Stretching our legs on the Big Outdoor Adventure

Despite feeling the effects of the previous day’s exertions, a twelve-hour bike ride had left us both feeling a little sore, both Nick (Bailey’s very own Managing Director, Nick Howard) and I were eager to stretch our legs with a hike, after all, we couldn’t come all the way to the Lake District and not head out walking. It would be akin to heading to Cornwall and not having at least one pasty (as a side note, if you are in Cornwall we highly recommend Sarah’s Pasty Shop in Looe, which we can confirm, after extensive research, are the very best).

Our original plan had been to climb one of the most famous peaks in the Lake District, Helvellyn, but having woken to sombre grey skies heavy with rain, we knew it would be unwise to venture so high. Instead, we searched for a low walk, albeit one that would still allow us to enjoy the many views across the region. It didn’t take long to settle on the relatively easy jaunt up to the summit of Latrigg, which starts on the edge of Keswick and can easily be combined with a fish and chip lunch at the end – all good walks should finish with a hearty meal in our opinion.

A circular walk that loops back through a peaceful forest carpeted with great swathes of lush green moss, it is one that all of the family can enjoy. As, whilst the path up is reasonably steep at the beginning, there are plenty of places to stop and take a breather and admire the views, and thus it shouldn’t deter people from making the effort to get out and enjoy a quintessential Lake District activity. But for the dreary weather, we would have had some spectacular views, as it was the slate grey skies masked many of the peaks.

Towards the summit there’s a solitary bench that, from its position perched on the side of the fell, provides the perfect place to sit and admire the views back down into the valley. That is unless you happen to venture up on a day such as we had. Even then, through gloomy skies, we could see down to Keswick and Derwent Water on one side and Bassenthwaite Lake on the other. We didn’t linger for long at the summit, the wind picking up in intensity and forcing us to keep moving to avoid getting a chill.

No sooner are we back in Keswick and the rain begins to fall. What starts as a light drizzle gradually becomes much heavier, forcing us to seek sanctuary in a fish and chip shop, which conveniently answered the question of what to have for lunch. Back at camp, with the rain drumming on the roof of the motorhome, there’s little else we can do but brew a cup of tea and settle in for a much deserved afternoon of rest, catching up on sleep and getting our energy back ready for our final adventures.

There are countless options when it comes to walking in the Lakes, with a vast and extensive network of paths and bridleways criss-crossing their way all over the region. What’s more, there is something for everyone, from quiet, sedate strolls along the shores of lakes through to hair-raising scrambles up slopes to exposed and remote peaks. It’s just a case of picking the right walk for you.

Here are a few of our favourites.

Catbells: As far as introductory walks in the Lakes go, this is pretty much perfect, and if you fancy turning it into a great adventure, you can get a boat in Keswick to take you to Hawes End where it starts. It has the added bonus of being very easy to navigate, so no map and compass needed for this one, and rewards those willing to make the effort with stunning views over Derwent Water and the surrounding peaks of the Northern Fells.

Grasmere Lake Loop: It’s not easy to find a flat walk in the Lakes that still offers great views, but this is one of them, affording those who take it on beautiful views of the fells that circle the lake. Starting in Grasmere the walk is easy going and shouldn’t take much more than a few hours, including the odd stop. The benefit of walking here in the summer is you can cool off in the lake, but in autumn, you get the beauty of the changing colours on the fells around, which own a good day can be seen mirrored in the calm waters of the lake.

Helvellyn: Voted as Britain’s favourite walk in 2018 it’s easy to see why, with stunning views of the Lake District in every direction from the summit. There are several options, ranging from the straight forward to technically challenging. The route up from Thirlmere is the easiest of the lot, and the one we would recommend for most people.

Scafell Pike: One for the more adventurous amongst us, this strenuous day out will eventually take you to the summit of England’s highest peak at 978m. Depending on the route you opt for a roundtrip to the summit will be between 9-20km, although all have sections that can be testing, especially of the weather is not great. Whilst not the easiest walk in the Lakes, it will be sure to leave you breathless at the summit, in every sense of the word.