Archives: Activities

One of the most popular reasons people visit Cumbria is famed children’s author Beatrix Potter, who, using her beautiful surroundings as inspiration, wrote many wonderful stories about the whimsical animal characters in and around her home.

The World of Beatrix Potter attraction is located in the Lake District, at the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, sharing its home with the Old Laundry Theatre and offers a fantastic day out for the whole family.

When you first arrive, enjoy a short film introducing you to the author and her wonderful stories. Before being invited to explore the rest of the attraction and see some of the most famous characters in children’s literature brought to life.

Jemima Puddle Duck and Mr Tod

Watch 3D scenes from Beatrix Potter’s stories, complete with sounds, smells and lighting that make you feel as if you’ve hopped inside Jemima Puddle Duck’s woodland and traveled through the trees to see Mr Tod and stumble on The Tale of Pigling Bland.

The Peter Rabbit Garden

Probably the most famous of all Potter’s characters, Peter Rabbit’s garden has been designed to capture the essence of her world. Look out for lettuce, gooseberry bushes many other clever details which have been taken straight from her stories.

Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s Kitchen

Head in from the garden and follow the adventure of mischievous Squirrel Nutkin before popping in to see Mrs Tiggy-Winkle in her kitchen.

Mr Jeremy Fisher’s Boat

Give Johnny Town-House a wave and pass many other beloved characters on the way to see Mr Jeremy Fisher, who’s waiting for you on his lily-pad boat.

Virtual Walk

The Virtual Walk is your chance to experience just why Beatrix Potter loved the Lake District so much. Computerised imagery gives you the chance to explore some of her most loved sites as if you’re really experiencing them. This area is also your chance to follow a timeline of her life and find out more about the writer behind the characters.

Mr McGregor’s Greenhouses

Step into Mr McGregor’s greenhouse. Look out for what’s lurking in the shed and take in the smell of fresh tomatoes. There is also another chance to head back out into the garden and hear more about the tales of Peter and Benjamin.

Stop at the Shop

From small trinkets to larger gifts there’s the chance to pick up something special to remember your trip by.

Holehird Gardens is a beautiful 10-acre space at the heart of Windermere in the Lake District and a wonderful chance to spot plenty of flora and fauna – with many plants selected specifically because of the stunning surrounding scenery.

Holehird Gardens is the home of the Lakeland Horticultural Society, who have been dedicated to restoring the natural beauty of the Lake District since 1969 and offers plenty of gardens to explore, from rock and heather to alpine and a beautiful and award winning walled space.

Explore at your leisure or why not book a free guided tour of the grounds, perfect for small parties and taking place every Wednesday morning from May to September. Where you will see many passionate gardeners at work and as you’re not far from central Windermere, there’s plenty to do for all the family.

The Lakeland Horticultural Society holds four National Collections at Holehird – Astilbe, Daboecia, Meconopsis and Polystichum. A status granted by Plant Heritage, a cultivated plant conservation charity which aims to protect the diversity of garden plants available in the UK.  Plant Heritage was established in 1978 when it was realised that many wild spaces were disappearing as fashions changed and the ability to propagate older varieties was lost. The Society also holds a Lakeland Collection of Hydrangea.

Holehird Gardens is on the doorstep of many of our Cumbrian holiday cottages and the perfect spot for whiling away a tranquil afternoon.

The smallest of three fells in the area, Wansfell Pike makes for a wonderful hike for lovers of Cumbrian countryside and the natural beauty it offers.

Wansfell Pike is relatively small but surrounded by deep valleys and neighbouring peaks that offer unrestricted views of the Lake District.

This is a six-mile route and it is recommended that you allow 4-5 hours to enjoy it fully. Please note that there are narrow lanes and steeply pitched paths to navigate, as well as hill tracks, bridleways and valley roads.

The Route

Start at the centre of Ambleside and travel down Stockghyll Lane which climbs sharply uphill. Pass the college entrance and continue east to find the footpath, approximately 250m along. Follow the pitched trail which will take you steeply south-east, to the summit rocks of Wansfell Pike. Just before you reach the top you will have to traverse some rocky ground, which you can either tackle head on or take to a route on the left or right.

Here you will be rewarded with wonderful views across the area and a chance to enjoy some truly unrestricted panoramas of the valleys surrounding the pile. On your descent, head east and wind down across open slopes before reaching a wall where the path splits. Keep left for 150 metres before reaching another wall and bend. This is Nanny Lane and you should follow it directly all the way down to Troutbeck.

Once you reach Troutbeck you can turn right onto the road and follow it south to the centre of the village. The return leg begins once you pass Troutbeck Post Office and head along Robin Lane. There is a little bit of a climb, but once you reach around 600m the gradient settles and you can remain in the same lane, turning north-west as it reaches a junction. Enjoy a pleasant descent down to Hol Beck, which is easily crossed, followed by another short climb.

