Walks
Walk straight out the cottage door onto the fells
The cottage has a shelf full of books dedicated to Lakeland walks and local maps. You will also find a list of suggested walks from the doorstep of Crookwath Cottage in our welcome folder – more than enough to last you a very full week! Sink into the sofa beside the wood burner and enjoy planning your days out.
Lucy’s Wood Walk
Begin your stay with a walk in our private 22 acre wood. If you are quiet you will see roe deer and red squirrels. Down at the ponds, you will find dragonflies, newts and frogs. Explore the paths that meander throughout the wood, past the barn and down to Aira Beck, with an excellent wild swimming spot.
Watermillock Common Fell Walk
Watermillock Common Fell is our nearest fell across the valley, and over the beck from Crookwath cottage. From Wainwright’s account it offers the best views of all the surrounding mountains and of Ullswater. He says “here the keen camera enthusiast will suffer a paroxysm of enthusiasm!” and “it is the best view of Ullswater“.
Explore the local footpaths
There are footpaths leading you in all directions from the Cottage! The nearest footpath is through the gate at the bottom of the road. Go right to explore the farmhouses at Dowthwaite Head and climb on on towards Glencoyne and Helvellyn. Go left to Lucy’s Wood, the Royal Hotel pub and Gowbarrow. The Old Coach Road starts at the car park back up at hill. This is a good flat road where you can access the the Dodds with incredible views of the surrounding fells.
Aira Force Walk
If you have 2 cars, leave one at the Aira Force car park. Start from the cottage and walk down to Dockray. Pick up the footpath opposite the pub which leads you down the Aira Beck and enjoy an inviting cup of tea in the café at the end of the walk. Time 1–1.5 hrs. All down hill!
Lakeside Walks
Drive to Glenridding, and take the steamer to Howtown – you can check the times here https://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/plan-your-visit/timetable-and-fares. Walk back beside the lake – a beautiful walk with stunning views. Time 3–4 hrs and all on flat-ish ground!
There are many alternatives from Howtown – a circular walk around Hallin Fell (1.5 hrs) or climb over Place Fell back back to Glenridding (4 hours). Phews and views!
Other walks from Crookwath Cottage
Gowbarrow back via Aira Force – 3-4 hours
Helvellyn: One way 4-5 hrs.
Great Dodd Round: 3-4 hrs.
Birkett Fell and Stybarrow Dodd Round: 3–4 hrs.