8 Beautiful Spring Walks in The Lake District for Bluebells and Daffodils
We are well known for getting a lot of rain up here however, that is what makes our fields so green, rivers so full and flowers are so vibrant in The Lake District. The whole of the national park is beautiful in spring, as everything wakes up and defrosts, it really comes alive. We get more visitors coming back and you start to see a lot more wildlife again too. It is probably my favourite season to be living here.
I have put together a list of spring walks in The Lake District for bluebells and daffodils, plus some snowdrop walks thrown in there for good measure. The best time to see these flowers are early March to late May with snowdrops coming first and bluebells last. Saying that all of these walks are great whatever time of year you do them.
Rannerdale Knotts
A Wainwright fell set looking over Buttermere and Crummock waters and in the spring it comes alive with bluebells. They carpet the side of the fell and make for an incredible walk. The walk is steep but not too long and the reward of the views is always worth it. To make this walk longer you can always combine it with a walk around Buttermere too. Find a route suggestion here.
Where to Eat & Drink:
Don’t forget to stop off at one of Buttermere’s cafes or pubs. The Bridge Hotel is a cosy pub, great for a post-walk pint or a dog-friendly place to stay. Alternatively, pop into Syke Farm for a great lunch and locally made ice cream to takeaway.
Low Wood - Wasdale
Walking in Wasdale is best known for being a popular starting point for people making the trip up Scafell Pike, however, at the other end of the valley, near Nether Wasdale, you can find some beautiful woodland walking that has a beautiful bed of bluebells in the late spring.
This walk takes you through woodland, along the river and even but the lake, which is the deepest in England.
Nether Wasdale itself has two pubs, The Strands and Screes Inn which aren’t just cosy pubs for a nice pint, but there are also rooms and a micro-brewery so plenty of opportunities to taste the local beer and stay in a part of The Lake District that is usually a little quieter than the more popular places. This is a beautiful place for spring walks in The Lake District, from up the highest mountain or around the deepest lake.
Bigsteer & Witherslack Woods
The small village of Bigsteer is in the south Lake District, just south of Kendal, and not too far from the M6. There is plenty of pleasant walks all around the area, including from Sizergh Castle, which is in my Guide to Using your National Trust Membership in The Lake District. There are beautiful spring walks in The Lake District all around this area.
In the woods above the village of Brigsteer daffodils in early spring will then make way for ramson and bluebells which makes for a truly glorious walk. There are opportunities to see butterflies, a castle and a medieval Pele tower. The Wheatsheaf Inn in Brigsteer is a cosy pub with rooms that is a great family-friendly place to eat and drink, where they serve local, fresh and seasonal food.
Dorothy Farrer’s Woodland, Stavely
Quite a hidden gem, nestled just out of Stavely village, Dorothy Farrer’s woodland is packed full of bluebells in spring. Alongside bluebells, you will find early flowering orchids, wild garlic and other wildflowers making for a walk full of fragrance. The woodland has been managed as a coppice woodland in the past, with the wood being used for bobbins, swill baskets and charcoal.
Where to Eat and Drink:
The village of Stavely is full of life with plenty of places to grab a bite to eat like More Bakery and Hawkshead Brewery. Whether you’re in the mood for a yummy pastry and coffee, or some craft beer and good food then make sure you stop by before or after your walk.
Grizedale Forest
All year round Grizedale Forest can provide great walks for all abilities and at this time of year the snowdrops are springing up all across the forest floor. There are walks ranging from half a mile to 10 miles and you can include their fantastic sculpture trail as well. Grizedale Forest has fantastic walking all year round but is ideal for spring walks in The Lake District.
Grizedale Forest is near the charming village of Hawkshead where you can find plenty of wonderful places to eat, drink and stay. Situated in between Coniston and Esthwaite water, you are spoilt for choice on places to go.
Dora’s Field & The Daffodil Garden, Grasmere and Rydal
For lots of daffodils without having to walk too far Dora’s Field, adjacent to St Mary’s Church in Rydal, has a vast array of flowers, especially in the spring. The field was bought by William Wordsworth, the poet, and left to his daughter, Dora, who tragically died aged 47. The Wordsworth family planted hundreds of daffodils in the field in her memory and now you can visit it.
When you’re in Rydal, visit Rydal Mount tearoom, house and gardens. The Gardens are so pleasant to spend some time wandering around and reflecting.
A few miles down the road is the beautiful village of Grasmere, packed full of charm and history especially surrounding William Wordsworth. In the centre of the village is the Wordsworth Garden which was created in 2003 and features thousands of daffodils packed in between pathways of slate stones engraved with peoples names who purchased them. Entrance to the garden is free too!
While you’re in Grasmere, stop by Mathilde’s where you can sit inside or out and enjoy some of their delicious lunches and cakes. For a huge selection of local craft beers then go to Tweedies Bar instead. There’s also fantastic food on offer where you can sit inside or out and enjoy the fantastic atmosphere.
You can also link these two daffodil gardens together with a walk around Grasmere and Rydal Water. A full day out packed with spring delights and delicious food.
Glencoyne, Ullswater
On the shores of Ullswater is Glencoyne Bay, a beautiful place to walk from and explore the area around Ullswater. It’s said that this is the area that the poet William Wordsworth brought his sister, Dora, and was inspired by the huge mass of daffodils that he wrote his famous poem I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud.
From the car park, you can make your walk as long or as short as you would like. The car park is National Trust which makes parking for the day easy when you’re a member. Some of the walks will take you up on to Wainwright fell and others around the famous Ullswater way. You can even walk around to Aira Force Waterfalls which are spectacular.
Yes, there’s a bed of thousands of daffodils to see in spring however, this is a beautiful place to visit all year round.
And Finally...
The Lake District comes alive in the spring with new flowers and blossoms in every single valley. It chases away the harsh winters of wind, rain, and snow with an explosion of colours and fresh life.
Enjoy your spring walks in The Lake District this year and be sure to make the most of the beautiful flora that the National Park has to offer.
Happy Adventuring
Ali
@girlaboutthelakedistrict
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