Next, head to High Skelghyll. The marker of your final descent down to Ambleside and follow the path north-west through Skelghyll Woods and out on to Old Lake Road. This is a popular cycling route, so make sure to be mindful and once you reach the lane. Which leads north to the A591, where you can reach the heart of Ambleside.

Recommended For …

This is a moderately difficult walk which combines a few tricky trails and steep slopes. More experienced hikers and dogs should have no trouble following the route to Wansfell Pike, which is easily accessible from our Lake District holiday cottages.

Orrest Head was first made most famous because of the impact it had on renowned Lake District chronicler and walker Alfred Wainwright.

In his early 20’s, Wainwright visited the Lake District and it was the viewpoint of Orrest Head which captured his interest. This route follows in his footsteps and covers just 2.7 miles, for a short yet satisfying exploration of the stunning local scenery.

There are some stiles to be navigates, but most hikers and dogs should have no trouble accessing this trail.

The Route

The walk to Orrest Head begins just opposite Windermere railway station. From here you can see the prominent sign which points upwards along a private road. Take the lane and keep to the tarmac throughout, following twists and turns until you reach the upper heights. Expect hairpins all the way up through Elleray Woods and once you reach the smithy, the route will end. The buildings then bear right and you should follow the roughened path taking you up through the trees. Where you’ll reach a wall barring the way – your sign to turn right and follow a leveller, more complete path. Turn left through the gateway featuring Heywood memorial stones and climb the steps up to the viewpoint.

At the top, you will see a slate Wainwright diorama which outlines all of the fells you can spot and on the way back, you can return along an extended route. Continuing vaguely northwards through the bracken. Bear slightly right and descend to a signpost set alongside a stone stile. Here, the path splits and you should cross the stile and descend gently through some of the most striking scenery the area has to offer. There is a gentle trail through the fields until you come to a minor road, near Causeway Farm.

Turn left and then bear left at 0.75km, which leads you towards the A592 and through an iron gateway into pretty parkland. There is a track to follow here, footbridge to cross and wonderful sights and smells to take in. Before climbing up the steps to a narrow lane which sits above a collection of houses. As you follow the lane, you will reach the original tarmac trail, which, if you bear right, takes you back to Windermere station.

Recommended For …

This is a truly classic route which anybody who loves the work of Wainwright will want to experience – exactly the way he experienced the trail. It isn’t made up of too many steep slopes, so should be enjoyable for all and can be easily accessed from our collection of Lake District holiday cottages.

Loughrigg Fell should be enjoyed by anyone visiting Windermere or Ambleside. It’s easily accessible path to the top, although once you get started it is surprisingly mountainous. This route takes you from Rydal Water up the fell and is a 4-mile route. It is suitable for dogs as long as you remember to bring along the fresh water for them to drink in drier periods and some experience of map reading is essential to truly enjoy this walk.

The Route

Begin at the car park at Pelter Bridge just outside of Rydal, turning left and continuing straight along the road. It soon turns into an old bridleway and enters into parkland known as Jobson Close. Once you reach this point bear left onto the higher path and follow this path around until it becomes a rough track, Stay along the rough track, although there are caves worth stopping and visiting too. You will soon find a junction near a ruined building where you should turn left and remain on the signposted bridleway, named Loughrigg Terrace. From here you will see fantastic views over Grasmere and also over Rydal Water.

Once you reach the end of Loughrigg Terrace just before reaching the woods take a sharp left onto a steeply uphill path, featuring built-in steps. The steps are steep but they soon become gentler and you will see several false summits before eventually reaching the top. Traverse over the rocky summit and soon you will join a grassy path, where you should head south-east. The path will take you through a shallow gorge where there are a number of cairns to see too. When you reach a wall to your right and a maze of small paths and junctions you need to turn left a little and find east. It’s recommended you use the head of Fox Ghyll, a well-known clump of conifers on the corner between the ghyll and bridleway as a focus point. Eventually, drop down into the ghyll and follow the path down to the road. You will see a house at the bottom but before you get there cross the bridge over to the left and walk through the kissing gate. One muddy path and one more kissing gate will bring you back onto the road and one left turn from Pelter Bridge.

Recommended For

This route does have some steeper moments but it really is enjoyable to all. It’s suitable for experienced and new walkers looking to enjoy striking views over Rydal Water and Grassmere.

Whinlatter Forest boasts the interesting position as the only true mountain forest in the whole of the UK. It is managed by the Forestry Commission who ensure there are always events to enjoy as well as plenty of rarely explored woodland to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Whinlatter Forest offers a fantastic day out with most tourists beginning at the Visitor Centre. Walking trails take you throughout the forest, with something to suit people of all abilities and there are plentiful opportunities to take in wonderful views such as points where you can look out across both Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake, or even up to Skiddaw. The Whinlatter Forest visitor centre is home to the Lake District Osprey Project so there is the chance to watch the live webcam of osprey in the nest.

