YHA hopping in The Lake District - YHA Hawkshead to Windermere Station

(S) Leave YHA Hawkshead and turn left (North-West) up the road to Howe Farm. Esthwaite Water should be visible to the right. Go left, up to the farm and bear right (North-West) across the fields to Roger Ground.

(1) At the road junction bear right (North-East) down the hill then left (North-West) onto a track heading over to the church at Hawkshead. Bear right at a gate to reach St Michael and All Angels Church. Drop down to the right of the church to reach the Old School House (William Wordsworth's school).

Turn left into the village (Main Street) and give yourself time to explore. There's plenty to see in Hawkshead but don't forget to visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery and the National Trust shop.

(2) Leaving Hawkshead by the side of the Red Lion pub (signposted Public Footpath to Latterbarrow and Claife Heights) walk along the tarmacked path to reach the B5285 road. Go straight across and follow the path (signposted Public Footpath Wray Castle and Ambleside).

The path goes across fields to reach Scar House Lane. Keep straight on until you reach Loanthwaite Lane.

(3) Here, turn right (North-East) and follow the winding road up to a crossroads. Turn left and then right (East) through a gate to start the ascent to Latterbarrow. Once into the woods, there is a fork in the path. The left hand path goes straight up to the summit but it is preferable to take the right hand path along the dry stone wall for about 300 yards until the path turns left to head up to the obelisk at the top of Latterbarrow (245 m above sea level).

(4) After taking in the 360º views from the top of Latterbarrow head off South-East into the woods and pick up the path that leads down to a disused quarry. Here, be careful not to get confused with all the forest tracks. The route leads South to another forest track. Turn left and then right at the guideposts (Long Height) heading South until you reach a crossroads.

(5) Here, turn right through the Hollin Band Plantation. When you come out of the forest, Highs Moss Tarn should be on your left and further along the track Wise Een Tarn. Keep on this track passing Moss Eccles Tarn until you reach a track that joins from the right.

Turn left (East) and follow the track to another fork, this time taking the right-hand track down to Near Sawrey. This is where Beatrix Potter's House is if you want to visit the National Trust property Hill Top.

(6) Turn left (East) along the B5285 road for about 100 yards then take the footpath off to the right (South-East). At Town End turn right along the road then left to pick up a footpath behind the church that will take you down to the main road again (B5285). Follow the road until you reach the path going up to the Claife Viewing Station (from the carpark).

(7) From the Claife Viewing Station, drop down to the other side to reach the Windermere Ferry landing stage. Put your feet up on the crossing on the ferry but enjoy the views from this peculiar perspective.

(8) Once on dry land again, head up the road and take the footpath off to the left heading to the camping and caravan site. Cross the road and keep straight on to meet up with the A592 next to the Tourist Information office in Bowness near the ferries and jetties. From here, follow the A 5074 through Windermere to reach Windermere Train station. (E)

This route goes through this busy village, passes Beatrix Potter's House (Hill Top) and finishes in possibly the busiest village in The Lakes (Windermere) so you won't be short of places to eat, drink or buy souvenirs.

Ferry : The ferry trip across Windermere is a short cut but also a quirky addition to the walk. "The Ferry crossing normally takes 10 minutes including loading, safety checks and the journey across the lake." For tickets and contact 01539 713066 or see on the website : https://cumbria.gov.uk/roads-transport/h...

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".

This is a gentle route so take time to enjoy the scenery around you and explore Hawkshead and Hill Top. The ferry trip across Windermere is a short cut but also a quirky addition to the walk. Don't rush it, there is time enough and there are some fantastic views to be appreciated. Look around and take in the beauty that is The Lake District. Take care of yourself and look out for wildlife along the way. Just enjoy the journey and make the most of the moment.