Cumbria & The Lake District: Walks, Places to Stay & Local Guides

Explore Cumbria & The Lake District by Topic

From the high crags and glacial lakes of the Lake District National Park to the quiet limestone valleys of the Eden Valley and the North Pennines, Cumbria is home to some of the finest walking country in Britain.

Every mountain route, heritage trail, and basecamp review below has been walked and tested first-hand—complete with practical trail logistics and local insights. Jump straight to what you need below, or scroll down for our full Cumbria archive:

⛰️ High Fells & Summit Walks

Classic mountain days, ridge scrambles, and dramatic Pennine viewpoints.

Scafell Pike from Borrowdale (Seathwaite) – England’s highest peak via the scenic Corridor Route.
Hiking Helvellyn & Striding Edge – Britain’s iconic ridge scramble above Red Tarn and Ullswater.
High Cup Nick Circular from Dufton – The North Pennines’ breathtaking U-shaped geological chasm.
A Walk Up Cat Bells – The quintessential short ridge climb overlooking Derwentwater and Keswick.
Walk Up Haystacks & Buttermere – Wainwright’s favourite craggy summit paired with a shoreline loop.

🌊 Lakes, Waterfalls & Valley Walks

Low-level circuits, hidden waterfalls, and wild dips for any forecast.

Derwentwater 10-Mile Circuit Walk – A flat, all-season shoreline loop through woods and bays from Keswick.
Rutter Force Waterfall (Eden Valley) – A tranquil hidden cascade, ford, and historic mill near Appleby.
The Cumbrian Limestone Link – Green valleys, limestone pavements, and quiet trails away from the crowds.
Wild Swimming in Rydal Water – Calm, reed-fringed waters surrounded by historic South Lakes trails.
Thirlmere Infinity Pool Guide – How to find the secluded natural rock pool perched above Thirlmere.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Cumbria

First-hand reviews of welcoming country houses, inns, and fellside basecamps.

The Langdale Hotel & Spa (Great Langdale) – Waterside living and Brimstone Spa recovery beneath the Pikes.
Lindeth Fell Country House (Windermere) – Peaceful 5-star Arts & Crafts sanctuary high above Bowness.
Ees Wyke Country House (Near Sawrey) – Georgian charm and mountain views over Esthwaite Water.
The Tufton Arms Hotel (Appleby) – Dog-friendly luxury courtyard apartments in the heart of the Eden Valley.
Waitby School (Near Kirkby Stephen) – A converted 17th-century schoolhouse with 360° fell views.

🏰 Castles, Market Towns & Heritage

Border fortresses, literary landmarks, and historic Cumbrian market towns.

The Lady Anne Clifford Castle Trail – Our field manual to Pendragon, Brough, Appleby, and Brougham castles.
A Walker’s Guide to Kirkby Stephen – Exploring the Upper Eden trail crossroads, Loki Stone, and Poetry Path.
Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm – Essential tips for visiting the storybook 17th-century Near Sawrey farmhouse.
A Visitor’s Guide to Hawkshead – 21 best things to see and do in the Lake District’s historic car-free village.
The Appleby Horse Fair Guide – A practical visitor and photographer’s guide to the historic June gathering.