Top 5 Winter Walks in the Lake District | John Norris
A place of outstanding natural beauty and arguably England’s most celebrated National Park. The Lake District is ready to welcome you to its snow dusted peaks, crystal blue skies and quintessential English villages, making it one of the best places for a winter walk.
It’s easy to hang up the hiking shoes during the colder weather but The Lake District’s magnificent landscape transforms into a wonderfully dramatic winter wonderland that is unmissable this time of year.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or just looking for a picturesque walking route, The Lake District has something for everyone.
Below are 5 of the best winter walks in The Lake District, that also are just a short drive from our John Norris Penrith store!
Castlerigg Stone Circle from Keswick
With its panoramic views of some of The Lake Districts most impressive peaks, Skiddaw, Blencathra, Grasmere, and Helvellyn - Castlerigg Stone Circle is definitely worth a visit. Steeped in rich history, Castlerigg Stone Circle is composed of 38 free standing stones and is one of Britain’s earliest stone circles. This walk is short and easy making it perfect for a leisurely family stroll with the most impressive, scenic views. Keswick also has lots of cafes and restaurants, many of which are dog friendly, for you to indulge and warm up in after your winter walk. Why not check out our range of dog walking accessories to make sure your furry friend is kept comfortable and cosy on your whole family adventures.
Ullswater Way
A Cumbrian treasure nestled on the eastern fringes of The Lake District, Ullswater is a haven for those wanting to escape the daily grind and explore beautiful walking trails. The second largest body of water in The Lake District, the Ullswater Way provides incredible shoreside scenery. It is a low level, relatively easy hike, making it an accessible winter walk. The full Ullswater Way is 20 miles but you don’t have to walk the whole way around; you can combine it with a boat trip over to one of the many charming villages nestled in the area to explore the serene surroundings. If you do decide to take on the full walk, why not have a warm cuppa on the way to help you power through. With our Stanley collection and Yeti collection, even in winter your beverages will still be toasty at the top of the mountain!
Aira Force Waterfall Walk
Within Ullswater, this winter walk offers a unique experience to the ‘standard’ winter trail. As a result of more rain during the winter months, the Aira Force waterfall is even more magnificent and visually impressive than usual. Surrounded by woodland and hiking trails there are walking options for all abilities. The 2.1km circular route is the most popular trail to the waterfall, taking around an hour but those looking for a more challenging route can explore the Aira Force and Gowbarrow Trail. For this trail hiking gear is recommended so why not stop off at the John Norris Penrith store, which is only a 20 minute drive away or check out hiking gear to get everything you need.
Pooley Bridge to Howtown and Hallin Fell
A gentle lakeside walk along the shores of Ullswater combined with a moderate climb to the summit of Hallin Fell, this trail has every element of a winter walk you could desire. With breathtaking views throughout, this trail takes you from the historic village of Pooley through the quaint hamlet of Howtown and then onto the summit of Hallin Fell. At just 388m, Hallin Fell is one of the smallest hills in The Lake District park but still offers spectacular views. Its size makes it a great hike for those who are looking to get out in the fresh wintery air but don’t want to brace the cold for too long! Not sure what to wear? Have a read of our winter layering for outdoor enthusiasts blog to find out what you need to keep warm on your winter walks.
Buttermere
Surrounded by some of The Lake District’s most iconic fells such as, Red Pike, Haystacks and High Stile, Buttermere is a gateway to natural beauty and tranquillity. With waterfalls and endless woodlands to explore, Buttermere offers walks for those at all levels. The Buttermere Circle route is just under 5 miles and allows you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings and crisp mountain air; the perfect winter walk!
Regardless of your experience level, The Lake District welcomes you to explore its immense natural beauty and wildly dramatic winter landscape for the very best winter walks. As these are winter walks remember to bundle up those layers to stay warm and adjust your clothing as needed. We stock the highest quality walking and hiking gear to keep you comfortable and safe on your adventures.
