This series will cover a range of UK-based trips that are relatively easy to take from London.
A getaway to ‘the lakes’ is synonymous with a fun-filled break, combining relaxing strolls and water activities with hikes and hearty food. Many countries have their own version of ‘the lakes’ and the UK is no exception.
The Lake District is a bit of a trek from London - about five hours’ drive and roughly the same via train with multiple changes - but so worth it when you arrive. Glittering, clear waters punctuated with mountain ranges; you’ll feel like you’re in another country, especially when compared with the concrete jungle of London.
The entire national park spans an area of 2,362 km², so you’ll need a few trips to see it all (or, you know, a sabbatical from work). I’ll keep adding to this list as I visit more and more areas.
Lake Windermere
Windermere
The largest natural lake in the national park - and country - and the first one I visited. We stayed in Bowness-on-Windermere, where we could take an easy 10-or-so-minute walk down to the waterside each day, passing a lovely cafe with an outdoor area. Which we sat in. In November. We cray. However, the heaters were warming, and the hospitality even warmer.
As it was off-peak season, we did many long walks rather than high octane activities. We walked down towards Parson Wyke, snapping photos as we went, and also caught a ferry to the other side of the water to explore the woodland paths between Claife Heights and Wray Castle.
Another attraction we visited, though located away from the lake, was The World of Beatrix Potter, a museum about the writer and her characters, with statues, recreations and a garden. I loved Peter Rabbit as a child, and the big kid in me and my friend loved the visit.
Windermere
Ullswater
Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay walk
The second largest lake in the Lake District is Ullswater, and this time, I visited in May - though you wouldn’t have known it given the need for jumpers, coats and even a wooly hat on one of the days! Walks are the name of the game here, with routes ranging from flat, chilled lake-side meanders to intense hikes with scrambling required. We did both.
Given the weather forecast, we made the most of the sun on our day of arrival and enjoyed the leisurely Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay walk. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Switzerland with the icy-blue water surrounded by various-sized mountains. It’s a nice, easy, short walk with plenty of pretty views and opportunities for skipping stones.
In comparision, the hike up Helvellyn was not easy or short, but it was nice! The third-highest mountain in the area, Helvellyn has multiple routes and we opted for one of the harder ones as a birthday challenge. Thankfully, we had many snack stops along the way to refuel and, of course, I had to stop to properly take in the gorgeous view around us… definitely just stopping for that, not as ruse for a little rest…
At the base of Helvellyn
We had every weather under the sun on that climb: dry with a little sun, pouring rain and even snow once we got to the top. I was absolutely spent by the time we got to around 200m from the bottom on our return trip and had to be bribed with the promise of cake and rum as not to just set up camp and sleep in the mountains. However, I am so happy we conquered it!
Bassenthwaite Lake
Halfway to Dodd Summit
During that same May stay, we also embarked on a hike through Dodd Wood to reach Dodd Summit, which lies on the right bank of Bassenthwaite Lake. The incline was less intense than Helvellyn - thankfully, given that I left the snacks in the car - but still a good few hours and rather rewarding. We did a spot of orienteering with our map and phone compass too. Unfortunately, due to the weather, we saw nothing but cloud once we reached the top, but nonetheless, snapped a photo at the summit sign. Between the woodland and the views on the way up though, I almost felt I was back in the Blue Mountains, just with different types of trees, and more layers of clothing on my body.
Check back for more updates to this piece as I visit more lakes in the area.