By Preeya Abidi-Fallows
Will you be visiting the Lakes this summer? Need ideas for family friendly walks or a solo hiker wanting to explore? The Lake District and surrounding areas are perfect for this. Whether you want a beach walk or a mystic mountain walk, these four individual hidden gems on the outskirts of the Lakes are perfect for a quieter trip or a secret escape.
Silecroft Beach (Easy)
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1 hour
Start/Finish: LA18 4NY
Silecroft beach is located on the southwest coast of Cumbria on the edge of the Lake district National Park, a beautiful sandy beach at the foot of Black Combe fell. The beach has a cafe which overlooks the seafront, perfect for a hot drink after a quick morning stroll or a hearty lunch after a walk along the cumbrian coastal path.
The beach has its own car park however if an alternate method of transport is required, silecroft has its own train station which is only a 15 minute walk away. The beach has both sand and stone, when the tide is out it is the perfect place to sit with a picnic and even possibly go for a swim (no worries if you are a non-swimmer, you can always dip your toes in)! On a sunny and clear day you can look over the water and see the Isle of Man.
Buttermere (Medium)
Distance: 6.7km (4.2 miles)
Total ascent: 200m
Time: 1-2 hours
Start/finish Buttermere: GR NY175170
Buttermere is a lake in the north-western part of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. The walk around the lake is steady, watching the beautiful water move slowly as you stroll along the lakeside. Buttermere is a perfect walk for families who want to challenge themselves, it is flat enough for children and dogs to walk around but still a small climb around one side.
It is set away from the main lake district so slightly quieter than the Lakes of Windermere and Coniston if you’re looking for somewhere to get away from the areas attracting more tourists. Buttermere lake is surrounded by scenery that makes you feel like you’re walking through a movie.
Muncaster Tarn (Hard)
Distance: 3.75km
Total ascent: 103m
Time: 1 hour
Start/finish: CA18 1RQ
Muncaster Tarn is a small, elevated lake (155m) situated on Muncaster Fell in Cumbria, near the historic Muncaster Castle. It’s a historic site that dates back to medieval England and a great place to see. The walk itself is a steep climb on the Eskdale trail which is possibly a little harder for non-walkers but it’s great for a challenge. All around the tarn are perfect places to go for a picnic or stop to take in the breathtaking view.
Black Combe (Harder)
Distance: 7 miles (for the most common route)
Total ascent: 1,970 ft (600m)
Time: 4 hours
Start/finish: LA18 5LB.
Black Combe is an isolated 1,970 ft fell in the far south-west corner of the Lake District. Due to it being so close to the coast, it offers views of the Irish Sea, often extending to Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Even on a good day you can see right over to Wales.
Black Combe is a steep hill that can often take between 4 and 5 hours. Be prepared on the walk with plenty of water and snacks. Even though the walk is hard, it is so worth it when you reach the top and see the views over the UK. This is a walk that is best to do on a lovely day so you get the full Black Combe experience of this view.
By Preeya Abidi-Fallows
