Hiking in the Lake District is a great way to get fit, clear your mind and boost your creativity. It’s also free!
Cumbria’s Lake District is renowned for relaxation, rejuventation and boosting wellbeing. Whether you’re hiking a mountain trail, riding a horse, cycling around the lakes or swimming laps, here are some ways to design your perfect Lake District fitness routine.
1. Go Hiking
The Lake District is a hiker’s dream, offering an endless supply of trails for all abilities. From easy walks around the lakes to more challenging mountain treks, you’ll find something to suit your taste, from 214 fells (hills) to more than 200 tarns (mountain lakes).
The landscape has captivated people for centuries, and its beauty helped sculpt poets such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Today, many people visit the area to relax and rejuvenate. The gentle amble by a lake or the stride along a mountain path can be restorative, but you can take your wellness to the next level with activities such as forest bathing, yoga, Buddhist meditation breaks, wild swimming, and full-bore gym workout and swim fitness regimes.
During a day out on the trails, you can burn up to 800 calories while taking in stunning scenery. You’ll also challenge yourself to push your limits, and that’s great for improving your strength and stamina.
For a walk with plenty of rewards, try the scenic route up to the summit of Latrigg. This low fell is just an hour’s hike from Keswick, and provides spectacular views of the town and Derwentwater.
Another easy Lake District walk is the secluded Kentmere Horseshoe, located in the south of the national park. This is a less-trodden route, perfect for walkers looking for some peace and quiet. It takes you through a range of mountains and valleys, with outstanding ridge walking as you pass no fewer than eight Wainwrights.
If you’re feeling ambitious, try climbing the iconic Catbells – a small peak that offers sublime panoramic views of Derwent Water. Or you could opt for the more demanding scramble up to Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak.
2. Try Yoga
The yogi community has long discovered the restorative properties of England’s soaring mountains and rippling lakes. In fact, the 18th century poets Wordsworth and Coleridge were among the first to realise that the natural world offered a rich source of wellness and a powerful stimulant for the creative spirit. Today, the Lake District’s wellness scene offers an array of organised experiences – from conventional classes to once-in-a-lifetime breaks.
Take this YogaSwim experience, a restorative break that blends freshwater lake and mountain tarn swims with uplifting yoga sessions. Watch the stresses of daily life melt away with mindful flows and sensory explorations of the beautiful landscape around you.
4. Try Cycling
Cycling in the Lake District is a thrilling experience. Gliding along serpentine routes, you’ll discover the region’s natural wonders and make memories that last a lifetime. From the serene shores of Windermere to the exhilarating climbs of Honister Pass, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a cycling paradise.
For novices or those returning to cycling, the Lake District’s gentle paths and cycleways are perfect for all ages. Take the community circuit around Windermere, for example – an achievable challenge for cyclists of all abilities. Or, try a more challenging ride like the Walna Scar loop, with steep climbs and views to inspire your cycling ambitions.
Those with more advanced skills can test themselves on the Lake District’s mountain bike trails. The trails in Grizedale Forest, for example, offer a range of skill levels and can be combined with a steam train journey to create the ultimate day out. Or, challenge yourself with the more demanding roads of the Southern Lake District, where glaciers have dissected the area and created dramatic escarpments.
There’s also plenty of purpose built family-friendly mountain bike trails in the Lake District. The kids will love the gentle Goosey Foot Tarn Trail and the family-friendly Mushroom Cycle Trail in Grizedale Forest. Or, turn your cycling trip into a mini-adventure by taking the Windermere Bike Boat from Brockhole to Bowness-on-Windermere on selected weekends and daily during the summer holidays.
The Lake District’s enchanting landscape changes with the seasons. Spring is a particularly beautiful time to explore, as the countryside comes alive with riotous blooms. Autumn is an equally stunning time to enjoy the scenery, with the glistening lakes reflecting the surrounding fells and the quiet trails offering a relaxing escape from the crowds. Winter can be a joyous cycling experience too, with the landscape transforming into a symphony of reds and oranges.
5. Try Swimming
As you might expect from England’s biggest National Park, there is no shortage of lakes and tarns. From the iconic Buttermere Infinity Pool – which has risen to popularity on social media – to more hidden gems like Tongue Pot, there are plenty of places to go wild swimming in the Lake District.
If you’re a newcomer to open water swimming, we would recommend enlisting the help of a cold-water swim coach. There are a number of qualified coaches in the area who offer guided swims, one-to-one tuition and boat support. Suzanna Swims is a great choice, offering sociable leisurely swims and guided swim walks, with sessions tailored to beginners as well as the more experienced open water swimmer.
Windermere is also home to a number of family-friendly swimming spots. The southern end of the lake is a favourite for children and features a large grassy slope with easy access to the water. Fell Foot National Trust Park and Garden is another option, with toilets and cafes available.
Other secluded spots include Blea Tarn, where the rugged Langdale Pikes reflect perfectly in its waters, and Crummcok Water. This remote tarn is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, and the swimming distance is far enough from the rowing boats to ensure you have an authentic and peaceful experience.
There are no swimming restrictions in the Lake District, except for Thirlmere Reservoir, Kentmere Reservoir, Haweswater and Ennerdale Water. As with all outdoor activities, it is important to check the weather and water conditions before heading out. You should also consider wearing a wetsuit, brightly coloured swim hat and tow float, and always swim with a friend.
