Walks
Walk straight out the cottage door onto the fells
We have a shelf full of books dedicated to ideas for Lakeland walks and local maps, in addition there are suggested walks from Crookwath’s doorstep, in our welcome folder – more than enough to last you a very full week! Sink into the sofa beside the woodburner and enjoy planning your days out.
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”.
Lucy’s Wood Walk
You are welcome to walk in our private 22 acre wood. It’s easy to find. Go through the gate and turn left, follow footpath across the field to the next gate and you are now in the wood.
If you are quiet you will see roe deer here. The wood stretches up the hill to a barn where you will find a gate and path taking you further up the hill. There are paths cut throughout the wood and they will eventually lead you down to the Aira Beck with some excellent swimming pools.
Explore the local footpaths
There are footpaths all over the place! See the map in the cottage. The nearest is to go through the bottom gate and turn either left or right. Right goes up the valley to Dowthwaite Head on towards Helvellyn, and left goes down through Lucy’s Wood and on either to Matterdale Church or the pub in Dockray village. The Old Coach road is a good flat walk and gets you onto the tops. (It starts where you see the C2C cycling track sign)
Aira Force Walk
If you have 2 cars, leave 1 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 Walk
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 ground!
Or as an alternative you can walk round Hallin Fell and back to Howtown Hotel for lunch (only open in summer months). Time 1.5 hrs. Mostly flat!
For the more adventurous, make your way back to Glenridding over Place Fell. 4–5 hrs mostly up hill: Phews and views!
Other walks from Crookwath
Watermillock Common and Dowthwaite Head Round: 2-3 hrs.
Helvellyn: One way 4-5 hrs.
Great Dodd Round: 3-4 hrs.
Birkett Fell and Stybarrow Dodd Round: 3–4 hrs.