Lake District at Christmas: Five places for a Boxing Day walk
After enjoying the festive indulgence of Christmas Day, Boxing Day is the perfect opportunity to pull on your (brand new) boots, gloves and scarf and head to the Lakes (if you can) with family and friends for a blast of wild, winter air.
1. Blea Tarn
Blow away those Christmas cobwebs at Blea Tarn. A picturesque valley situated between Great Langdale and Little Langdale. Here the Langdale Pikes will offer a perfect backdrop to all your festive forays. And due to its more remote location (don’t worry, there is a car park across the road from the lake) its scenery leaves lots undiscovered.
The tarn is also the perfect place for a wild swim (although probably not in the throes of winter) and it’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest as its sediment has gone undisturbed since the last Ice Age.
2. Ennerdale Valley
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet after all the seasonal stress? Then head to Ennerdale where unspoilt views and a serene atmosphere await. While it’s technically one of the ‘major’ lakes, it remains one of the most remote due to it sitting on the north-western edge of the National Park.
Here you can enjoy 30-miles of traffic-free exploring as it’s the only lake to not have a road running along its length. It also has no settlements so is the perfect place to feel wild and free.
3. Duddon Valley
A stunning place for a seasonal stroll, the landscape that greets you at Duddon Valley is one of unassuming beauty. It’s one of the Lake District’s most isolated spots and as it doesn’t have its own lake it’s rarely on a tourist’s checklist. There are fells to walk, ancient woodlands and riverbanks to explore. Whilst on your adventures, you’ll likely spot the valley’s hardiest residents – the Herdwick Sheep.
Duddon Valley was also the muse for The River Duddon, A Series of Sonnets published by Wordsworth in 1820.
4. Crummock Water
Located in the Western Lake District, Crummock Water is often overshadowed by its bigger and more popular sister lake, Buttermere. So, if you’re looking to escape the Christmas crowds, this is a great choice. You can enjoy mountain views, explore surrounding woodland, and (if you’re lucky) see red squirrels a leaping.
5. Tongue Pot Waterfalls
Chase adventure and waterfalls at Tongue Pot in Eskdale. Nestled away in the Esk Valley, the waterfalls are almost hidden by the surrounding fells and rolling hills. There’s a series of pools boasting emerald-green waters that during the warmer months of the year attract wild swimmers.
Situated nearby (just over a bridge) is Lingcove Beck and Falls. With two idyllic spots so close to one another, this is the perfect place to get the most out of the day.
Let’s go…
Boxing Day is the perfect time get outdoors and begin (one step at a time) to walk off all those mince pies.
This season embrace stepping away from well-trodden tracks and enjoy making your own. Because what might be waiting around that wrong turn, or longer route is a view or memory that will last a lifetime.
If you visit any of these places in the Lake District, or anywhere else for that matter, then we’d love to see how you’re getting out and about. Tag us in your pictures using #Joules.
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