15th May 2017
Best Outdoor Activities in the Lake District
Wide open spaces, stunning scenery, the UK’s highest peak and largest lakes are all waiting to be explored in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside.
From gentle jaunts to extreme sports, here are 7 of the best outdoor activities in Lake District to suit all ages and interests.
Guided Walks
Organised walks with experienced guides are available for all abilities. For beginners, you can enjoy a scenic picnic stroll. For the more experienced, tougher fell and peak walks can take up an entire day. While for families or less able family members, there are buggy and wheelchair friendly routes known as “miles without stiles”. No one is forgotten when it comes to walking in Lake District.
Watersports on Windermere
Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre on Lake Windermere offers everything from sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing to windsurfing, wake-boarding and boat hire. Open from April until the end of October, they also teach a range of training courses. While Coniston Water also has a water sports, biking and boating centre open most months of the year.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
The Lake District was designed for cycling; with its winding lanes and fabulous photo opportunities, you can spend as much or as little time in the saddle as you like. There are designated family friendly routes, or if you are a keen cyclist you can enter one of the many mountain biking events held regularly across the area. If you’re not bringing your own two wheels, there are hire shops to be found on every corner.
Segway Field and Forest Trails
Something for all but the very youngest family members, Segway hire is available from Cartmel Village and Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre and offers the opportunity to get out on two wheels and take to tracks and trails with a difference. They’re sure to provide some laughs and a whole new exploration experience.
Climbing and Scrambling
The Lakeland Climbing Centre in Kendal boasts the highest climbing wall in the UK and offers aerial activities for family members aged five upward. If you prefer taking to the heights in the great outdoors, try the Esk Buttress, Dow Crag or Gimmer.
Ghyll Scrambling
Similar to slope scrambling, this is all about jumping into cold pools and climbing up waterfalls before abseiling back down. Swimming gear and a spare set of warm clothing is a must, as no matter how careful you think you are – you’re going to get wet.
Family Activities
For more of a laid back day for all, a visit to Brockhole on Windermere will keep even the smallest family members happy – and the stunning gardens and meet the expert days are sure to keep mum and dad busy. Animal interaction areas offer the opportunity for little ones to meet and feed a farmyard of furry friends. While archery, treetop treks and a gift shop provide something for everyone to enjoy.
Feeling inspired to take on some of the best outdoor activities in the Lake District? Why not browse our collection of Cumbrian cottages and escape to somewhere special.