way, everyone is eager to don their walking boots and get out and about. So, I’ve collated just a few of my favourite Lake District walks for the summer that will introduce you to beautiful scenery and local wildlife. From the shimmering shores of Buttermere to the lush woodlands surrounding Aira Force, your summer is about to get a whole lot brighter.
1. New Dungeon Ghyll to Blea Tarn
The walk from Great Langdale to Blea Tarn is relatively easy and can be completed in just a couple of hours, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the Lake District’s most incredible fell scenery.
Starting out at Stickle Ghyll car park, just a short walk from the New Dungeon Ghyll, follow the road through the Langdale Valley, passing below the likes of Harrison Stickle, Lingmoor and Pike of Blisco. After about half a mile, cut through the National Trust campsite on your left and walk up along Side Pike. It’s a short ascent but if you want to catch your breath, it’s worth stopping to take in the views over the valley and the Langdale Pikes.
As Blea Tarn comes into view, take the path on your right that winds through the woodland and down to the water’s edge. From here you’re greeted with one of the most impressive views of the Langdale Pikes and the mirror-like reflections on the water.
Where to Stay – New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
Website – New Dungeon Ghyll
Email – info@newdungeonghyll.co.uk
Phone – 015394 37213
Nestled in the heart of the stunning Langdale Valley, at the foot of Stickle Ghyll and surrounded by some of the Lake District’s most spectacular scenery, the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel is the perfect base for walkers, climbers and outdoor lovers.
Recently returned to family ownership, you’re guaranteed a traditional Lakeland welcome, homemade Cumbrian food and a fantastic selection of local ales and English wines to wet your whistle after a long hike. Take a seat in the bar by the crackling wood burner or step outside into the beautiful mature gardens and breathe in the dramatic fell scenery and fresh Lakeland air. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and cosy bedrooms, the New Dungeon Ghyll is the ideal place to relax and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Great Langdale.
2. Aira Force, Ullswater
Gushing through ancient woodlands, this magnificent waterfall is a real force of nature that’s even more stunning when the trees are in full bloom. Aira Force at Ullswater is one of the best Lake District walks in summer as the woodland is filled with wildlife and the leafy canopy and mossy ledges give it a tropical rainforest vibe. You can access the circular woodland trail from above or below and it takes you on an undulating route among hidden pools and money trees. I’d highly recommend taking a picnic with you as it’s a great place for just chilling out and enjoying nature. Make sure you keep your eyes open for red squirrels.
3. Hawkshead to Wray Castle
Standing majestically on the western shore of Windermere, Wray Castle was built as a private house in the Victorian era and makes a great destination for this walk from Hawkshead. Setting out from the village, follow the signs for the bridleway which takes you through the open countryside, past tarns and outbuildings. The route is approximately 3 miles and although it isn’t a particularly difficult walk, there are quite a lot of ups and downs, however, views of the distant fells offer a good distraction. As you exit the bridleway, turn right onto the pavement and walk uphill to where you approach a long driveway on your left that leads to the castle.
4. Kirkstone Pass Inn to Red Screes
Starting from the car park opposite the historical Kirkstone Pass Inn, the ascent up to Red Screes looks deceptively daunting. Its steep eastern face, defined by jagged crags and dramatic tongues of rust-coloured scree, appears almost impassable from the road. However, as you begin your steady climb, a well-defined path starts to snake through the rocky terrain. The route transitions from a stone-pitched path into a more rugged, exciting scramble, requiring a decent level of fitness and agility to navigate the small rock steps and steep gradients.
About an hour of effort rewards you with spectacular panoramas and as you gain height, the view opens up to reveal Wansfell ridge and the shimmering expanse of Windermere in the distance. Near the summit, you’ll find a tranquil tarn – the perfect spot to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery before the final push. At the summit there’s a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Lake District fells.
Post-walk Pint – Kirsktone Pass Inn
Website – Kirsktone Pass Inn
Email – bar@kirskstonepassinn.co.uk
Facebook – Kirsktone Pass Inn
Post-walk drinks at the Kirkstone Pass Inn are non-negotiable after summiting Red Screes. Perched high above the valley, overlooking Windermere and the famous “Struggle”, this iconic inn proudly claims the title of the highest pub in Cumbria. The inn is brimming with local history, dating all the way back to 1496, giving the walls a character you rarely find anywhere else.
Recently reopened and sympathetically refurbished, ensuring that all the traditional charm remains perfectly intact, it’s the ultimate place to kick back after a long day of hiking. You can settle in with a pint of fine local ale and tuck into some hearty, homecooked food that hits the spot every time. With regular live music adding to the laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect mountain retreat to relax and soak up the unbeatable views.
5. Buttermere and Haystacks
Depending on how far you want to walk, you can park at either end of Buttermere and make your way to the foot of Haystacks. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful of all the lakes, only second to Wastwater, also in the Western Lake District. You can really make a day of it here as there are lakeside spots for wild swimming and the wonderful Buttermere Infinity Pool. The route up Haystacks starts just further along from Peggy’s Bridge on a footpath that winds up to Scarth Gap. It’s worth making a few short stops to take in the views over Fleetwith Pike and Buttermere before the ground starts to get rockier. Although there are a few scrambles to the summit, they aren’t too dangerous as long as you take care.
From the summit of Haystacks you can walk across to Innonimate Tarn where Alfred Wainwright’s ashes are scattered. The views over to Pillar are staggering and you’ll probably want to spend a while soaking them all up. Follow one of the two descents that lead you back down to Warnscale Bottom via Warnscale Head and Buttermere.
6. Wastwater, Wasdale
Rippling below the rugged peaks of the Wasdale Valley, Wastwater is England’s deepest lake and boasts one of the most dramatic lakeside settings. You’ll find various parking spaces along the shore but try to avoid busier times as they soon fill up and the single road in can easily get congested. It’s best to avoid the difficult walk over the screes and stick to walking along the western shore. From the lakeside you’ll have fantastic views of peaks such as Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Yewbarrow, which create wonderful reflections on the water. If you want to cool down after your hike, head up to Wasdale Emerald Pool, a stunning hidden gem nestled between the fells.The Wasdale Head Inn is a wonderful fellside watering hole for refuelling after a long walk.
7. Fairy Glen, nr Stonethwaite
This is the perfect Lake District walk for summer as it takes you through remote scenery and along a series of waterfalls. Park in the hamlet of Stonethwaite by the red telephone box, pass the Langstrath Inn and through the field to follow the beck upstream. The walk there is approximately one mile and mostly flat, although there are a couple of hilly bits but nothing too strenuous.
As you continue on the path, you’ll come to a series of waterfalls on your left just after the gate, known as Galleny Force. This is a great little place to explore but if you want to carry on, you’ll soon arrive at Fairy Glen. The scenery here is simply magical, and you’ll see why it’s been named the Fairy Glen. The frothing waterfall plummets into an emerald-green pool where you can take a dip in the summer. You’ll also find plenty of little spots for settling down with a picnic.
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