Nearby Walks
Walkers and cyclists are spoilt for choice in this area.
Keen hikers can enjoy the demanding Helvellyn, the Lakeland’s highest mountain, from the lower tip of the lake at Glenridding, or enjoy a guided walk.
You can also make the short drive to Aira Force from here and see the waterfalls in ancient woodland and landscaped gardens.
With Keswick just 11 miles away and Penrith 7 miles, this cottage is ideally situated to explore this resplendent area and take in all it has to offer, including birdwatching and wildlife.
At the end of the day this superb cottage awaits to welcome you back, making this an ideal spot to enjoy and explore this special area in all seasons.
Aira Force
A stones throw from the cottage, this National Trust site is a must see when in the Lakes. Although very busy in peak season, there are ample car parks. As well as the 65-foot falls threre are a network of trails that weave their way from Ullswater lakeshore to the summit of Gowbarrow Fell.
Blencathra
Way north in the Lake District is Blencathra: a mountain also known as Saddleback, with six peaks, the highest being Hallsfell Top at 868m.
Starting from Scales in Keswick, the entire hike to the grassy top will take roughly four hours. This is another good walk for sunny (or at least clear) days, as a misty sky will disrupt the stunning views from Hallsfell.
Grasmere & Helm Crag
Grasmere may be one of the Lake District’s smaller lakes, but it’s equally as stunning as the rest, as is the village itself.
So, head from Grasmere village towards Helm’s Crag. It’s a well-trodden path to this low peak, which takes roughly three hours, but has spectacular views over the village and, unlike some of the others on this list, has an easy descent. Phew!
Once you’re finished walking, Grasmere has plenty of cute pubs and things to see, including the lovely Dove Cottage, the former home of famed poet William Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808.
Helvellyn
Helvellyn via Thirlmere
Starting at Swirls Car Park in Thirlmere, you’re looking at one of the most straightforward hikes to the top of Helvellyn. At 950m tall, Helvellyn’s a steep slope to climb, so you’ll need appropriate walking gear, and may want to stop for rests as you ascend. Once on top, the scenery is spectacular, though going during pleasant weather is ideal, so your rewarding view isn’t obscured.
Helvellyn and Striding Edge
Another Helvellyn climb, though this one’s certainly not for the fainthearted. It’ll take around four to five hours, depending.
Begin your trek at Glenridding village near Ullswater, and make sure you’re well fed, watered and rested before you take off. Striding Edge is steep, and may well involve a little bit of scrambling. You’ll know it’s worth it when you reach the top.
Hallin Fell
A stunning hill with epic views of Ullswater. Park your car and start your walk at St Peter’s Church in Martindale, which was built in the 1880s. You can walk back the same way, which is handy when visibility’s not ideal.
It’s a short walk, with a few narrow roads and possibly slippy grass slopes, but very easy and ideal for all walking abilities. There'll be the odd wooden bench dotted around too, for taking in the view and resting if necessary.
Ullswater Lake 4 miles
Pooley Bridge 5 miles
Dalemain Country House and Gardens 5 miles
Penrith 6 miles
Rheged Visitor Centre 5 miles
Glenridding & Steamers 9 miles
Keswick 11 miles