The Ultimate Itinerary: A weekend in the Lake District

Witnessing tempestuous clouds roll across the majestic summit of a wainwright, your day-to-day problems pale into insignificance as you begin to live in the here and now.

You become fully present: feeling your hair whip around your face, the clean scent of fresh water fills your nostrils and you hear the rush of branches being whipped into a frenzied dance.

Immersion is immediate on entering the spectacular scenery of the Lake District and awe is the only appropriate response to the rugged beauty before you. However, the most breathtaking feature of a trip to the Lake District is the power it awakens within you.

Here is our round-up of things to do in the Lake District to engage with nature and unlock your inner prowess.

Things to do in the Lake District

Day 1:

After getting settled into your accommodation, let the majesty of the surroundings soak in as you take a cruise on one of the lakes that this beautiful place is named for. Depending on where you are staying there are multiple options, but for an experience straight out of Agatha Christie, we would highly recommend taking a historic Ullswater Steamer. 

Operating 363 days a year, this heritage fleet has been cruising for 160 years – a testament to the astounding views that can be witnessed on-deck. You and your family (human or four-legged) can hop on at one of four locations. It’s up to you whether you stay aboard for the 20-mile round trip and drink in the view (it would be rude not to make use of one of the saloons or bars to keep hydrated too) or hop off for a short walk. A cosy pub tea at the dog-friendly Pooley Bridge Inn and back to your accommodation to rest up for a big day tomorrow.

Day 2:

Catbells, Keswick and Castlerigg Stone Circle

The early bird catches the parking space! Rising with the lark means that you can bag yourself one of the 10 or so spaces at Hawes End (where our ascent to Catbells begins). Otherwise, you will need to park in Keswick and get a boat. 

Catbells is often referred to as a “proper little mountain”, but it appears much larger than it actually is and is a great warm-up for the more challenging hikes that the Lake District has to offer. The 3.5 mile route recommended by Visit Keswick is a moderate one that involves some light scrambling up a path that resembled the back of a sleeping dragon. It will take around 3 hours without stops – though what kind of weirdo wouldn’t take a flask and a picnic to make the most of those 360° degree views?! Though this walk is challenging in places,  tucking into your sarnies looking over the mirror-like Derwent Water (as it reflects the surrounding hills and sky) more than makes up for it. 

Next, down to the Derwent Reservoir for a go at paddle-boarding. Don’t be fooled by all of those people that make it look easy – getting up can be tricky and staying up when there are waves from passing boats is an art! Once you finally get the hang of it – likely dripping and quivering from the core exertion – the combination of your surroundings (and keeping balanced) empties your mind of anything else. The serenity is unrivalled.

After getting dressed and an obligatory cuppa gazing over the water (hands hugging your cup to thaw them) it’s off into Keswick for a spot of speciality shopping – Keswick Cheese Deli and Craft Beer Keswick are favourites to elevate your picnics to artisan levels.

For dinner (or tea for you northerners), we suggest The Crafty Baa. 

Open fire; great music; cracking selection of local beers, camembert sharing platter and a friendly, inviting atmosphere for humans and doggos alike – need we say more?

Last on your list for today is witnessing the growing shadows and glowing ember backdrop you can only experience during sunset at Catlerigg Stone Circle. The rumour is that every time you count the ancient stones, the number is different! 

Day 3:

Wander lonely as a tourist around Wordsworth’s stomping ground… 

A trip to the Lake District would not be complete without climbing England’s highest mountain: Scafell Pike. Not only is it the biggest, it’s also one of the most beautiful climbs in the UK. 

The simplest ascent is from Wasdale Head (though there are trickier options if you wish). The 4 (ish) hour incline is a bit of a calf burner, but it’s easy to be distracted from that by the rugged rocky outcrops along your way and  magnificent far-reaching views from the summit. On a clear day, you can see as far as the mountains of Snowdonia… We can see where Wordsworth was coming from, this hike certainly inspires our inner poet!