Outside of Stonehenge, the Lake District is one of the most spiritually valuable parts of the UK. This destination doesn’t have any ancient megalithic monuments, but it is home to spectacular scenery and a unique environment found nowhere else on Earth.
As you might expect, therefore, it is popular with hikers. Millions of people descend on the National Park’s 800 square miles every year to enjoy the unique scenery and peaceful environment.
But which are the best hikes in the Lake District? Let’s take a look.
The Langdale Pikes
One of the first places you’ll want to explore is the Langdale Pikes close to Grasmere. These stretch to the west of the historic village, encompassing some of the wildest parts of the national park.
The great thing about the Langdale Valley area is the spectacular views of the mountains. Just like other parts of the Lake District coming south from Thirlmere, it is a craggy area which has a different character from, say, the Windermere area or Skiddaw range. And because you are virtually in the geographic centre of the Lake District, you have more of a sense of being lost in the wilderness, able to see nothing but mountains all around.
The classic Langdale Pikes route is 12 km and will take around five hours to complete. Various hotels dot the route, making it a great place to stay.
The Old Man Of Coniston
If you’re staying in one of the Ambleside hotels, you might want to venture southwest to the small village of Coniston, near Coniston Water. Here, you’ll find a path leading up to the Old Man of Coniston, one of the highest peaks in the Lake District.
As you might imagine, the hike is quite difficult, and there is some steep terrain and rocky sections. However, it is only 10 km long and takes around 4 hours to complete on a good day. Just remember to check the weather at altitude before you travel. It can be quite different from on the ground.
Catbells
Catbells is a classic hike aimed at beginners. However, it is significantly more challenging than you might imagine because of a series of rock faces and scrambles.
Most people complete Catbells from car parks around the base of the mountain in about two hours. However, if you walk from Keswick along the marked bridleway, it will take significantly longer. You can try to park the car in Pontefract, but it can be hard to find a space.
Helvellyn
Finally, if you’re the sort of person who enjoys spectacular views, you might want to take on Helvellyn. The mountain is the second tallest in the Lake District but also has some unique features that make it special. Situated on Thirlmere’s eastern flank and west of Glenridding, it offers a combination of steep climbs, shallow passes and rocky sections. As you approach the summit, from the Glenridding side, you’ll encounter Red Tarn, one of the highest lakes in the country. This spectacular body of water is overshadowed by the mountain’s summit which is cauldron-like in shape, which you can also climb.
