Six Walks to do from Cartmel…

Cartmel is one of Cumbria’s most picture perfect villages, set on the Cartmel Peninsular surrounded by rolling hills ,making this area popular amongst hikers looking for pretty, tranquil hikes….

  • Hampsfell 

Distance: 3km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Medium

Starting from Grange Fell Road between Cartmel and Grange-over-Sands, explore the grassy slopes of Fell End and Hampsfell, which provide stunning views over Morcambe Bay and towards the Lakeland fells. The summit of Hampsfell is unique and surrounded by areas of limestone pavement alongside ‘Hampsfell Hospice’; a large stone structure built in 1846 to provide shelter for travellers. The interior provided stone seats and a little fireplace! Steps lead up the north wall to the top of the shelter providing a viewing platform to best see the surrounding countryside. There is a board and alidade on the rooftop so you can confirm what hills you can see.

  • Eggerslack Wood

Distance: 5.6km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy (from Cartmel)

Situated on the edge of Grange, Eggerslack Wood is a tranquil place with lots of native trees and wildlife.  The maze-like woodland footpaths weave through beautiful scenery and can be accessed from Cartmel, Grange-over- Sands or from the parking area on Hampsfell Road. You can explore as much or little of the ancient woodland as you like, with plenty of picnic spots.

  • Holker Hall 

Distance: 3km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy

From Cartmel village, take a small, 2-mile stroll over to Holker Hall where there is a selection of garden routes to discover known as ‘The Cavendish, Burlington & Lady Moyra Walks.’  The Cavendish Walk, as far as the Sunken Garden is suitable for wheelchairs and prams. However, the other routes include narrow paths and stiles. The Burlington Walk is an hour-long route exploring the grounds and The Lady Moyra Walk takes around 30 minutes. A hike around the entire gardens can take up to 2 hours and explores the Holker Labyrinth, the Cascade and marble statues all surrounded by an extensive range of shrubs, rare flowers and oak trees.

  • Grange-over-Sands and Cartmel Circular 

Distance: 23km Time: 4-5 hours Difficulty: Medium

For a long hike taking in all the area has to offer, the Grange-over-Sands and Cartmel Circular is an ideal, all day walk making use of the Cumbria Coastal Way and Cistercian Way. The walk starts at Grange-over-Sands promenade, which offers fabulous views towards Arnside Knott, Silverdale and the Lakeland fells. From the promenade, you pass through the pretty ornamental gardens, climbing towards Cartmel passing Eggerslack Wood and Hampsfell. Use this hike to explore all Cartmel village has to offer including the River Eea. From Cartmel, you can choose to explore the countryside to Cark.

  • Fell Foot Park garden walk

Distance: 2.6km Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy

Fell Foot Park sits at the tail of Windermere Lake around 15 minutes away from Cartmel. The park has a beautiful, circular heritage and garden walk exploring the 18th century grounds complete with a Pinetum garden and native flower meadows. The parks garden footpaths can be accessed from the Boathouse Café where you can learn about Fell Foot’s Victorian history and Colonel Ridehalgh (the wealthy Victorian owner of the park) before heading off to the Active Base.  The woodland paths explore the hay meadow, taking in views towards the Swan Hotel and the gothic boathouse on the lake. There are also two children’s play areas nestled in the park for a play stop!

  • Morecambe Bay Cross Bay Walk

Distance: between 9.7km to 12.9km Time: 4-5 hours Difficulty: Medium

The Cross Bay Walk is a historical hiking route that crosses Morecambe Bay. It traditionally connects Hest Bank, Lancashire with Kents Bank, Cumbria. The exact route usually varies due to tidal conditions and shifting sands but generally begins at the nearby Arnside Promenade and finishes at Kent’s Bank. The route can be extended to hike from Kent’s Bank back to Cartmel, which adds around an hour onto the day. The majority of the walk heads over the sand, which may involve walking through channels of water, so be prepared to get wet! The Cross Bay walk is a popular fundraising hike, but can be enjoyed as a personal, beautiful coastal hike too!