First time in lakes - which walks to do.

[mayathebee]

Hi,

This isn't really our first time in the lakes but it is our first time since dc. Dp went to college here so we did lots of walking but it was a long time ago and we didn't need to take little legs into account. We are trying to find a couple of good family walks for our hol in August.

DC are 7 and 5 and are good walkers but not really used to hills. We did a charity climb up Snowdon a while ago and made it half way before being turned back due to conditions. It was freezing, horizontal rain and winds up to 70mph according to the guides so the kids did well to get that far but I don't know whether they would have made the summit in better weather.

We are based near Penrith but we are happy to drive. Which walks/climbs would you recommend? Catbells???

We are also planning on visiting Brockhole (and treetops nets), Lowther Castle, aira force, whinfell forest, long meg stone circle and maybe a trip to glenridding sailing centre for a taster. Is there anything you'd miss out/add? Where are the best places for a little swim in the lake?

Thanks!

The main reason I am asking is DP has suggested Scafell Pike but I think it will be too much for them this time.

Oops not Scafell Pike (just had that on my mind as we were reminiscing about hiking it). He suggested Helvellyn as that is his fav.

Thats the biggest one, is he wanting to put them off forever?! Grisdale forrest is fab, there are lots of lovely walks from Ambleside which are not to arduous for children (and a soft play if rubbish weather). Coniston has lots of lake walks with secluded inlets oh and at skelwith bridge there is an amazing coffee shop called Chesters that sell the largest yummiest cakes ever! (plenty of walks from here too)

Helvellyn is my favourite too and actually apart from striding edge, which is the fun bit, its not a hard hike up, id be tempted to take my 8 year old up and we have not been to the lakes in 3 years.

I'd test them out on Walla Crag (near Keswick area).

Got go over Honister Pass to Buttermere and have a gentle flat walk around the lake.

Some great walks around Ullswater and Silver Bay is gorgeous.
And great walks at Glenn Riding.

There's a bird of prey centre near Lowether castle. Only go in if you time it for the demo and your children are interested in birds of prey. The demo we saw last was ace.

We did The Old Man of Coniston when mine were similar ages. They loved it and were so proud of themselves! Just take lots of sweets as motivation.

Another recommendation for Buttermere and Grizedale Forest

We did Catbells with the kid when they were about 3 years older than yours. There were plenty of younger kids going up and down too. It's a good one to do, feels like a proper mountain as you get the views and there is a bit of "scrambling" at the top and winds on the very summit, but it's got a lovely long ridge so the only arduous bit is the first very steep climb up the side from the lake. ( if you go the way we did).

The kids managed it more than me, I was unfit and had to keep stopping on the initial steep incline. I would do It again but I am completely unfit now, do no cardio exercise or walking whatsoever so wouldn't attempt it unless I was back to basic fitness.

Have also walked round Buttermere. It felt long and boring, being on the flat and it drizzled most of the way round so that we our legs were soaked by the time we got back to the pub (had waterproof coats but not trousers). Also the path was interrupted by a bit of a waterfall so had to cross through that. Luckily we had decent walking shoes or it would have been VERY slippy.

One of the best walks we've done with the kids for changes of scenery has been up the back of Windermere. But no point you going there if you're staying in Penrith.

Buttermere has the best skimming stones.
Oh fuck - I am boring.

Catbells.
Ambleside to Grasmere and back.

Ambleside is lovely.

Also, not a walk, but do take a trip to Lowther Castle. Its a stunning ruin, tree swings, massive wooden fort play area tucked up the back. We spent a full day there.

Scafell Pike is huge and not the most interesting walk! I would recommend Loughrigg Fell near you Ambleside. It's a Wainwright but a little one, it has a good steam for splashing halfway up, some gentle but easily avoided rock scrambles and great views but is also near to nice coffee and cake shops in Ambleside as a reward.

Castlerigg stone circle near to Keswick is really cool and worth a visit. Nearby are High Rigg and Low Rigg which are nice easy little hills, right in the bowl of the bigger mountains.

Easedale Tarn is lovely. It's a steep climb from Grasmere but the tarn is beautiful, and lovely for splashing or even swimming on a hot day. Rydale Water would be an easier walk from Ambleside, again lots of lovely paddling and splashing on a hot day.

Catbells is also lovely and would recommend that too! It's a steep climb to begin with but the view is lovely.

I am so jealous. DS is way too little for the Lake District (although he has in fact ticked off several Wainwrights, but in a sling) but I can't wait to take him there properly for the first time. Have an amazing trip!

Thanks all. I'm going to look all of these up once the kids are out of the bath and into bed. I'm really looking forward to it. We decided to only have 1 week in the lakes then 1 week near Bamburgh which will be fab but not long enough in either place for everything I want to do!

Thanks again for all the advice. We climbed Cat bells and had a fantastic time. The DDs loved sceambling up the rocks. We will definitely go back to do more walks/climbs soon.