The 10 Best Free Things to do in Cumbria, England

April 6, 2022 Randal Brittian

Discover the best top things to do in Cumbria, United Kingdom including Catbells Lakeland Walk, Loughrigg Fell, Helvellyn, Orrest Head, Easedale Tarn, Ullswater Lake, Derwentwater, Old Man of Coniston, Lake Grasmere, Skiddaw.
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1. Catbells Lakeland Walk

Keswick England +44 1229 587232 http://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_26.html
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,648 reviews

Catbells Lakeland Walk

Reviewed By gburge - Basingstoke, United Kingdom

Who doesn’t visit Cat Bells when visiting Keswick or its surrounding villages. I lovely climb with a lovely view from Newlands or ascend via Little Town to Hause Gate and also visit Maiden Moor or even do a ridge route horse show and descend via Robinson’s for the more experienced walker.

2. Loughrigg Fell

Ambleside England
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 597 reviews

Loughrigg Fell

Reviewed By mgsnorwich - Norwich, United Kingdom

From Skelwith Bridge follow the footpath round Loughrigg Tarn to the Grasmere road and then take the footpath on the right to Loughrigg Terrace where you are rewarded with a panoramic view over Grasmere. There is a path down to the waterside but continue on the terrace down to the waterside path round Rydal Water. When you come to the road turn right and follow the road by the river until it turns sharply left at which point leave the road and climb up a steep path to the shoulder of Loughrigg whence the path goes all the way back down to Skelwith. The”Loughrigg Round” is an excellent half day’s walk.

3. Helvellyn

England
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 280 reviews

Helvellyn

This is England's 3rd highest mountain at 3,118 feet.

Reviewed By sjh1404 - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom

This was our first attempt at climbing this awe inspiring peak. We took the route from Glenridding with a planned figure of eight taking in Striding Edge, the Summit, Swirrals Edge and then skirting Red Tarn to return close to Patterdale and Lanty’s Tarn back to Glenridding. The weather was beautiful and the scenery unsurpassed. I must stress that Striding Edge is a challenge and should not be undertaken lightly. It is a climb where you will be looking for foot and handholds but so worth it. I am not a super fit experienced hiker so if I can manage it then most people can and the sense of achievement is a great incentive to keep going. There are plenty of other routes to the summit of this, the third highest peak in England, so it caters for all abilities. One hiker we met on the descent had undergone a double knee replacement and was putting us all to shame. Give this a go. Check the weather. Take plenty of water and wear the right footwear. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

4. Orrest Head

Windermere England http://www.lakeswalks.co.uk/walks/orrest_head_from_windermere
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,652 reviews

Orrest Head

Reviewed By catherineaW5938DI - Manchester, United Kingdom

Absolutely love this walk! It's a must for people who aren't as athletic and still want to experience the beauty and the views of the lakes, it's just a short walk from windermere and only takes you about 30 minutes to get the top! Which didn't take me long! absolutely breath taking views and a lovely pub just a short walk from it ????

5. Easedale Tarn

Easedale Lancrigg Car Park, Grasmere England
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 721 reviews

Easedale Tarn

Reviewed By katiemF7715XW - Crook, United Kingdom

This is a great walk up the side of Sour Milk Ghyll to Easedale Tarn, it is a beautiful peaceful place, the path takes you straight up to the tarn, it can be steep in places and when it has been raining it can be a bit boggy under foot

6. Ullswater Lake

England
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 370 reviews

Ullswater Lake

Reviewed By Ollieking82 - Cambridge, United Kingdom

Ullswater is one of the finest parts of this world. Fact. We also boarded the steamboat from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding. The social distancing on the boat was well organised. We spent a couple of hours by the lakeside in Glenridding, eating and just taking in the stunning scenery. Granted we were blessed with a beautiful day. But what ever the weather, you can't be anything but inspired by this place. Oh I will be back.

