Rydalwater is a small body of water between Ambleside and Grasmere. Rydal has been a frequently visited location of mine given good access from the South Lakes. I had the opportunity recently to take my two Boys Thomas 7 and Lewis on his last day as a 2 year old. Following on from our Buttermere circular walk I wanted to get back out with the Boys. I convinced Thomas that Rydal Cave was Batman’s Lake District Hideout so he was naturally interested in visiting.
As regular followers of my website will have guessed by now Buttermere is one of, if not my favourite location in the lake District. It’s natural beauty is by far in excess of everything else the Lakes has to offer in my view. I’m not sure why when I think about this remotely, but every time I visit it hits you right away, I’ve concluded it’s the scale, for such a small area along the Lake you feel penned in by the fells surrounding Buttermere.
Devoke Water is in the Western Part of the Lake District, a place I’ve been meaning to visit for years but hardly ever go over this far West. Devoke Water is best reached from Birker Fell, again a place I’ve never been until July 2011.
Coniston Old Man is probably one of the most famous Lake District fells. It dominates the South Lakes and the picturesque village of Coniston.
Visible from all around the South Lakes Coniston Old Man and it’s close neighbours provide a decent collection of interesting fells that make Coniston such a good base for walkers.
Catbells is well regarded as a family friendly Fell in the Northern Lake District. Popular with families based in Keswick, this moderately sized fell offers a great half day walk for everyone. Great views over Derwent Water and Keswick to the East and the Newlands Valley with Causey Pike and Crag Hill to the West. Bassenthwaite Lake is to the North just below the Western slopes of Skiddaw.
Loughrigg Fell is situated in the center of the Lake District on the southern shore of Grasmere with Loughrigg Tarn to the East and Rydal Water to the West. Loughrigg Fell is a relatively low lying fell but given it stands alone you get a decent view in all directions from the Summit.
Scafell Pike is Englands highest peak. Sat at the heads of the Wasdale and Eskdale valleys, Scafell Pike is a very popular climb given it “highest” accolade.
The Langdale Pikes are a collection of 3 Summits in the centre of the Langdale Valley in the Lake District. Made up of Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark and Pike o Blisco they have a distinctive classic Lakeland appearance. Once your familiar with the Langdale Pikes you’ll notice them from various locations. You can even see them from the M6 approaching Cumbria on a clear day.
Crinkle Crags is an attractive collection of 5 individual summits that make up this unusual looking fell. Directly opposite Bowfell and commanding a great position at the head of the Langdale Valley Crinkle Crags is well worth a visit.
Bowfell is the Lake District 4th highest peak. Sat at the Head of the beautiful Langdale and Eskdale Valleys. Bowfell has many options for ascent, on my first visit I chose Langdale as my starting point.
The Western Lake District is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the Lakes in my view. Its quieter and less touristy than Keswick, Ambleside and Grasmere. Buttermere and Wasdale are the main villages in these areas and great bases for several magnificent walks in this area.
