Having spent many days wandering through small market towns, following trail paths, taking in views of unmatched scenery, and embracing the quieter coastal towns outside the National Park; I consider myself lucky for having had the Lake District on my doorstep growing up. There are many places (including that of some hidden gems) which are certainly worth a visit – and despite the urge to keep them secret as to not create an influx of crowding, I do believe them to be deserving of a spotlight for those considering a trip to the Lakes.
This new series on my blog will showcase a range of activities and sceneries – with various accessibility – as a way to promote the fact that ‘the outdoors is for everybody’. And whilst many posts will be centered around Cumbria, I aim to uncover natural beauty up and down the UK too, so look out for those entries.
It’s easy to fall victim to the belief you’re not ‘outdoorsy’ enough; unable to consider ‘hiking’ a hobby if you’re not bagging Munros, ticking off Wainwrights, or getting yourself out there each week without fail. It’s become harder to avoid the reels, the snapshots and the drone footage as the rise of influencers showcase their last venture up a mountain. And whilst you may aspire to, quite literally, follow in their footsteps one day, there are many others, like myself, who’d rather enjoy a more amble approach.
Hiking is simply defined as “the activity of going for long walks in the countryside” (Cambridge Dictionary). So, whilst it’s common to include elevation, it’s not always a requirement. This comes as a reminder, therefore, that you do not need to scale the highest peaks to get the most out of a place; you don’t need all the latest gear (your old pair of hiking boots should do just fine, depending on activity/weather); and there’s no correct way to spend time outdoors.
There’s more to the Lake District than climbing Scafell Pike. And the likes of Derwentwater or Bassenthwaite can be appreciated without having to walk up any elevation. Simply put, there’s a place for everyone at the Lakes. It just takes that initial step outside and the feeling of being present with the nature and environment around you to appreciate it.
So, whether you enjoy the tranquillity of sitting on a park bench whilst listening to birdsong, are partial to a spot of paddle-boarding on a lake, or even just interested in the local history and connecting with locals at an independent café, they’ll be something in this series for you.
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