Fancy getting some fresh air whilst exploring some typical rolling English scenery? The Lake District is the perfect place to climb the fells and enjoy the views you’d expect from the English countryside in the UK. You can explore the area on your own, however to get a real feel for the trekking routes then why not join a trekking tour? Experience guided walks through marked routes and the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy a trip to the lake district on a trekking tour.
How to plan your trip
Before you start your trekking adventure you need to plan your trip. What route will you take, how long you want to trek for and what you should bring with you are all questions you need to ask yourself in the beginning. Depending on your ability there are various routes you can take. Before booking your guided trek, you can check with your tour operator, Mickeldore for example, to find out which route would be best for you.
Your tour operator will also supply you with route information, local services information, an essential packing guide and maps covering the whole route.
What should you wear and bring with you?
As you may know, the weather in the UK is changeable and, in the lakes, you never really know how the day will be. So, you need to be prepared when it comes to what you are wearing and what you bring with you. Some of the essentials are listed below.
- Both insulating and breathable layers are essential for not only the changing weather but for heating and cooling between walks and breaks.
- Comfortable light weight trousers that dry easily. Plus, waterproof over-trousers too.
- A hat and a pair of gloves because even in summer it can get cold at night or when you are caught in the wind at the top of the hills.
- Walking boots are probably the most important part of kit you need to bring with you. Boots opposed to shoes are preferred as they give you proper ankle protection. Wear your boots in before you take your trek, and check the tread is right for the conditions at the time of year.
- Walking socks will protect your feet when walking for a long period. They should be breathable to keep you both warm and comfortable.
- Walking poles are great for people who need help with their joints as they reduce stress on knees and the back.
- A first aid is essential when you are travelling to remote areas and a basic knowledge of first aid is an advantage.
What routes can you choose from?
Whether you only have a few days or want to spend a whole week trekking there is a route to suit you. The great things about the Lake district is whatever area you choose you are certain to see some amazing landscapes and witness some incredible views. Here are a few examples of where to
Cumbria Way – Ulverston to Caldbeck
You can complete this trek within 4 to 6 days depending on how many miles you can or want to cover each day. If you are used to trekking long distances of around 15 miles per day then the shorter trip should be fine. If you want to slow down the pace, then choose the longer option.
Start this trek in Ulverston in the south then follow the Cumbria path through the lakes finishing in Caldbeck in the north. You’ll walk to and stay at the villages of Coniston, Langdale and Keswick along the route. Highlights include the high crags of the Langdale Pikes and Bowfell, and the pools and waterfalls of the valley of Langstrath. Because you are trekking from village to village you get to stay in comfortable country inns and hotels along the way. You need to be relatively fit to undertake this walk as the days are longer even if you take the slower option.
The North Lakes -Pooley Bridge to Borrowdale
If you are short of time, then this is the perfect way to explore three lakes in the northern part of the Lake District. You will experience the variety of the lakes landscapes and stay in some of the prettiest villages in the area. On the first day make your way from Pooley Bridge to Patterdale, taking in some excellent views of the lake and Helvellyn.
The second day is a trek to St Johns in the Vale. Walk along the Sticks Pass and enjoy views of Thirlmere, Bassenthwaite, Ullswater, Skiddaw and Blencathra at various points during the day. Lastly make your way from St Johns in the Vale and pass through along Ullscarf ridge to Watendlath and on to the lovely valley of Borrowdale where you finish your journey. Again, you will stay in village inns and hotels along the way to make your journey more comfortable.
Tour of the Lake District
This is the big one that gives you a real tour of the best of the Lake District. It is a circular route covering 93 miles which usually starts in the popular lake district town of Windermere. Due to the length of this trek, the whole journey will take between 9 and 10 days. The route includes stops in the villages of Ambleside, Coniston, Boot, Wasdale Head, Buttermere, Keswick, Rosthwaite, Grasmere and Patterdale. As you can see, you’ll get a great overall view of this fantastic area.
Highlights of this trek include seeing the secluded Wasdale Head in the shadow of England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike. Exploring the remote valleys of Eskdale, Ennerdale and staying in some tourist hotspots such as Keswick and Coniston. Typical accommodation includes hotels, farmhouses, village inns, guest houses and family B&Bs. You will get to sample a full English breakfast on more than one occasion too. This tour is the best option to see everything the Lake District has to offer, if you have the time of course.
What else do you need to know?
Don’t worry about having to carry the whole amount of luggage around, your operator can transfer your luggage from each overnight stop to the next. That way, you’ll only have to carry a day sack with the essentials for each day trek. Some tour companies may even provide you with packed lunches for each day, so you don’t have to worry about supplies during your days trek. When you start thinking about evening meals you shouldn’t worry. Most accommodation is within walking distance to a pub or restaurant, or the place you are staying may offer a food service. You’ll never go hungry.
How long will you spend trekking in the Lake District?
So, there are three examples of amazing treks you can take part in no matter how much time you have to spare. Whether you have a long weekend or a couple of weeks you can see the best this area has to offer and enjoy some fresh air and exercise too. Which route would you choose on your next trekking adventure in the lake district?
