Uncovering the best literary Lake District walks

The Lake District National Park’s beauty has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and some of Britain’s most notable works of literature have come from this corner of the country.

Here are a few of the best Lake District walks to admire the scenery and explore literary history.

Hawkshead

Originally owned by the monks of the impressive Furness Abbey, Hawkshead is a medieval town linked to two of Britains most famous literary figures, Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

A walk through this town will reveal several locations of historical significance. The first stop is Hawkshead Grammar School, which was built in 1585 and can claim Wordsworth as one of its most notable ex-pupils. Nearby is Ann Tyson’s house where Wordsworth stayed during his time at school.

Another literary must-see is the Beatrix Potter Gallery’s collection of the writer’s original drawings and watercolours. The exhibition is housed in a charming 17th century building which was once William Heelis’ office, Potter’s husband. Tickets are timed and costs £4.80 for adults, £2.40 for kids and £12 for families.

After a gentle promenade around the town centre, head out the southern end of the village for a delightful walk along the shore of Esthwaite Water to the next destination on our list.

Near Sawrey

Along this trail, you will treated to the spectacular 17th century farmhouse, Hill Top House, which inspired Beatrix Potter to produce some of her brilliant work. The house is now a National Trust site and is filled with some of Beatrix Potter’s favourite things. Each room has its own story and the cottage garden is lovely. Tickets are timed as the property is relatively small, with adults paying £8.50, kids £4.25 and family prices for £21.25.

Grasmere

The next trail is north of Esthwaite Water and starts in Grasmere. In the heart of the town is the Wordsworth Museum, which holds original copies of Wordsworth’s manuscripts as well as memorabilia of the Early Romantic movement.

Also found in Grasmere is Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth lived from 1799 to 1808 and is believed to have produced some of his best work. The poet was also laid to rest here, and his grave stone can be found at St Oswald’s Church.

After paying your respects, it is time to experience a brilliant current literary treat! The Storyteller’s Centre is run by Taffy Thomas who upholds the tradition of oral storytelling and verbal folklores. For his efforts (and basically being a human library!), Taffy became the first laureate of storytellers, an honorary position bestowed to him by the Queen in 2009.

Rydal

You’ve seen where the greatest of Lake Poets was laid to rest. Now take a gentle 50 minute amble down the Old Coffin Trail past Grasmere water to Rydal. At Rydal Mount, you will find Wordsworth’s favourite abode where he lived from 1813 until his death in 1850.

You have the option to end the trail here or, if you don’t mind adding a couple of miles to your walk, carry on out of the village to the South. You will pass near Stock Ghyll Force, a 70 foot waterfall which indicates your close approach to Amberside.

Ambleside

Ambleside can be connected to many Lake Poets such as Walter Scott, Felicia Hemans, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey. You'll also find St Mary’s Church, where Wordsworth was warden in 1833 to 1834.

In the town’s centre is the Old Stamp House where he was the distributor of stamps of Westmorland. Also located here is the Armitt Library, where Beatrix Potter was a member. The partnering museum displays a collection of botanical watercolours she donated.

Consiton Water

Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons series was greatly influenced but the Lake District. In fact, the fictional Wild Cat Island has many features that strongly resemble Peel Island on Consiton Water (pictured above). In addition, the steam yacht gondola which still sails these waters is the real life version of Captain Flint’s boathouse.

It is possible to walk large stretches of both Consiton and Windermere’s shores. There is also a launch that tours some of the book locations found at Consiton Water.

Brantwood

Visit the bookshop, art gallery, house and grounds of John Ruskin’s Brantwood Estate on Consiton Water. The Ruskin Museum will thrill visitors with insights into the best of Ruskin’s art, political philosophy and social reform work.

The Lake District is a beautiful tourist hotspot with plenty of camping and caravan sites throughout the whole park. Each of the above locations has a handful of campsites for holidaymakers to choose from. We hope you enjoy these scenic walks, take a picnic and relax in a landscape that inspired various stories, poems and paintings.