There’s something about spring at Hutton. The fells soften, lambs appear in the fields, and the air feels just that bit fresher. It’s the season for slow mornings, good coffee, and getting out on foot – whether that’s a gentle lakeshore wander or a leg-stretching climb with a view.
Here are a few of our favourite spring walks in the Lake District, all within easy reach, and all best followed by something warm, something baked, or a well-earned soak back at your wood-fired hot tub.
Howtown to Glenridding (via Ullswater Steamer)
I
f there’s ever a walk that feels like a proper day out, it’s this one.
Start by hopping aboard the Ullswater Steamers from Glenridding. It’s a gentle, scenic cruise across the lake.
Disembark at Howtown, then take your time walking back along the southern edge of Ullswater. This is spring walking at its best with daffodils lining the path, birdsong overhead, and the lake never far from view.
There are a couple of welcome stops along the way, but if you do one thing, make it cake at Side Farm – homemade, generous, and very much earned by this point.
Glencoyne Bay & Aira Force
On the opposite side of Ullswater, spring arrives with a bit more drama.
This is Wordsworth country, the very place that inspired I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, and when the daffodils are out, you’ll see exactly why.
Start from the National Trust car park near Glencoyne Bay, wander down to the lakeshore, then follow the path towards Aira Force. The route is easy to follow, with well-marked trails weaving through woodland just coming into leaf.
Expect lambs in the fields, Herdwicks finding their feet, and that unmistakable feeling of the season turning.
Hallin Fell spring walk
Short, steep, and completely worth it.
Rising above Howtown, Hallin Fell is one of those walks that gives you maximum reward for relatively little distance. The climb will get your heart going, but once you reach the top, you’re met with sweeping, 360-degree views across Ullswater and the surrounding fells.
If you’ve still got the legs, you can extend your day either by hopping back on the Ullswater Steamers or continuing along the lakeshore towards Glenridding or Pooley Bridge.
Rannerdale Bluebells
Catch this at just the right moment (late April into early May) and you’ll find one of the Lake District’s most magical sights.
From Buttermere, follow the path towards Crummock Water before curving round into Rannerdale. Suddenly, the landscape shifts, and you’re in a valley awash with blue.
It’s important to stick to the fenced paths here (these blooms are delicate), but even from the trail, the scent and colour are something else.
If you’re feeling energetic, carry on up to Rannerdale Knotts for a slightly more adventurous finish, or take the shorter route back and keep things slow.
Walla Crag
A bit more of a climb, but one of the best views in the Lakes.
Starting from Keswick, the route winds through town before climbing steadily through woodland, often dotted with bluebells in spring.
At the top of Walla Crag, the reward is immediate. Derwentwater laid out below, Skiddaw rising to the north, and on a clear day, even the distant outline of Scottish hills.
The return takes you through Great Wood and along the lakeshore with a worthwhile detour to Friar’s Crag for one last, lingering look.
Back to Hutton
However far you wander, spring walks in the Lakes are best finished the same way – boots off, something local in hand, and a warm soak in the wood-fired hot tub.
Click here for more walking ideas in the northern Lake District