A Must for Mountain Bikers

Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain biking trails in the whole of the Lake District. Bikers won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy these fantastically structured trails designed to show off the scenery and pose a great challenge. Whinlatter is home to both the Altura and Quercus bike trails. The Altura Trail takes you up high and gives you the chance to look down across the area. The Quercus Trail is suitable for intermediate mountain bikers and offers a choice of 7.5km or 3.5km routes, there are climbs and twists but it is considered a less challenging route than the Altura Trail.

Fun Attractions for the Family

Enjoy locally sourced produce at the shop next to the visitor centre and head out amongst the trees for fun for the whole family. The Gruffalo Spotter app is a fantastic download from the Forestry Commission and as you enjoy the woods with younger family members they can look out for their favourite characters from Julia Donaldson’s award-winning classic.

The Whinlatter WildPlay trail is designed for children of all ages with nine individual play areas which take them up through the trees, along climbing walls, into water features and beyond. For older travellers, there is also the Go-Ape tree top course, which has both straightforward and challenging routes to take.

The Forestry Commission are great for offering events throughout the year to keep visitors of all ages satisfied so it is worth checking out their website regularly for any special happenings in Whinlatter Forest.

Not far from Keswick, Whinlatter Forest is easily accessible and has a large car park for your convenience.

For the most spectacular views of the lake and a pleasant shoreline stroll, this route will not disappoint.

The summit is a wonderful vantage point for panoramic views across the local area and experiencing just how breath-taking the surrounding scenery can be.

This trail takes you 4.5 miles from Walla Crag to Ashness Bridge and Derwentwater and requires around two hours. Rest assured, your four legged companion can come along, too.

The Route

You begin this walk at the car park at Great Wood and take a small path passing picnic tables to the left corner. Head down this trail which rises through the woods and crosses over some small streams until the scenery turns to fields and you can enjoy views of Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake and towering Skiddaw.

You will then reach a t-junction which is signposted for Castlerigg and Walla Crag. Follow the right path and cross a wooden footbridge. Before following the track up to a level tarmacked lane. At the fork just beyond Rakefoot Farm, bear right until you come to another footbridge and cross the beck.

Head down the track alongside Brockle Path (the greener of the two), keeping your eye on an isolated tree ahead. Here, bear left towards the summit of Walla Crag as soon as you see it. When you come to a wall cross at the stile and bear left towards the summit. You will spot a rocky platform come into view and stunning views across the landscape.

Look out over Derwentwater and further afield and, when you decide it’s time to stroll home, head back down to the top of Lady’s Rake, where you can cross back over the wall. Retrace your steps until reaching a stile, where you can turn left rather than right and follow the streams of Cat Gill, taking in the recognisable buildings of Ashness Farm.

As you approach Ashness, you will be greeted with fantastic views of Borrowdale and its marshlands. Before following the route back to Great Wood.

Recommended For …

This route is great for walkers of all ages and experiences, as well as canine companions who simply want to explore the wonderful sights Borrowdale, Walla Crag and Derwentwater have to offer and can be easily accessed from the doorsteps of our Lake District holiday cottages.

One of the most popular routes in the Lake District, this walk takes you to Skiddaw from Keswick and offers fantastic views of the surrounding scenery at every juncture.

You will reach 931 metres at the summit and it’s a 10-mile route in total – so worthy of a full day out. Plus you have the added bonus of returning to Keswick where there are plenty of places to refuel.

The Route

Begin by following Victoria Street from the centre of Keswick, in the direction of Windermere. Then head to the nearby War Memorial, taking a left then right turn after it onto Station Road. Walk past Fitz Park and then cross the bridge at the YHA hostel before continuing past Keswick’s Museum and Art Gallery, as far as the leisure pool. Head out of the car park to the back, crossing the mini roundabout and then follow the steps up to the footpath which runs behind a hedge and along the road.

Cross over a side trail and stay on the same footpath until it disappears. Here, the hill you can see to your left is Latrigg. Head in that direction for 200 yards before turning off to the bridle path which is signposted “Skiddaw 4 miles”. Follow Spooney Green Lane over the A66 via footbridge and up a steep hill. Keep left when the path forks and head towards Mallen Dodd – through the gate and alongside the conifer plantation which is fenced. You then follow the path up and round a car park, where you can choose to start if looking for a shorter stroll.

Walk to the top of the car park and ahead you’ll see Blencathra. Turn left and head towards the kissing gate, then continue through another gate beyond this. You will soon pass the Hawell Memorial (a stone cross) and then follow the fence line which leads to a widened gravel path and on to the mountain.

