Spring brings a splash of colour to the Cumbrian countryside. The winter gloom lifts as daffodils and bluebells emerge, followed by the leaves on the trees and the green of the fells. Award-winning writer and photographer Vivienne Crow has compiled a list of ten springtime walks in the Lake District. All of these routes are accessible by Stagecoach bus, allowing walkers to leave the car behind.
Accessible Fells and Valley Views
One of the best times to visit Rannerdale is late April or early May. From the bus stop in Buttermere, walkers can follow a grassy terrace path along the southern flank of Rannerdale Knotts. The route offers stunning views of Crummock Water. The path then drops into a lonely valley filled with the sweet scent of bluebells. These delicate blooms are usually found in woodland, making the open valley a pleasant surprise.
Walkers have a choice after the bluebells. A slow, steady climb to the head of the valley offers a shortcut back to Buttermere, cutting nearly a mile off the total distance. Alternatively, those wanting a more rousing finale can stride out along the grassy ridge to the top of Rannerdale Knotts.
High Rigg offers variety with hidden tarns, dark crags, and springs. The 6¾-mile route begins at Dale Bottom on the A591. A grassy path climbs from near St John’s Church to the 1,171ft summit. Views from the top take in Blencathra, Skiddaw, and the Helvellyn range. The walk then meanders south along a ridge before dropping through an area of Scots pines to St John’s Beck.
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Dent View provides a taste of the Coast to Coast route. The walk starts from Egremont Main Street and follows quiet lanes to the edge of Lowther Park forests. A short, but punishing climb leads to the 1,155ft summit. The outlook is magnificent, with far-reaching sea views. The return route involves a steady descent on grass and through the forest, finishing with a stroll beside the River Ehen.
Woodland, Lakes, and Historic Paths
Starting from Hawkshead, the Latterbarrow & Claife Heights walk covers 10½ miles. The route passes Wise Een Tarn and Moss Eccles Tarn before dropping to the Cuckoo Brown Inn at Far Sawrey. Walkers then re-enter the trees of Claife Heights to the shores of Windermere. The path heads north along the lake, where legend says the hooded figure of the Claife Crier haunts the wooded slopes.
Walla Crag is a 5¾-mile moderate walk starting from Keswick bus station. The ascent steepens near the top, but the view of sparkling Derwentwater and the distant Scottish hills is worth the effort. The return route goes through Cat Gill and Great Wood before emerging on the lakeshore. A detour to Friar’s Crag offers another perspective on Derwentwater.
Hay Stacks stands at 1,958ft and is a favourite among fell-walkers. The 4½-mile route starts from Gatesgarth Farm. Climbing to Scarth Gap and then the western slopes reveals a hidden world of secret tarns and dark crags. The bigger fells, such as Great Gable and Pillar, loom nearby. The return path uses a less well-trodden route on the southern side of Warnscale Beck, passing Warnscale Bothy along the way.
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Great Rigg offers a more ambitious challenge. The 6¾-mile route climbs from Grasmere via Stone Arthur to the 2,513ft summit. The open, windswept ridge forms part of the Fairfield Horseshoe. The return route drops to Alcock Tarn, a calm body of water hidden in the hillside. Walkers on this descent should keep an eye out for red squirrels, which can often be spotted along dry stone walls in the area.
Linear Walks Along Waterways
The Ullswater walk focuses on the poet’s inspiration. Starting from Glenridding, the Ullswater Way heads north along the lakeshore to Glencoyne Bay. The route passes through wood pasture home to nearly 300 ancient trees. The walk ends at Aira, where visitors can see the Aira Force waterfall. Both Glenridding and Aira are served by bus 508 and, on weekends, 509.
The Lancaster Canal offers a different kind of scenery. The 8½-mile linear walk runs from Crooklands to Kendal. Bus 567 drops walkers at Crooklands, from where they follow the towpath back to Kendal. Bluebells and wildflowers fringe the route, while songbirds call from the trees. After two miles, the water ends, but the disused canal bed remains visible. The route passes under humpback bridges and crosses an aqueduct.
The Keswick Railway Path follows the former trackbed of the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway, which closed in 1972. The 4¼-mile route is surfaced and accessible to cyclists and wheelchair users. Starting from Keswick bus station, the path passes through a gorge cut by the River Greta. Reopened tunnels and old workers’ huts are points of interest for railway enthusiasts. The route ends in Threlkeld, where walkers can enjoy a refreshment before catching the bus back.