7. Derwentwater

Derwent Water House Keswick on Derwentwater Nbiughl, Keswick CA12 5RF England +44 17687 72912 http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/placestogo/explorederwentwater
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,871 reviews

Derwentwater

Reviewed By carljones1 - Preston, United Kingdom

One of my favourite lakes Just walk down a short way to friars crag for one of the best views The sight is like a panoramic view with mountains lake shapes and valleys see the island opposite and fills the senses with peace and beauty. Perfect when no one else is around though it is very popular. For even better treat visit in spring may time when sun is going down and the bottom of the lake is lit up with shades and colours reflecting in the water one of the most memorable sights you can see. Just pergect

8. Old Man of Coniston

Coniston England http://www.conistonmountainrescue.org.uk/index.php/contact-us/contact-us
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 637 reviews

Old Man of Coniston

Reviewed By russellnicholson997 - Northolt, United Kingdom

This Famous Lake District Mountain, has a Unique place in the Hearts of Many Walkers and is in Wainwrights Favourite Lakeland Mountains,for Good reason....it Towers over the Tiny Lakeland village of Coniston... it's rich Mining industry is another Very Good reason to Walk this particular Peak....There are a Number of Routes up, through the Copper Mines Valley, which takes you through the Workings of the Copper Mines, and another Very Good route is Via The Walna Scar Road....it's possible to Walk right from the Village, although this route we Did ( is Very Steep) initially...The Track is well marked and Gently Zig Sags,as it Winds it's way up the Side of the Old Man......passing through the Truly Stunning Scene of the Slate/Mining Workings from Centuries ago ( PLEASE RESPECT THE FACT, THIS IS A HERITAGE SITE AND MANY ARTEFACTS FROM THAT PERIOD OF TIME ARE THERE TO BE SEEN) PLEASE RESPECT THIS AND DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING....Thank you.... as the Path Climbs ,you will pass Many old Shaft Entrances, they are Fascinating to Observe/Photograph, but PLEASE DON'T ENTER, most of the Major Entrances are Sealed off.... They are Extremely Dangerous..... and are not to be Entered.... as you Climb the Track,you will pass very Close to Low Water,one of the Tarns,which Supplied Water to give power to the Crushers,to enable Ore Extraction....The Scene is Breathtaking, as the Clods gently Lapping the Mountain sides, the sun's peeps through the clouds,lighting up the Azzure Blue sky.... the Summit is not far away now,where you will be Greeted by an Amazing Cairngorms,and the Trig point, lays just a few paces behind the main Cairn.... On Clear Days ( Sadly WE DIDN'T GET TO SEE THE VIEWS) on this Occasion, but Superb vistas ,far and Wide, to Grange over Sands ,Towards the Scafells, the Iconic peaks ( Highest in England) there are Exceptional Views of these Mountains from the Old Man.... PLEASE REMEMBER TO ENSURE THAT PROPER FOOTWEAR( WALKING BOOTS) Waterproofs,High Energy Snacks and Drinks....are Essential....And ALWAYS Check the Weather Forecast for the Mountain, the Night before ....Mountain Weather changes ,VERY Quickly......

9. Lake Grasmere

Grasmere England
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 511 reviews

Lake Grasmere

Reviewed By 926matthewg - Cramlington, United Kingdom

There is and amazing and picturesque walk around the lake, very serene, start opposite the church near the gingerbread shop and go around the lake heading back into the town centre via the Daffodil Hotel and Spa.

10. Skiddaw

CA12 4PH England +44 16973 20919 http://www.thehumangenehome.com
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 182 reviews

Skiddaw

This massive mountain, whose summit rises more than 3,000 feet, stands tall in the north Lakes overlooking the town of Keswick and Derwent Water.

Reviewed By petersZ7145JY - Sunderland, United Kingdom

Tackled skiddaw via little man, the weather was dry, breezy and sunny, but on the peak the wind was horrific driving rain. Luckily the shelter was free and hunkered down for a bite to eat. The views are spectacular from the trig point well worth the effort. The walk down is just as good. A really great hike

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