THE LONG-DISTANCE TRAILS
This is a bit surprising. Somewhere that’s really small and close together – and also jam-packed with excellent daywalks – is also supremely good for multi-day longer trips. And that’s whether you sleep out on the summits, or stay warm and cosy in inns and hostels.
Best waymarked
Well, it’s the only waymarked route really, but it’s still a topper, and at 120km it’s the convenient ‘a bit under 100 miles’ measure. The Cumbria Way runs from Ulverston to Carlisle by way of Coniston Water, Tarn Hows, Langdale, Borrowdale and a crossing of the northern fells. A bit of nonLakeland country at either end supplies an interesting contrast to the narrow valleys, high passes, two lakesides and countless bits of woodland.
Best unwaymarked
Any route right across Lakeland is going to be a grand bit of travel, and the one you make up for yourself may be the best one of all. My own favourite starts at Penrith, and heads in along Ullswater to Patterdale. Then it’s over Fairfield or along the valley to the Scandale
Pass, and down into Ambleside. Cross Loughrigg into Great Langdale, and treat yourself to a big bar meal before heading over the top by Esk Hause and down into upper Eskdale. The full length of Eskdale makes a relaxing finish, crossing Muncaster Fell out to the sea. It’s 80km with 3000m of ascent if you take the challenging option over Fairfield.
YHA Tour de Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike lies at the hub of five different dales. A circuit around it passes nine youth hostels, including some of the prettiest and more remote. The hostels are Grasmere, Borrowdale (Rosthwaite), Honister, Black Sail Hut, Wasdale Hall (Nether Wasdale), Eskdale, Coniston (Coppermines or Holly How), and Langdale (Red Bank). Expect about 75km, and 3500m of ascent, taking 4-7 days.