What to do and see in Cumbria, England: The Best Historic Walking Areas

August 22, 2021 Tonie Szymanski

Discover the best top things to do in Cumbria, United Kingdom including Loughrigg Fell, Orrest Head, Tarn Hows, Aira Force, Claife Viewing Station, Devil's Bridge, High Street.
Restaurants in Cumbria

1. 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.

2. 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 ????

3. Tarn Hows

Lake District National Park, Coniston LA21 8AQ England +44 15394 41456 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tarn-hows-and-coniston
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,327 reviews

Tarn Hows

Stunning Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular (1¾ miles) walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk and picnic, or to begin your wider Lake District countryside adventure. There are also rare Belted Galloway cattle and sturdy Herdwick sheep grazing by the tarn. There is a mobility scooter available for use for those who are less able to get around the Tarn.

Reviewed By borrum - London, United Kingdom

Bequeathed to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter, the circular walk around Tarn Hows offers a panoramic view of beautiful wooded countryside, magnificent hills and valleys, and the glistening waters of the tarns.

4. Aira Force

7ml S of Penrith A592, Penrith CA11 0JY England +44 17684 82067 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aira-force-and-ullswater
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,229 reviews

Aira Force

For 300 years visitors have been drawn here, where rainwater runs from the fells into Aira Beck and thunders in one 65-foot leap over the falls. Yet, Aira Force is much more than an impressive waterfall. A network of trails weaves its way from Ullswater lakeshore to Gowbarrow summit, passing towering Himalayan firs, rare red squirrels, woodland glades, picnic spots and views out across Ullswater. You can start your day in Glenridding and arrive by boat, taking in the sights of Ullswater Valley along the way, then stroll back to Glenridding through Glencoyne Park and along the lakeshore. Ullswater valley is truly breathtaking, with its beautiful lake nestled amongst towering fells. The epic scenery and relative underdevelopment compared to other areas of the Lake District gives Ullswater a secluded and tranquil feel.

Reviewed By stevesQ9601RS - County Durham, United Kingdom

Been here before, called again on a lovely Sunday afternoon, very busy, not many spaces in the car park. Free entry and car parking as National Trust members, a lovely 2 or 3 mile walk, different options, the various waterfalls were magnificent as is the local scenery and with spring blooming and the sun shining, a great way to spend an hour or so. Will return again on our next visit to Ullswater.

5. Claife Viewing Station

Claife Station Cottage Very close to the Windermere ferry landing Kemble Drive, Far Sawrey LA22 0LW England +44 15394 41456 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hawkshead-and-claife-viewing-station/features/the-caf-in-the-courtyard
Excellent
49%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 165 reviews

Claife Viewing Station

This Victorian Viewing Station is the perfect place on the beautiful west shore, to take in a panoramic view of Windermere. Wander up the Viewing Station as the first tourists to the Lakes did hundreds of year before you. Don't miss the cosy cafe in the courtyard and the striking vistas from the top of the station.

Reviewed By Emy913

A lovely place to view the lake. Easily accessible for most via the foot ferry. For those who cant manage the walk there is disabled parking and more parking nearby. The viewing station is lovely and there is nice interpretation in place explaining the building. The cafe is small and dog friendly. Food looked nice, which is served from compostible containers due to the lack of water on site. I just had a hot choc to warm up by the welcome log burner and my dog an ice cream to cool down by the log burner!

6. Devil's Bridge

Bridge Brow, Kirkby Lonsdale England http://www.golakes.co.uk/kirkby-lonsdale/kirkby-lonsdale-history.aspx
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 326 reviews

Devil's Bridge

Reviewed By jeanmO6481AA - Carlisle, United Kingdom

View the River Lune from the ancient Devils Bridge, check out the Devils hand print in the stone of the bridge and walk along the River Lune into the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale. Great meeting place for bikers and walkers

7. High Street

5 High Street, Windermere LA23 1AF England
Excellent
34%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 212 reviews

High Street

Once a Roman road linking some of England’s major forts, visitors can take scenic hiking trips along the route to soak up the scenic beauty and history of England’s Lake District.

Reviewed By Dr_Waugh - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

We are staying in a holiday let just off the front street and it’s so good to have all of the facilities within a stones throw. There’s a booths supermarket for a ‘proper shop’ and a cooperative and Sainsbury’s for convenience items. The high street itself has plenty of eateries and shops to browse and a few art galleries. Really enjoyed our stay here. Will be back.

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