When walking Lake District a must do is Haystacks made famous by Alfred Wainwright. Located at the head of the Buttermere Valley, near Keswick, this 1775 foot ascent is over a rocky, rough trail, even steep in spots. You can even expect some easy scrambling as you near the summit.
Although Haystacks is not as high as some of the neighbouring peaks you will find amazing views of of the Buttermere valley and surounding mountains of the northern Lake District.
In this video about walking the Lake District Wainwright talks about his beloved Haystacks still popular.
The centre of the northern Lakes District is the town of Keswick with its pedestrian friendly main street and numerous (I counted at least 15) outdoor stores selling all manner of walking gear. There are plenty of pubs to visit after your walks as well.
A number of the walks can be taken right from the town including an easy one around the whole of Derwentwater. You can also take one of the launches part way if you are looking from something shorter. If you want something a lot harder then walk up the mountains on the west side of the lake.
A further walk from Keswick is along the historic Cumbria Way with a short climb up the Latrigg for great views of the surroundings and continue through the valley and up to the Castlerigg Stone Circle.
If you want a something famous when walking Lake District head through Keswick and to into the hills on the east side of Derwentwater. You will want to stop for pictures (along with everyone else) at the famous Ashness Bridge. This stone bridge has a stream rushing through with the lake and mountains in the background and is one of the most famous pictures of the area.
During my visit I stayed at Derwent Bank, a country home in the nearby village of Portinscale, operated by HF Holidays. Not only did they offer three walks of different levels each day, there were excellent guides and local transport as required. If you are on a self guided Walking Lake District holiday there are plenty of hotels, bed and breakfasts in town.
That is how we travelled to Haystacks, a must do when walking Lake District, which is a short drive away from Keswick over quiet roads, except for the flocks of ever present sheep. We also were able to use the bus for the ride to Beda Fell and Ullswater for a wonderful walk over the hilly terrain.
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Always popular with the English. walking lake district makes for a great vacation for everyone.
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