Down on the valley floor
The scenery of the Lake District can often be seen at its best in the valleys: broad stretches of green fields and woodland, with traditional buildings and villages and hamlets in picturesque settings, offering accommodation and refreshments.
Explore the winding lanes around Borrowdale, Watendlath, Newlands, Buttermere and St John’s in the Vale. Peaceful river and meadow walks can be found in all of them, with the surrounding craggy fells adding grandeur to the views.
4 miles outBorrowdale
Ten miles from the lake shore to Scafell Pike, through the Jaws of Borrowdale — with the Rambler bus running the length of it all year.
3 miles outWatendlath
A hamlet, a packhorse bridge and a seven-acre tarn at the end of a dead-end lane. Better walked in from Surprise View than driven.
7 miles outButtermere
The only valley in Cumbria with three lakes in it, and the Rannerdale bluebells in the second week of May.
3 miles outNewlands
Quiet and unspoilt behind Catbells, with a whitewashed church, Beatrix Potter’s Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, and the Goldscope mine.
3 miles outSt John's in the Vale
Under the crags of the Helvellyn range, with a small church of 1845, a long view to Blencathra, and Thirlmere at the far end.
Most of them without a car
Borrowdale and Buttermere are both served all year by the Rambler buses, which link at Keswick and connect to the Derwentwater launches. A day rider ticket covers both routes, so a valley can be ridden out and walked back.
St John’s in the Vale sits on the 555 along the A591 between Keswick and Windermere. Watendlath and Newlands are the two that really do want a car — or, better in both cases, a walk in from the main valley. Bus times and routes are on the getting here page.