10 hidden gems of the Lake District

The Lake District, with its dramatic landscapes, picturesque villages, and tranquil lakes, is the ultimate destination for a walking holiday. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this region in northwest England offers a diverse range of trails, from gentle strolls along peaceful shores to challenging hikes up rugged peaks. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views, historical charm, or a peaceful escape into nature, the Lake District has something for every walker.

With its stunning variety of fells, valleys, and hidden gems, the area is perfect for exploring on foot, allowing visitors to experience its beauty in a way that feels intimate and unforgettable. Follow us on a journey off the beaten path to uncover ten hidden gems that capture the true essence of the Lake District.

Rannerdale Knotts is a relatively small but striking fell located near Crummock Water in the northwestern part of the Lake District. While it doesn’t reach the heights of some of the district’s more famous peaks, it offers some of the most breath-taking and accessible views in the region, making it a hidden gem for walkers.

One of the standout features of Rannerdale Knotts is its famous bluebell display in the spring. The area, particularly Rannerdale Valley, transforms into a sea of vibrant blue as thousands of native bluebells bloom, creating a spectacular sight that’s unique in the Lake District. It truly is a must-see when passing through in the earlier months of the year!

Scale Force, located between Buttermere and Crummock Water, is the tallest waterfall in the Lake District. It plunges dramatically in two stages, with the main drop reaching a height of about 170 feet (51 metres), followed by a smaller cascade below.

There are several routes to reach Scale Force, with the most popular starting from the village of Buttermere or from the National Trust car park at Gatesgarth. The walk to the falls is moderate, making it suitable for most walkers, and typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours for a round trip.

The Buttermere Infinity Pool is a hidden gem located near Buttermere in the Lake District. Found at the top of a waterfall, this pool offers stunning, uninterrupted views over Buttermere and the surrounding fells, making it an increasingly popular spot for adventurous walkers and wild swimmers alike.

The pool is located on the stream that flows from Scale Force, the highest waterfall in the Lake District. It’s tucked away in the fells above Buttermere and Crummock Water, offering a remote and peaceful spot for those willing to make the effort to find it. Reaching the pool requires a fairly challenging walk, often beginning from Buttermere village, with a climb up the fells and a bit of off-trail exploration.

Honister Pass is one of the most dramatic and scenic mountain passes in the Lake District, connecting the valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere. Known for its steep inclines and breath-taking views, it sits at an elevation of 356 metres (1,167 feet), making it one of the highest mountain passes in the region.

The pass cuts through rugged terrain and offers spectacular vistas of surrounding fells, making it a favourite for both walkers and drivers seeking an adventurous route through the heart of the Lake District. At the top of the pass is the famous Honister Slate Mine, a historic mine that has been producing Westmorland green slate for centuries.

Haystacks, standing at 597 metres (1,958 feet), is one of the most iconic and cherished fells in the Lake District. It was a favourite of renowned fell-walker and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright, who famously requested his ashes be scattered at Innominate Tarn, one of the tranquil tarns on Haystacks' summit

 Haystacks holds a special place in Lake District lore, thanks to Alfred Wainwright’s love for it. He described Haystacks as "the best fell-top of all," and his enthusiasm for its beauty has inspired generations of walkers.

Black Combe, standing at 600 metres (1,969 feet), is a striking and often-overlooked fell located in the southwestern edge of the Lake District. What sets Black Combe apart from other fells is its proximity to the coast, offering a rare combination of fell and sea views.

Despite being somewhat removed from the more frequented central Lake District, it is known for its sweeping, panoramic vistas that, on a clear day, can include sights of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of Man.

Eskdale is one of the less-visited valleys in the Lake District, offering remote beauty and stunning waterfalls such as Stanley Ghyll Force. The valley also has access to Scafell Pike, but the real charm lies in its peaceful, rugged paths and historical sites like Eskdale Mill.

The valley is surrounded by impressive fells, such as Harter Fell, Muncaster Fell, and Green Crag, providing a variety of walking routes that offer stunning views of both the valley and the surrounding countryside.

Overlooking Buttermere and Honister Pass, Fleetwith Pike is an often-underrated fell. The hike to its summit is short but steep, offering spectacular views over Buttermere, Crummock Water, and the surrounding valleys. The views from the summit, particularly down the valley towards Warnscale Bottom, are some of the best in the Lake District.

Warnscale Bothy is a hidden shelter tucked into the slopes of Fleetwith Pike, offering incredible views over Buttermere and the valley below. It’s a remote spot, perfect for those who love to explore lesser-known locations with a sense of history. The bothy is small but atmospheric, and the surrounding scenery is stunning, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

The High Stile Ridge is a stunning but less crowded ridge walk that runs along the southwest side of Buttermere, connecting the peaks of High Stile, High Crag, and Red Pike. This high-level ridge walk offers uninterrupted views of the lakes below and the surrounding fells. The walk is more challenging than the lower trails but offers a quieter experience with incredible scenery.

A short distance from Buttermere lies Loweswater, one of the quieter lakes in the Lake District. It’s often less visited than its more famous neighbours, giving it a peaceful, untouched feel. Located in the woodland near Loweswater, Holme Force is a little-known waterfall that remains hidden from most tourists.

It is surrounded by trees and offers a serene atmosphere, especially after heavy rainfall when the waterfall is at its most dramatic. The walk to Holme Force through the forest is equally beautiful and peaceful.