Matterdale walks

A short and interesting walk to the top of Gowbarrow Fell via Aira Force. This is an out and return walk but uses paths on either side of Aira Beck to maintain interest and give different views of the waterfalls and cascades. It is useful for a short weather window if you want to stretch your legs and you get a couple of hours of dry weather between the rain. (A longer walk around the fell is also available here.)

This is a lovely circular walk with continued interest and some great views over Ullswater. You will take in the dramatic Aira Force and upper cascades, then climb to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell where there are great views. The descent is more gradual and passes the remains of an old shooting lodge before arriving at another great view point at Yew Crags. The return gives good views and the interesting Lyulph's Tower.

A lovely amble around the Southern Eastern shore of Ullswater with great views. An excellent family walk if combined with the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding.

An inevitable hike, to the most popular peak of the Lake District, Helwellyn. A hike made all the more pleasant by passing along two lakes: Red Tarn Lake and Grisedale Ran Lake.

This Lakeland walk includes two Wainwrights and although the distance walked is relatively short there is a steady steep climb up to the col between Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike. The views are excellent throughout and route finding is generally good with clear paths for most of the route. Choose a fine day to enjoy the views across Ullswater and to the Helvellyn ridge.

This is a short, low level walk that can fill a couple of hours. Good if you are short on time or if it has been raining most of the day and has cleared up in the late afternoon. Nice views over the lake and interesting scenery. (It is the sister walk to another which starts from Patterdale)

Sharp Edge is the highlight of this Lake District walk to Blencathra's highest point at Hallsfell Top. Sharp Edge is challenging mountain environment and needs treating with respect. The views from the Top are stunning covering most of the Lake District's highest fells.

This is a great circular walk, taking in some of the higher tops and with a descent via the tranquil and less frequented Dovedale.

A circular walk from Patterdale which ascends gradually to take in the great views from Angletarn Pikes and The Knott before passing over the Straits of Riggingdale to High Street and The Beacon at Thornwaite Crag. It then descends Threshwaite Cove to Hartsop and a return to Patterdale.

This is a short, low level walk that can fill a couple of hours. Good if you are short on time or if it has been raining most of the day and has cleared up in the late afternoon. Nice views over the lake and interesting scenery.

A lovely circular walk from Patterdale going to Silver Point. Gorgeous views on Ullswater lake and the surrounding summits. Dog friendly.

This is a companion route to Birks, St. Sunday, Cofa Pike, Fairfield, Hart Crag & return via Dovedale as it offers a safe way off the mountain should you need a plan B or if you want a walk with less ascent. It is still a great walk in its own right and the descent of Grisedale is a nice contrast to the ascent of St Sunday Crag.

A Lake District walk starting from Patterdale that includes Place Fell, Howtown, and Beda Fell in a circuit of Boredale. The scenic content of this route is excellent with Ullswater providing a contrast to the rugged fells all around you.

Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way are 3 Wainwrights, 1 tarn and 1 pub

The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. Funny how they were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way are 8 Wainwrights, 2 lakes, 1 tarn and 1 pub

This circular walk brings you along River Eamont before going up into the woodlands around Dunmallard Hill. On the way enjoy views of the countryside and over Ullswater loch.

A good climb up to Fairfield for all round views and a stretch for the legs

Circular route up to the Saddleback of Blencathra. The route follows some of the easier routes on this iconic fell; the still-considerable effort is rewarded with dramatic mountain views.

The broad ridge of Souther Fell gives excellent views of Blencathra and more distantly over the Vale of Eden to the North Pennines.

A virtually level farmland and mossland stroll through two pretty Lakeland hamlets with views of Carrock Fell and beyond.

A walk with the best views of both Southern and Northern Lakeland and Roman history.

This Lake District hike includes two Wainwrights and a famous Lakeland Pass so is never short of interest. The first part of the walk involves a steep ascent but this is not as bad as it looks. Once the summit of Hartsop Dodd is reached the going is relatively easy and straightforward. The second Wainwright of Stony Cove Pike is soon reached followed by the descent to Kirkstone Pass and Brothers Water.

A steady climb up to Angle Tarn from Hartsop via Boredale Hause followed by a stroll along a ridge with great views over to Helvellyn then up to Rest Dodd dropping down to Hayeswater and back to the car park.

Great walk to Carrock Fell. The path to the summit is very steep but short. A bit of scrambling to reach the summit.