Herdwick Cottages have holiday accommodation in the Lake District and Yorkshire, perfectly placed on the doorstep of some fantastic winter walks
Winter is a great time to pull on a pair of cosy socks, walking boots, hat, scarf and gloves and set off on an adventure in the hills. The crisp winter weather and the quality of winter light make it a magical time of year. Perfect for catching the beauty of the countryside on camera, whether that’s a frost sprinkled landscape, ice covered lake, or snowy peaks.
Here are five of our favourite winter walks paired up with five beautiful Herdwick Lake District and Yorkshire holiday cottages. This is just a selection of the great Herdwick holiday homes on offer. Whether you are looking for a cottage with a log burner or open fire, a romantic retreat with a hot tub, a large family home or group accommodation, or a warm welcome for pets, we have something to match your wish list.
Of course, winter walking in the Lake District also comes with a warning to ensure you take all the necessary precautions and dress appropriately. Make sure you have read this What to wear and take on a walk : Lake District National Park
Loughrigg
At just over 335 metres (1,164 ft) high, Loughrigg is one of the smaller Wainwrights but with views that rival much higher peaks. The Loughrigg Fell circular walk is just over 8 km (5 miles) long.
Starting from White Moss Car Park on the road to Grasmere, the path takes you through White Moss Wood before you start a gentle ascent to Loughrigg Terrace. From here you get stunning views towards Grasmere. There are thoughtfully placed benches along the terrace to rest and take in the surrounding beauty. This is where the going gets a bit steeper, but with helpful rocky steps to make it a little bit easier. Your upward effort is soon rewarded with impressive and Instagram-able views of the Langdale mountains, Windermere, and Rydal Water.
Herdwick Holiday Accommodation near Loughrigg
Styhead Tarn Lodge sits in a private holiday park surrounded by woodland and offering additional communal leisure facilities. The lodge sleeps six – 4 adults and 2 children, with dogs welcome too.
The lodge is not overlooked so enjoys privacy and has a south facing outdoor space where you can enjoy uninterrupted mountain views. The onsite leisure facilities are a real plus for those rainy days that we occasionally experience in the Lake District! They include an indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and table tennis.
Cat Bells
One of the most popular walks in the Lake District. It’s not the longest route, at just 5.8 km (3.5 miles) but it has a couple of sharp, steep sections to take you to a height of 451 metres (1,480 ft). The views from the top are spectacular – Derwent Water to the east, the mighty Skiddaw, and westward to Newlands Valley.
Alfred Wainwright described it “… one of the great favourites, a family fell where grandmothers and infants can climb the heights together, a place beloved”. However, on balance I guess it might not suit every Granny! Depending on fitness levels, the walk will take between 2 and 4 hours including plenty of stops to catch your breath and take in the views.
Starting at the small car parking area near Hawse End, the walk takes you past wooded areas and through some lovely open countryside before you reach the panoramic views at the summit.
Herdwick Holiday Cottage near Cat Bells
This is a Herdwick cottage that is all about the view! Yew Tree is perfect for walkers with lots of walking routes within easy reach. It is a cosy retreat for two people (so you probably won’t be taking your Granny with you!) It’s right in the centre of Buttermere village – just 10 miles from Keswick and the start of the Cat Bells walk. It’s a lovely open-plan living space with double bedroom and bathroom. Outside there’s a lawned garden that takes in views of the working farm and the hills beyond.
Every room is a room with a view. The beautiful valley is surrounded by mountains including High Stile, Red Pike, Haystacks and Robinson Fell. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to eating and drinking as there are two great pubs right on the doorstep, and a farm café and tearoom offering great après walk coffee, cakes and butties.
Yew Tree is next door to Wilkinsyke Farm Cottage and can be rented together.
Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is a combination of a man-made tarn or lake surrounded by small, wooded hills, or ‘hows’. This beautiful area was created in Victorian times by damming a local river to create the two small bodies of water that exist today. This is a short walk of just 3 km (1.86 miles), but is perfect for young children, or the elderly. The path is accessible for push chairs or wheelchairs and is classified as a ‘Miles without Stiles’ route. However, it does have some sections that are steeper than 1:10, so not necessarily for everyone. It is a walk with lots of interest for the young at heart whether that is skiffing stones on the water or finding a low tree branch to swing from. There are benches along the path – perfect for picnics or for taking in the lovely views towards the Coniston hills and Langdale Pikes,
Herdwick Holiday Accommodation Near Tarn Hows
Just twenty minutes by car from Tarn Hows, Syke Barn is situated in the beautiful Lake District hamlet of Rusland. Syke Barn is a cottage brimming over with character features including vaulted ceiling, original oak beams, wooden flooring, and log burner. It also has all the comfort and standards expected today with an eco-friendly air source heat pump and cosy under floor heating.
Rusland sits between Coniston and Windermere and is close to Grizedale Forrest with walking and cycle trails and the popular GoApe.
Duddon Valley Walk
The Duddon Valley (also known as Dunnerdale) is a lesser-known part of the Lake District. Wordsworth loved this part of the world and dedicated 35 sonnets to the Duddon river. Now, there’s a challenge for you on your holiday in the Lake District – find and quote from at least five of them! It is a perfect area for those who love the splendour of the Lake District countryside, but who prefer a slightly quieter corner of the National Park. Situated between Coniston and Eskdale, The Duddon Valley is a haven for walkers and hikers, mountain bikers and those who love nature.
The Duddon Valley walk is a circular walk just under 10 km in length. It is considered moderately challenging with quite a bit of ups and downs, and a total ascent of 300 metres. The walk starts in Birks Bridge Forestry Commission car park between the villages of Seathwaite and Cockley Beck. After crossing the River Duddon, the trail takes you along the side of the valley and through a forest. The route takes you through the small and pretty hamlet of Seathwaite before returning through farmland and meadows. Expect to take about 3 – 4 hours. A splendid full morning or afternoon walk.
Herdwick Holiday Cottage near Duddon Valley
No 8 Copper Rigg is ideally suited for a couple, family or friends who want to explore the Duddon Valley and further afield. It’s situated in the quaint and characterful village of Broughton-in-Furness, southwest Lake District. You will find everything you need in the village for a relaxing stay – a butcher, a baker … and no, not a candlestick maker, but better, three very fine pubs. There’s a host of activities in very easy distance including Haverthwaite steam train, Lakes Aquarium, Muncaster Castle, and Grizedale Forest.
The cottage itself is light and spacious with open plan dining kitchen and lounge. There’s a handy boot room for when you get in from your walk, especially if you have your four legged friend with you. Upstairs there’s comfortable double and twin rooms and outside a courtyard equipped with garden furniture, just in case you fancy some star gazing on the clear winter nights.
Aysgarth Waterfall Walk
This is a popular circular walk that takes in three flights of waterfalls – upper, middle and lower. It starts from the National Park Centre at Aysgarth in Wensleydale. The waterfalls were made famous by Wordsworth who enjoyed visiting the area, and Turner and Ruskin who painted the falls. The 10.8 km (6.75 mile) circular walk enjoys woodland scenery as well as the interesting remains of Bolton Castle and gardens. There’s plenty of opportunity to stop for a picnic or refreshments, both at the castle or at the Wheatsheaf Pub in the village of Caperby.
Herdwick Holiday Accommodation close to Aysgarth Waterfall
Bramblewick Cottage is a traditional stone-built cottage set within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With beautiful views in every direction, Bramblewick is a real home away from home. It has a cosy log burner, two double bedrooms and enclosed south facing garden with patio area.
The cottage is in the quaint Dales village of Fearby just 30 mins from start of walk.
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