Walking and exploring in the Lake District

Walking in the Lake District

We are ideally situated as a base for your fell walking anywhere in the Lake District but especially for walks in the Ullswater, Borrowdale and Keswick mountains. Of course there are many enjoyable low level and easier walks and some that include a ride on the Ullswater Steamers. We are happy to advise on where to go.

The Stagecoach 108 bus route also has a linked series of walks which you can download here 

Some useful safety information and other interesting  stuff on the local Patterdale Mountain Rescue site.

Historic houses and gardens in north Cumbria and the Lake District

There are many historic houses in the area also a number of Pele Towers built to resist the Scots invaders  in the grim times of Edward 1st. Here is information and links to some local historic houses and gardens that you may wish to visit.

Lowther Castle

There are no keep off the grass rules here.  Lowther is a magical place for discovery and letting imaginations loose.  Magnificent Castle and Gardens that have been hidden away for 70 years.

Dalemain

Enjoy a trip through four centuries of house architecture. A mediaeval, Tudor and early Georgian house and Lake District gardens that has been home to the same family since 1679. For the past eight years, Dalemain has hosted The World’s Original Marmalade Awards & Festival as the venue for a competition founded by Jane Hasell-McCosh.

Askham Hall

Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of Askham Hall with views of the River Lowther, visit the animals and enjoy  our lovely café for morning coffee, a light lunch or afternoon tea. You can relax in front of our log burning stove or enjoy the sunshine in our secluded garden. During spring and summer (peak times only) you can enjoy a pizza from our wood-fired oven and our homemade ice creams.

Bougham Castle

In a picturesque setting beside the crossing of the River Eamont in Cumbria, Brougham Castle was founded in the early 13th century. This great keep largely survives, amid many later buildings – including the unusual double gatehouse and impressive ‘Tower of League’. Both a formidable barrier against Scots invaders and a prestigious residence, the castle welcomed Edward I in 1300. A complex of passages and spiral stairways makes Brougham a fascinating castle to explore, as well as an ideal picnic setting for a family day out.

Penrith Castle

PenrithCastle was begun at the end of the 14th century by Ralph Neville, who played a key role in defending this area against the Scots. It was later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester (subsequently Richard III). Surviving to their full height, the castle walls stand in a public park.

Outdoor & Indoor Activities in North Cumbria and the Lake District

As you would expect in the Lake District, there are many opportunities to enjoy both the great outdoors and the great indoors at all levels from novice to seasoned expert. Here are a few links to help you plan your visit.

  • Climbing walls
    to be found at The Penrith Leisure centre  and Keswick Climbing Wall 
  • Swimming
    There are outdoor swimming pools in the summer at Greystoke and Askham and indoor pools at Penrith and Keswick Leisure Centres
  • Rock climbing and scrambling
    There are local instructors and guides available to give tuition at all levels in rock climbing as well as led fellwalking and classic mountaineering routes. For the experienced climber we are uniquely placed to give easy access to the many crags of both the Ullswater and Borrowdale valeys.
  • Fell walking
    The High Street and Helvellyn range give excellent walking in both summer and winter conditions giving a range of high level demanding expeditions as well as  low level walks suitable for all the family. Try taking the lake steamer to combine a beautiful boat trip and good rough and rocky walk from Howtown back to Glenridding.
  • Sailing & Boat Hire
    On Ullswater the Glenridding Sailing Centre has boats to hire as well as running RYA sailing courses. Most of the other lakes also have sailing schools on their shores
    Lakeland Boat Hire Motor boat, rowing boats and canadian canoes for hire
    St Patrick’s Boat Landing Glenridding. Self-drive motor boats, Self-drive fishing boats, Rowing boats and mountain bike hire
  • Pony Trekking

Rookin House Activity Centre

Parkfoot Pony Trekking

Outdoor Instructors

reach-beyond-adventure-logo

Here are some web links to some local activity guides which will be happy to provide instruction in a variety of activities.
Reach Beyond Adventure for outdoor adventure, bushcraft, challenge events and team building.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/KxKvntM7aho?feature=player_detailpage

View full video in YouTube

Holiday activities from Reach Beyond Adventure
Reach Beyond Adventure offer these activities:
Ullswater adventure day
An exciting day out on the lake by canoe with our abseiling & cliff jumping mini-adventures
Rock climbing
Get outdoors on real Lake District rock with our climbing & abseiling adventure
Ghyll scramblingThe ultimate rock & water adventure exploring the cascades & waterfalls in a mountain river
Archery
Unleash your inner archer. Learn the skills to hit the target & go for gold!
Canoeing
Take to the water exploring the lake, beaches & islands by canoe
Sunset canoe & BBQ
Canoe across the lake and enjoy some alfresco cooking on the lake shore
Bushcraft adventure
A fun day exploring the woods including firelighting, shelter building and camp cooking
Suitable for children, adults & families. Children under 8 must be accompanied. Private bookings also available for individuals, families & groups.

Children’s activities

There are many indoor and outdoor facilities close by to keep the younger ones occupied, here are a few.

  • Go Ape
  • Abotts Ice cream centre
  • Swimming
    There are outdoor swimming pools in the summer at Greystoke and Askham and indoor pools at Penrith and Keswick Leisure Centres
  • Lake District Wildlife Park. Wander around ther beautiful 24 acre parkland and see over 100 species. The magical Bird of Prey flying displays have been a regular feature since the park opened and we have gathered an eclectic mix of over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra.
  • Rheged Centre has an indoor soft play, outdoor play and a Create pottery painting workshop, not to mention the largest 3d cinema screen around! The new Gallery on the top floor has a changing programme of art, photography and craft exhibitions and during every school holiday, we host a programme of children’s events from mad science shows and family theatre to craft and dance workshops Rheged is  close to Motherby House. An international award winning day out, Rheged is Europe’s largest grass covered building, designed to resemble a Lakeland hill.