Walking in the Lake District doesn’t have to be challenging! There are all sorts of options to suit different abilities, whether limited mobility through to 3-peaks challenge walks. (These are walk suggestions, not detailed instructions. Please don’t rely on them and plan your walks with a map appropriately!)

Gentle options

A walk along Wastwater

Starting at Wasdale Head car park (a 5-10 mins drive from the cottages), you can have a gentle stroll along the edge of Wastwater (do not attempt the Wasdale Screes though, as they are extremely challenging). It is flat along the valley bottom with some benches for a rest. A good spot for wild swimming or for your dogs to have a splash. Finish with a pint or cup of tea at the Wasdale Head Inn.

Seacale beach and coastal path

Seascale beach is a 5 mins drive from Brock and Bramble (10 mins drive from Todd & Gunn) or a 20 mins cycle along the Viking Way cycle path. This is a large sandy beach with excellent views over the Isle of Man on a clear day. It is dog friendly all year, there is a free car park, toilets and a children’s playground. There is also an excellent ice-cream shop called Mawsons. A great place to start for a walk along the coastal path.

A walk up the river Irt

Starting at the Bridge Inn (200yds from Todd & Gunn or 5 mins drive from Brock & Bramble), this is a gentle walk along pastureland and woodland, following the River Irt up to Wastwater. Lovely and shady for some of the route on a hot day. Extend your walk by following along the road side of Wastwater to the Wasdale Head Inn.

Blengdale Forest

Blengdale forest is just on the outskirts of Gosforth and is either a walk from Brock & Bramble or a short drive from Todd & Gunn. Access is at the Wellington junction on the A595 (park here if you drive or park in Gosforth). Lots of lovely gentle walking routes through this Forestry England site along the river and on forestry tracks.

Medium options

Around Irton Fell

Starting at the car park at the bottom of Irton Fell (or a walk from Todd & Gunn to this point), this walk takes you up Irton Fell, and back through Ainhouse Plantation. It can be extended by visiting the top of Wasdale Screes or by extending through Ainhouse Plantation. The circular walk should only take 1-2 hours without the extensions.

Around Ennerdale Water

This is a medium to challenging walk starting at Bleach Green car park. The initial part of the walk is rocky with some screes. The terrain is better around the Lake, but it is still a substantial walk. Well worth it though as Ennerdale is one of the least walked parts of the Lakes, especially as there is no road access up to the Lake itself. Surrounded by Great Gable, Green Gable, High Crag, Steeple and Pillar, it has some stunning scenery.

Challenging Options

Before tackling any challenging options, please do follow the link to Mountain Rescue’s advice. In particular, they don’t like having to rescue people who have relied on their phone map instead of a proper OS map. Please do be properly prepared!

https://www.lamrt.org.uk/sites/lamrt.org.uk/files/How_to_stay_safe_and_enjoy_the_fells_leaflet.pdf

Scafell Pike

The highest peak in England, this is a challenging walk. The shortest option up Scafell starts at Wasdale Head following the Brown Tongue/ Hollowstones route to both ascend and descend.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wasdale/features/climbing-scafell-pike

Pillar

Again starting at Wasdale Head, you can head along the Mosedale Valley, by Gatherstone Pass and up the top of Blacksail Pass to Pillar. With spectacular views of Scotland and the Isle of Man, this is an excellent (and challenging) walk. From Pillar, you retrace your steps back to Wasdale Head.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trails/pillar-trail-from-wasdale-head

Greendale and Middle Fell

Starting at Greendale Cottages, this walk takes you on a loop past Brown How, Greendale Tarn and up onto Middle Fell.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wasdale/trails/greendale-and-middle-fell-walk