Your tips on the Lake District

We wanted your top tips for exploring the Lake District. From hidden corners and secret beauty spots to where to go for a refuelling pub lunch, here’s what you suggested...

3 mins

Peace and quiet

The view of Keswick and Lake Derwent from Latrigg, Cumbria (Shutterstock)

The view of Keswick and Lake Derwent from Latrigg, Cumbria (Shutterstock)

“The Longsleddale valley north-west of Kendal is my secret spot in the Lake District. September is the best time to  visit, with better weather and  fewer visitors.”

Maggie Wearmouth

“Crummock Water is a quiet but beautiful lake for boating and the nearby Scale Force is spectacular.”

- Andy Jacques

“Head north to Keswick and the relatively less-crowded lakes and valleys. Every Thursday and Saturday they have a lovely market in the centre.”

 

Angella Willis

To avoid crowds, go north. We always stay in the countryside at the top of Bassenthwaite and the walking up there is generally quieter and there are views of the mountains to the south. Beautiful and peaceful.

- Lynne Edmondson

Take in the views

Castlerigg stone circle (Shutterstock)

Castlerigg stone circle (Shutterstock)

”Rannerdale Knotts is one of my favourite places ever. It’s a bit of a steep climb but not for long, and when you do get to the top, wow! What a view! A saddleback stretches before you and it’s an easy walk from then on.”

Angela Mary Brace

“Head down to Ullswater and rather than visiting the busy Aira Force waterfalls, park up in Patterdale and walk across the fields towards Place Fell. Before you get to the steep path up the hill, take a left and walk along the lakeside to Silver Crag. You’ll catch amazing views of people sailing on the lake.”

- Olivia Edwards

“For a magical evening visit Castlerigg stone circle, near Keswick. Choose a warm evening, take a picnic and watch the sun go down.”

- Barbara Rayne

“Go to Claife Viewing Station on the west shore of Lake Windermere. The whole place looks like a small castle and when you go up to the viewing platform, the sun shines through the colourful glass, throwing beautiful beams of colour on the floor.”

- Caroline Butcher

Wasdale Head, Cumbria (Shutterstock)

Wasdale Head, Cumbria (Shutterstock)

Park in Glenridding and enjoy the village before taking a boat trip on Ullswater. Disembark at Howtown and walk the scenic trail that hugs the lake to Patterdale, where you will find the White Lion pub. Enjoy a cosy drink by the fire and a great meal to round off your day.”

- Susan Currie

“I would recommend the often over-looked west Lake District. Wasdale Head is accessed from the west coast and is a tranquil and picturesque lake surrounded by peaks. There is also a wonderful pub serving delicious food, which is well appreciated after a long day of walking.”

- Kathleen Friend

After a hard day on the hills, head along to The Dog and Gun pub in Keswick. The main attraction is the world-famous goulash; a large bowl of tender meat in a rich red sauce which is worth the trip to the Lakes on its own.

- Paul Brown

"Stay in Ambleside, best pubs, restaurants and cafes. Great after a long day of walking. In particular would recommend The White Lion and Golden Rule."

- Jayne Barratt

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