It's no coincidence that Wainwright had a beer named after him. Hiking the fells is thirsty work, and even an easy stroll along the lakeside deserves a tipple at the end.
A trip to the Lake District wouldn't be complete without a countryside walk, so here are a few easy trails to get you thinking.
Helm Cragg
'The Lion and The Lamb' as it is more commonly known, is, according to Wainwright, “an exhilarating little climb,” and offers fantastic views for not too much effort. He didn't actually make it to the top of the twenty foot rocky slab summit, which requires a scramble - unlike the rest of the walk, which is an easy climb beginning in Grasmere. It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours round-trip, leaving plenty of time to check out the extensive range of ales and beers at Tweedies Bar and Lodge in the village when you get back.
Gummers How
If you do want a bit of a scramble, the heathery slopes of Gummer's How are worth exploring, especially with kids in tow. Setting off through a small forest, the path leads on gently across bracken filled moorland up to an easy but rocky summit, from which a spectacular view of the entire lake Windermere and the fells beyond can be enjoyed. This walk can be done from the door of the Newby Bridge Hotel, and the adjoining Huntsman Inn with its well stocked bar and hearty food is the perfect pitstop for when you return.
Moss Eccles Tarn & Claife Heights
The Western side of Lake Windermere is far less busy and is pocketed with lovely little tarns such as Moss Eccles, where dragonflies and damseflies appear in flashes of bright blue above the water. Meander along rough forest tracks up to the highest point of Claife Heights, before dropping back down into Far Sawrey. If you muddy your boots along the way, don't worry, because they're more than welcome in the cosy Cuckoo Brow Inn which has been a stopping point for travellers since 1700.
If you are planning your own ale trail, walking holiday or family trip in the Lake District, we have an amazing selection of hotels, attractions and regular offers to provide you with everything you need for a successful getaway. Cheers to that!