Walking
There are many wonderful walks directly from Kirkstile itself, around Buttermere and in the Northern Lake District generally. This is one of Wainwright's favourite areas.
Walks from the Honister Pass include the summit of Great Gable and many other famous Lakeland Peaks.
Many people who stay at the Kirkstile choose not to use a car at all during their visit. Crummock Water is easily reached and the walk around the lake of Loweswater itself is readily achieved even by some of our youngest visitors. Similarly, Buttermere, only a short drive away provides a most rewarding and delightful lake walk suitable for varied abilities and taking only 2-3 hours.
The famous Red Pike to High Stile ridge and the Newlands Pass are rich walking areas and provide plenty of challenges. Other good fell walks include Melbreak, Grasmoor, Whiteside and Grisedale Pike. For more leisurely walking the fells of Lorton and Whinlatter are no less rewarding with views as far as Scotland.
Walks from the Honister Pass include the summit of Great Gable and many other famous Lakeland Peaks.
Many people who stay at the Kirkstile choose not to use a car at all during their visit. Crummock Water is easily reached and the walk around the lake of Loweswater itself is readily achieved even by some of our youngest visitors. Similarly, Buttermere, only a short drive away provides a most rewarding and delightful lake walk suitable for varied abilities and taking only 2-3 hours.
The famous Red Pike to High Stile ridge and the Newlands Pass are rich walking areas and provide plenty of challenges. Other good fell walks include Melbreak, Grasmoor, Whiteside and Grisedale Pike. For more leisurely walking the fells of Lorton and Whinlatter are no less rewarding with views as far as Scotland.
Cycling
Cycling has always been popular in the Lakes and nowhere more so than the stunning area around Loweswater. Close to the mountain passes of Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter this is cycling at its best. We are also situated just a short distance from the Coast to Coast cycle route.
The popular Whinlatter Visitor Centre is a haven for mountain biking and only a 10 to 15 minute drive away.
The Team Townend Challenge held every April starts from Loweswater Village Hall, about a 2 minute walk away. The event usually coincides with the Loweswater Beer Festival too. For more information with this annual cyclo-sportive click here http://teamtownend.org/
We provide a warm welcome to all cyclists and we’re a great base for cycling breaks.
The popular Whinlatter Visitor Centre is a haven for mountain biking and only a 10 to 15 minute drive away.
The Team Townend Challenge held every April starts from Loweswater Village Hall, about a 2 minute walk away. The event usually coincides with the Loweswater Beer Festival too. For more information with this annual cyclo-sportive click here http://teamtownend.org/
We provide a warm welcome to all cyclists and we’re a great base for cycling breaks.
- Open all day
- Food is available in the morning and in the afternoon until 4.30 as well as our normal lunch and evening sessions
- A range of coffees, teas, hot chocolate and cakes available all day
- Top up of water bottles
- Cycle rail for locking bikes
- Beautiful beer garden for those summer days.
- Space for overnight storage of cycles for residents
Buttermere
Buttermere, the lake and valley, is a special and idyllic location right on our doorstep. Do a low level walk along the lakeshore and have an ice cream from Syke Farm made from their Buttermere Ayrshire Cows. Choose to take on some of Wainwright’s favourite fells including Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks where you will find Innominate Tarn, the location where his ashes were scattered. The best time to visit is May when the carpet of bluebells are in full bloom at Rannerdale.
Honister Slate Mine
Honister Slate Mine offers everything from a welcome café stop when driving or cycling over Honister Pass to a place for thrill seekers. This award-winning attraction and experience offers mine tours and the chance to purchase local slate gifts through to the Via Ferrata Classic & Extreme. The Via Ferrata lets you experience the miner’s original route up the magnificent Fleetwith Pike on a continuous cable. A memorable and thrilling, yet safe outdoor adventure for all and a great way to see the Lake District’s dramatic scenery.
Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter Forest is less than 15 minutes by car from Kirkstile. Being England’s only true mountain forest, it is as unique as it is stunning. With three cycle trails, nine walking trails, GoApe, forest Segways, a Cafe, bike hire, picnic and play areas, whatever the weather, for families, couples and adventurists, it really does have it all. The unrivalled views of Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater & Keswick complete the experience.
Lake District Wildlife Park
Adding to the wildlife experience in the Lake District, other than what you see whilst out walking, is the Lake District Wildlife Park. Ideal for all animal lovers and superb for children, the park spans 24 acres with over 100 species of wildlife. Daily presentations and educational talks, ability to feed the animals daily and a children’s play area creates a full day attraction.
Cockermouth
Cockermouth is a beautiful Georgian market town. Visit the Grade 1 listed Wordsworth House, the birthplace and childhood home of William Wordsworth. The gardens are a delight and have family friendly events during the school holidays. The town has a wealth of independent shops, cafes and lots of antiques shops. Take a stroll along the River Derwent too.
