I was so determined to get to the Lake District this summer and I am pleased to report that it happened!

It really was a whistle stop tour, if I’d blinked I would’ve missed it. We travelled up Thursday afternoon, the journey taking 7 (…yes 7) hours and we had almost 3 days of adventures before heading home on Sunday afternoon.

We stayed at the most scenic campsite, Low Hollows. The site was encompassed by Keswick Fells in every direction. Absolutely beautiful and kind of a hidden gem as it is literally just off the main road making it a site really easy to get to. The facilities were super basic, just a couple of showers, two loos, and washing up sinks– but that was all we needed.

So, on with the blog. This is what we got up to in the Lakes and are activities that I highly recommend you do if you’re looking for things to do in the Lake District.

Grasmere

Our first stop was the charming village of Grasmere, renowned for its famous Grasmere Gingerbread.

After enjoying some of said gingerbread we set off for a walk around Grasmere lake.

The trail was about 5km, and offered fantastic views making it the perfect spot for my first Lake District swim on the way round.

Helvellyn, Striding Edge

Later that evening, I got to go on the most EPIC adventure. This walk was ultimately the reason I wanted to come to the Lake District. I have been looking for an ‘easier’ grade 1 scramble to try and extend my log book of hikes and boost my confidence.

The bucket list hike in question was Helvellyn via Striding edge and Swirral Edge, and it did not disappoint.

As we hiked up in the evening, we were practically the only souls up there making this a truly special adventure. Having the hills to yourself is really something magical.

T’was of course a bit scary in places as it was scrambly and exposed, but it was so remarkable. We could see Helvellyn ahead, Red Tarn lake beneath it, and so many Fells all around.

We were also graced with the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen at the top of Helvellyn. Although, the sun setting was a nudge that we needed to VERY quickly scramble down Swirral Edge while we still had some daylight!

I’m so pleased that I was able to adventure with my mate Jon too (he is living and working in the Lakes for the summer) and that he was able to take me on an evening adventure.

Newlands Pass

Unknowingly, my sat nav took us along the most scenic drive to Buttermere along Newlands Pass. Good golly was I grateful for having a little car round these winding roads. The roads were narrow, steep, and hard to pass oncoming traffic but the stunning scenery more than made up for it!

We stopped along the way at Moss Force waterfall, the tallest waterfall in the Lakes, on route.

Buttermere, infinity pools

A scenic hike with lots of options for a swim in one of the infinity pools on the way up the hill. We decided to go past all the tourists (despite also being a tourist) and go the the tippity top of the hill.

It was quite tricky in places, particularly getting across the river, but we made it and had the most beautiful swim above Lake Buttermere.

T’was a very fresh (aka. FREEZING) swim and I loved every second of it!

The route was around 5km but it took us a few hours due to the sudden height gain and steep descent, and a lunch and swim stop.

Windermere

We snuck in one final adventure before the looonnnggg drive back, so we opted for brunch in Windermere and then a swim in Lake Windermere.

We had hoped to hire a kayak but with it being the school summer holidays we learnt the hard way that we should’ve booked and gotten there earlier to find a parking spot.

Instead, we found a car park further down from the main town and opted for one a final Lake District dip.

So happy to have ticked off a bucket list hike, and to have enjoyed a few adventures and camping in the Lakes with my mate Tash this summer.

If you are looking for things to do in the Lake District, I highly recommend* all of the above.

*If you are out and about, remember to practice leave no trace and make sure you have the right equipment and skills for your adventures!

Happy adventures!