Destinations | Stepping Outside

Five of the Best Winter Walks in the Lake District

Emma — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:47:21 +0000

With a little snow across the fells, the Lake District looks even more spectacular. These five walking routes make the most of the winter hiking conditions and include strenuous climbs to some of the Lake’s famous summits as well as more relaxing lake side walks.

Helvellyn from Thirlmere

More straight forward than approaching Helvellyn from Striding Edge, this is one of my favourite winter hiking routes. The climb to the summit offers spectacular views across Thirlmere, Raven Crag and the north west fells. While the navigation and the climb is fairly straightforward, this route shouldn’t be underestimated in winter months; there is often plenty of snow on the summit and the descent from Grisedale Tarn can be incredibly icy. Full Walking Directions and GPX Download...

Low Fell and Fellbarrow from Thackthwaite

I had mistakenly dismissed this route a few times as both fells are fairly low. In reality, the climb to Low Fell ends at one of the best viewpoints in the Lake District. Full Walking Directions and GPX Download...

Whinlatter Forest

With a little snow, Whinlatter Forest is transformed into a winter wonderland. The forest has numerous well-marked hiking trails, ranging from short kid-friendly routes to more strenuous walks with spectacular views. Walking Directions and map...

Loweswater Circuit

The majority of this route follows a shoreline trail around Loweswater, with great views of the surrounding fells, including Black Crag, Mellbreak and Carling Knott. Keep a look out for red squirrels and deer while walking through Holme Wood. Full Walking Directions and GPX Download...

Buttermere Lake Circuit

A circuit around Buttermere lake is the perfect afternoon stroll. This route climbs through Burtness woods before following the shoreline path towards Haystacks and around the eastern side of the lake. Full Walking Directions and GPX Download...

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Five of the Best Walks in the Swiss Alps

Emma — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 17:56:27 +0000

There's so much to see in the Swiss Alps; Zermatt and the Matterhorn, the Bernese Oberland range, picturesque alpine villages, the Jungfrau Region... These five walks cover some of the best of the Swiss Alps and can be linked together, with a few train rides, to create a 5-10 day itinerary.

Saas Fee to Grächen

The Saas Fee to Grächen Hohenweg route is one of my all time favourite hikes. The path is long, steep and tough going but once you climb above the tree line, the views are unforgettable. As this is a fairly remote hike, you’ll encounter Ibex roaming along the narrow pathways and if you’re lucky, you’ll have the mountains to yourself for hours on end. It’s the Swiss Alps at its best. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Zermatt Five Lakes Walk

A well marked, gravel trail loops around glacier lakes with magnificent views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. If the weather is cooperative, the Matterhorn summit is reflected in many of the lakes, making this one of the most popular and most photographed part of the Swiss Alps. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Engelberg to Meiringen via Engstlenalp

This linear hike is part of the Via Alpina, a route which runs across Switzerland between Sargans and Montreux. The central section of the route, from Engelberg to Mürren, is one of the most scenic. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Meiringen to Grindelwald

Part of the Via Alpina, this linear route begins by climbing through picturesque Alpine villages to reach the famous Reichenbach Falls. Heading into the Bernese Oberland, one of the most well-known regions in the Swiss Alps, the views are breathtaking, with the Wetterhorn and Eiger dominating the skyline. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Grütschalp - Mürren circuit

The well marked path weaves through open meadows and woodland above the beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley. As the route approaches Mürren, the views towards the Eiger and Jungfrau region are spectacular. After exploring Mürren village, there’s a direct train back to Grütschalp, or you can retrace your steps. Full Route info...

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Five of the Best Walks in Skye

Emma — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 16:43:24 +0000

The Cuillin mountain range, coastal walks to tidal islands and mysterious rock formations makes Skye a hikers' playground. These five walks show off Skye's dramatic and diverse landscape.

