Near Howe is a great place to explore the Lake District from. We’ve recommended some walks which you can do from Near Howe as well as a few that are in easy reach of the cottages.
Buttermere Lake
Start Point: Buttermere (18 miles from Near Howe)
Length: 4.5 miles
This is one of the most scenic and enjoyable circuits of a lake to be found anywhere in the area.
Park just up the road from Buttermere. and walk down past the Bridge Inn down to the lake where the walk starts.
Gowbarrow Round from Aira Force
Start Point: Middle car park Aira Force (7.5 miles from Near Howe)
Length: 7.3 miles
The walk starts by taking in the delights of Aira Force, and then passes behind the unusual Lyulph’s Tower before a short pull up the fall takes you to a reasonably flat path that skirts its way round Gowbarrow with fantastic views out over Ullswater.
The next section of the walk takes you through a wooded hillside and out onto the road leading to Watermillock.
The second half of the walk (3.5 miles) follows the country road down to the lake and then follows the road along the lake.
Walla Crags and Castlerigg Fell
Start Point: 9 miles from Near Howe
Length: 3.9 miles
A great walk with
fantastic views over Derwent Water.
When parking the car there are just a few spaces at the end of the Rakefoot road past Castlerigg Hall Caravan Park, otherwise try before The Heights Hotel.
Be prepared for a sharp pull straight up the fell to start with. The ground levels out across the top and the fabulous views are well worth it!
Blencathra Returning via the Tongue
Start Point: Mill Inn Car Park (1 mile from Near Howe)
Length: 8.1 miles
This is the easiest way to experience the delights of Blencathra. The first section of the walk (3.5 miles) takes you from the Mill Inn at Mungrisdale, round the back of Souther Fell, following the easy gradient of the Glenderamackin river up past Sharp Edge to reach a point between Bannerdale and Atkinson Pike.
You can then decide on tackling the summit of Blencathra with its spectacular views over the Northern Lakes (2 miles), or missing this section out and going across to Bannerdale Crags (very spectacular) and down via the Tongue.
Souther Fell Round from Near Howe
Start Point: Near Howe
Length: 7.4 miles
This walk starts and ends at Near Howe, and takes in the Souther Fell, immediately opposite Near Howe, via a circular route up the Glenderamackin river and Mousethawaite Comb.
The walk can easily be shortened by 3 miles by starting and ending at the Mill Inn in Mungrisdale.
This 3 mile section of the walk can be done on its own as a round trip to the Mill Inn from Near Howe.
Bowscale Tarn
Start Point: Bowscale Car Park (2.7 miles from Near Howe)
Length: 3.1 miles
A gentle walk up to a secluded tarn. The route starts by following a bridle path along the side of Bowscale Fell.
Please note that the route below only shows one way, you should return along the same path, or descend from the tarn and return via the road.
