10 must-try spring walks in Cumbria and Lake District

The change commences with a smattering of wildflowers like daffodils and bluebells, then progresses to the leaves, and finally the fells.

As a walker, leaving the car at home not only lets you appreciate nature's rebirth but also adds to the preservation of the environment.

Vivienne Crow, an award-winning writer and photographer, has compiled a list of the 10 best springtime walks in Cumbria and Lake District.

The list covers diverse terrain, from the tranquil low-level routes to the towering high fells, providing walkers an excellent way to experience the Cumbrian landscapes in spring.

Among these routes, Rannerdale’s bluebells walk is a moderate-level journey spanning about 4½ miles, accessible via Bus route 77/77A from Keswick to Buttermere.

If you are there in late April or early May Rannerdale can be a sea of glorious blue, and Ms Crow recommends that walkers to avoid trampling the delicate blooms.

On the other hand, the High Rigg walk is ideal for younger or less experienced hikers.

It extends about 6¾ miles and can be reached via the 555 bus to Dale Bottom.

This walk offers a variety of landscapes from hidden tarns and dark crags to knobbly summits and a streak of narrow, heather-covered ridges.

For those who fancy an enchanting view, the Dent walk provides a breathtaking outlook from its 1,155ft summit, offering long-distance hikers a taste of the spectacular fells.

This walk is about 7¼ miles and is a moderate difficulty, you can access it on the 505 bus to Hawkshead.

Meanwhile, the Latterbarrow & Claife Heights walk, stretching at around 10½ miles, includes notable features like beautiful woodlands, England's longest lake, and the allegedly haunted slopes of Claife Crier.

Ms Crow also suggests the Walla Crag walk which, despite being a bit of a grind, rewards walkers with a scenic view over sparkling Derwentwater and high fells.

This one is about 5¾ miles, and a moderate difficulty.

You can find this walk on bus routes that start from Keswick bus station.

Another moderate to hard level walk is the Hay Stacks route, encompassing unusual elements like secretive tarns and pools, and surprise nooks and crannies.

It is about 4½ miles, and you find it on the 77/77A, from Keswick to Gatesgarth Farm, or 77C, Cockermouth to Buttermere bus routes.

For ambitious walkers, the Great Rigg via Stone Arthur walk gives an exciting climb involving Stone Arthur's rocky front.

It is about 6¾ miles long and is classed as a moderate to hard difficulty.

You can get to this via the 555 or 599 to Grasmere bus routes.

Alternatively, walkers can opt for the tranquil 2¼ miles walk around Ullswater, the shores famous for its association with William Wordsworth's daffodils.

This one is about 2¼ miles long and has an easy difficulty.

Both Glenridding and Aira are served by the 508 and, at weekends and bank holidays, the 509 bus routes.

You can also do the Lancaster Canal Path which is about 8½ miles, and classed as easy/ moderate.

Crooklands and Kendal are served by bus 567.

Lastly, the Keswick Railway Path uses the surface path of the old Cockermouth, Keswick, and Penrith Railway, now used for walking, cycling, and running.

It is about 4¼ miles and has a difficulty rating of easy.

Both Keswick and Threlkeld are served by buses X4 and X5.

Before setting off on these walks, Ms Crow advises having a map and being prepared for any weather conditions.

Those heading to the fells should check out the Adventure Smart website for advice.

Furthermore, information on bus times can be checked on the Stagecoach website or through the Stagecoach Bus app.