Blà Bheinn

If you’ve got one, good clear day while you’re visiting the Isle of Skye, this is the walk to do. The views are spectacular, stretching across the Cuillin mountains, Glen Sligachan and down to the coast. The linear route climbs past waterfalls, lakes and crosses a loose scree to reach the summit cairn. Full Route info, including GPX file…

The Quiraing

The Quiraing are otherworldly. Jagged rock pillars jut out of the moorland at odd angles and the majestic views are as far reaching as the Outer Hebrides. This circular walk weaves through the base of the Quiraing and returns across the top of the cliffs, passing the infamous Needle and Prison rock formations. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Sgurr na Stri

This linear walk begins with a slog through flat, boggy moorland but once you reach the summit, wadding through rivers suddenly becomes worth it. Often described as one of Britain’s finest viewpoints, the final ascent looks across the rough peaks of the Cuillins and down to the bright blue waters of Loch Coruisk. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Oronsay Island, Ullinish

There are many uninhabited, tidal islands off the coast of Skye. When the tide is low, a secluded beach emerges between Oronsay and Ullinish and the causeway can be crossed to reach the cliff edges. The walk offers breath-taking views across Loch Bracadale and the island's coastline. Full Route info, including GPX file…

The old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr has become symbolic with the Isle of Skye. This route is often busy but the distinctive landscape justifies why the Storr is on everyone’s Skye itinerary. Full Route info,

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Five of the Best Walks in the Lake District

Emma — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 17:53:44 +0000

If you’re one for stats, the Lake District is the largest National Park in England and home to England’s highest mountain and largest lake. The Lake District also happens to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been; on low level walks, mountain tops reflect in picturesque lakes and once you start climbing the fells, the landscape opens up to show striking summits, green pastures and remote moorlands.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

There are plenty of ways to climb Helvellyn but reaching the summit via Striding Edge and returning along Swirral Edge is the classic route. The scramble across the knife edge ridges makes Helvellyn one of the most exciting mountains to climb in the Lake District, and one of the most popular. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Skiddaw via Ullock Pike

Everyone has a favourite walk in the Lake District and this is mine. The circular route begins just outside Bassenthwaite village and climbs along Ullock Pike ridge, with outstanding views across Bassenthwaite Lake. From the summit, the view stretches across Derwent Water and out to mainland Scotland. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike

The remote summit of Haystacks feels like you’ve accidently wandered on to another planet. With deep green moorland, jagged exposed rocks, isolated tarns and hidden hollows, you'll almost forget that you’re walking at 1,700ft. If you need any further convincing; Haystacks was Wainwright’s favourite fell. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Coledale Horseshoe

I’m always surprised that this walk isn’t more popular. The majority of the path follows well marked, high-level ridges, with incredible views across to Skiddaw, Blencathra and the Scafell range. Full route info, including GPX file...

Derwentwater Circuit

This easy 10 mile stroll loops around Derwentwater Lake, with stunning views towards Borrowdale. Full directions and maps can be found on the Keswick Tourism site.

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Three of the Best Walks in the Peak District

Emma — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 17:38:50 +0000

Whether you’re looking for a strenuous hike or an afternoon stroll, the Peak District's vast open moorlands, farming valleys and breathtaking ridges has something for everyone.

Kinder Scout from Edale

Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District but it’s the history of the moorland which makes this a ‘must do’ route. In 1932 a few hundred ramblers trespassed on Kinder Scout wanting landowners to give walkers the right to enjoy the British countryside. The march was the start of a movement which eventually led to the creation of the National Parks; most of the walks we enjoy today are thanks to this small group of ramblers. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Mam Tor via Winnats Pass

The route begins with a short climb around Winnats Pass, a dramatic limestone valley created by a collapsed cave system. After a steep descent, the path leads towards Mam Tor summit, with captivating views across Kinder Scout and the Eden Valley. Full Route info, including GPX file…

Stanage Edge

Stanage Edge stone cliff stretches almost four miles across the Peak District, with the northern tip marking the boarder between Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. One of the most popular routes to Stanage Edge starts in Hathersage village, where Charlotte Brontë got most of her inspiration to write Jane Eyre. The circular walk passes by pubs, churches and villages visited by Brontë and climbs across Stanage Edge, with stunning views across Hope Valley and Hallam Moors. Walk description from Peak District.gov…

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