You will then pass through a further gate which leads to a zigzag path and the steepest section of the walk. Where you can spot the Little Man peak ahead. Turn right just before approaching its summit and head through a final gate to follow the gentle incline up to Skiddaw. Once you reach the end of this ramble, climb up to a cairn and admire the panoramic views beyond. En route home, simply retrace the trail back to Keswick.

Recommended For …

This is a relatively long but gentle stroll and there are very few hazards or difficult terrain along the way. It could easily be enjoyed by walkers of all ages and experiences and the route is perfectly ok for four legged friends.

This route from Keswick to Skiddaw offers some of the most stunning views of the Cumbrian countryside and is just a short jaunt from our collection of Lake District holiday cottages. 

Sharp, steep and sweet, Catbells fell walk in Keswick is a very rewarding climb which offers exceptional views of the surrounding Lake District.

At just 3.7 miles, the route is relatively short, but can be completed over several hours – or within two, if you prefer.

There are some minor ‘scramble’ sections, but nothing too taxing and you’ll find gentler paths to either side as an alternative, too.

The Route

Park your car at Hawse End and follow the posts signed “Catbells 1 mile”. This will take you along a narrow path which climbs up the hillside and round to the north ridge of the fell. Bear right onto the zigzagged trail which leads across the front of the ridge. Here you’ll find your first scramble, near the memorial stone. Before heading over Skelgill Bank, where the steep climb begins and you will find awkward bends and overhanging rock, which may require a little climbing dependent on your height.

As you near the top, you’ll find a range of paths ahead. But if you take the trail to the right, you will follow the easiest ascent to the top. Once you’ve reached the summit, you can continue to the Hause Gate Col, where you’ll find four further routes. If you take a left turn, you will drop down a steep set of engineered hillside steps and stroll over a knoll and bridleway before taking another left turn.

Here you will find yourself on a wide track which travels above the road and heads towards the north ridge of Catbells. Once you pass this point and reach the tarmac, you then simply need to turn left and then left again and you’ll find yourself back at the Hawse End car park.

Recommended For …

This is a gentle route from Keswick to Catbells with some scrambling and great walk for exploring the sights and sounds of the area with your canine companion in tow – offering easy access by car from our collection of Lake District cottages.

The sheer scale of Blencathra is absoltley awe-inspiring and this route (which takes you through Hall’s Fell Ridge) allows you to access the very top of the Threlkeld peak – offering panoramic views of the surrounding Lake District.

This is a trail for experienced walkers and those who are ready for a challenge. There are difficult sections, so it is important to be vigilant and keep safety front of mind at all times.

It’s is a 8.5km route, but with some tricky slopes and advanced hiking and climbing experience is recommended.

The Route

The route begins in the pretty village of Threlkeld, which is an ideal place to park. Bear right onto the grass behind the ‘honesty box’ and the area quickly narrow to a small path, which sits between a low wall and Kilnhow Beck. Follow the beck above the ravine and across a footbridge and then climb the wall ahead to the right. Here, you’ll come to a gate. Head through it and stop and look to your left, as you’ll see a hillside at approximately 10 o’clock. Complete with two paths which mark your route back down after reaching the fell.

Turn right by the sheep pens and pass through a second gate, where you’ll see a sign for Gate Ghyll. You can then handrail the wall until you cross a field and over the stile to Blencathra kennels.

Next, you need to cross the gill and bear left onto a rough path with bracken to traverse along the hillside. This is where the path begins to require some scrambling experience, as you zigzag up the hillside to the ridge. Where you will pass several climbing areas and need to be careful with your footwork to avoid sheer drops. There are bypass paths to your left-hand side should you need to use them, but it is important to be mindful of loose slate scree which can be dangerous.

One you reach Hall’s Fell Top you have found the summit of Blencathra. Marked by a simple OS trig station, which is somewhat understated, but doesn’t detract from the exhilarating experience. From the top of the ridge you can turn left and simply follow the head of the hills to Knowe Crags and then onto Blease Fell.

As you continue along the wide gravel path, take the southwestern route and you’ll feel it drop into well-trodden zigzags, with splits marked out with a small cairn. Here, you should take the left path and enjoy a gentle meander down to a steep drop. Once you’ve passed this, you’ll encounter another path to your right and a faint cross-roads where you should turn left and head fell side on a gentle descent.

After 200 meter, bear left onto a path above the bracket, which will continue to descent until you meet a wall and path down to a kissing gate, where you turn left. You will then reach a gate at Kilnhow Beck and Blease Gill, making it easy to find your way back to Threlkeld.

Recommended For …

Experienced walkers and climbers. This route requires high levels of agility, scrambling skills and knowledge of sharp ridges and climbs. It is not recommended for dogs, unless they are equally as experienced as their owners.

This walk from Threlkeld to Blencathra is perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the Cumbrian countryside and can be easily accessed by car from the doorsteps of our Lake District holiday cottages.