Hike the Lake District

Here are our favourite five hikes in England's stunning Lake District National Park.

1. Cat Bells (3.5 miles) - The name may mean 'wild cat', we would call Cats Bells a gentle cat, a big hill with a fantastic view. Our guides will take you via a less popular route avoiding any crowds and getting the best views. FAMILY FRIENDLY.

2. Rydal and Grasmere (6 miles) – A circular walk around two small, but stunning mirror-like lakes. This route is particularly striking during autumn.  

3. Castle Crag (4 miles) - Climb picturesque Castle Crag and be back at the pub in time for a pint and lunch.

4. Ennerdale and Haystacks (14.2 miles) – Get away from it all here in Ennerdale, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a little English oasis quiet. A challenging hike where craggy peaks surround you, before arriving at a remote tarn (mini-lake). This is a real adventure.  

5. Helvellyn Peak via Striding Edge (7.5 miles) – Helvellyn is England's third highest mountain and voted the country's favourite walk in a commercial TV poll. There is a mix of hill hiking and scrambling on hands and knees. It is awesome. 

Where to stay
The Lake District National Park is a popular destination for hikers, artists, photographers and adventurers. Therefore, there are various styles and levels of accommodation, from camping, glamping, lodges, B&B’s to Luxury Country House Hotels.

The national park is surrounded by 100s’ of farms that supply the hospitality industry with top quality produce. The region has become a “foody” destination with many hotels offering that high-end dining experience. The Samling Hotel is one such place offering understated luxury with an impressive wine list, including top English wines from Sussex – See England's Wine Country.

The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is a luxury country house hotel. The luxury lodge accommodation has private saunas, hot tubs and slick interiors. The centrepiece of the estate is an early 20th Century house within 21 acres of dells and slopes.

L’Enclume is a premium restaurant with rooms in the delightfully rustic village of Cartmell. The creator of this establishment is Simon Rogan, a pioneer of foraging and known to have inspired finding local producers and cultivating relationships with butchers and fishermen. Don’t forget Simon Rogan’s other restaurant at the lovely Linthwaite House Hotel.

Lindeth Fell Country House is an up-market Bed and Breakfast in a prime location a few minutes from Lake Windermere. Prefer a gastropub? We suggest The Drunken Duck Inn and Restaurant. Expect high-end food without any fuss. All rooms have different layouts with bright country colours and a few modern additions – a perfect little bolt hole for touring the Lake District.