Favourite Spring Walks

Spring walks in the Lakes are high up on our to-do list.

Finally waking up from winter slumbers, the Lakes bursts forth with snowdrops, crocus, daffodils, and then bluebells and blossoms. Lambs are gambolling in the field, happy to be enjoying the early sunshine! Later in spring come the wild garlic or ramsons, with the amazing scent of garlic as you pass.

Our ancient woodlands bud and blossom with vibrant shades of greens and blooms that range from pastel creams and pinks of the damson, cherry and apple blossom to bright orange and purple of the azaleas and rhododendrons.

The gardens of our castles and historic houses begin to come alive again too, beckoning us all in for a spring walk, wander and a cuppa.

Finding a favourite spring walk and then returning throughout the seasons, to discover its also a favourite autumn or winter walk – perhaps as children grow, with different friends – the experience changes. Spring is such a wonderful time to hear the birdsong and just enjoy nature waking up again.

Read on and find your favourite Spring walk……

Howtown to Glenridding along the southern stretch of Ullswater – this walk starts from the boat landing – so you get to enjoy a cruise on the wonderful Ullswater Steamers too (from the Glenridding jetty). Disembark at Howtown, then spend a leisurely few hours along the lakeshore, walking back to Glenridding. You’ll enjoy daffodils, birdsong, and wildlife right along this walk. Along the way, there are a couple of cafes. Side Farm, near the end of the walk, in Patterdale has amazing homemade cake.

Courtesy of Ullswater Steamers on Ullswater

Glencoyne Bay & Aira Force

On the other side of Ullswater is full of the famous Daffodils which inspired Wordsworth’s favourite poem, fields full of lambs, and slightly later on the cute little Herdwick lambs arrive. Park at the National Trust Car park, have a wander down to the lake shore, and then take a walk along the signposted path toward Aira Force Car Park. Here there are many easy waymarked trails up and over the beautiful Aira Force, where you’ll enjoy daffodils and the trees coming into leaf.

Tarn Hows

Tarn How is a classic Lakeland round – of about 2k, and suitable for buggies and pushchairs. It’s a place that’s beautiful in any season but in the spring, full of daffodils and new growth. Simply park up and walk around the beautiful tarns. There are other paths to and from the Tarns if you want to increase the walk. On the way back, why not call in at the Drunken Duck for a bit of light refreshment.

Tarn Hows

Buttermere

This magical place is just wonderful and one of the best round-the-lake spring walks in the Lake District. The walk is relatively easy and level with fabulous views all around. The lakeshore path circles the lake for 4.5 miles (7km) with one short stretch on the road, and one little scramble. Park in the village, allow 3 hours and then visit some of the lovely pubs and cafes in the village itself.

Buttermere and ‘that tree’

Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater village and back.

A nice family-friendly walk is to park up at Skelwith Bridge, then walk along the river to Elterwater. You’ll enjoy daffodils, bluebells, and wild garlic at different times along this walk. Chesters by the River is a fabulous cafe with great homemade food and cakes, and the Britannia Inn at Elterwater is a real Lakeland pub, with cosy bars and great pub food.

Lodore Falls, Derwentwater shore, and the Bowder Stone

Head over to the beautiful valley of Borrowdale and bring together a couple of very short strolls, to Lodore Falls and the Bowder Stone, linked by a visit to the hamlet of Watendlath and Grange Fell into a lovely circular route. We of course like the options for a few cafes: Grange Bridge Cottage Tearooms, and Grange Cafe just a little further on through the village. The farm at Watendlath also run a tearoom which is well known for its cakes. Park at the National Trust Bowderstone or Watendlath pay and display car parks.

Brandelhow Woods, Derwentwater, Keswick.

This is a lovely wander through the woods below Catbells, on the shores of Derwentwater. The best way to arrive is by boat on the Derwent Launch to Hawes End or any of the jetties, then spend a lovely few hours meandering the paths and woodlands, where you’ll discover the giant wooden hand sculpture which celebrates this as the first piece of land bought by the National Trust in the Lake District.

Book your Spring break today