Activities

Welcome to the Lake District, England’s largest National Park. For visitors to the area you an expect a lively mix of activities to explore during your stay to suit every taste and interest. We have pulled together our top recommendations to support you our guests to ensure you get the most out of your visit, all of which are set within a reasonable difference from Stepping Stones Riverside Terrace.

Beautiful Walks:

• A local walk from outside your door. The easy but beautiful walk up Loughrigg Fell (1101′/335m) – is a top recommendation.
• Other popular walks include the Coniston Old Man, Crinkle Crags, Wetherlam, Helvellyn, Silver How, Bow Fell, Pavey Ark, Pike o'Blisco, Pike o'Stickle, Harrison Stickle, Wansfell, Helm Crag (The Lion and The Lamb), Black Fell and Holme Fell.
• Energetic walkers have even managed the Fairfield Horseshoe and Scafell Pike (via Bow Fell). All of the above can either be walked directly from the house, or from within a 10 minute drive.
• If you enjoy walking but are looking for something gentler, local Loughrigg Tarn, Elterwater and Little Langdale are just a few minutes away. These also make ideal local dog-walking options.
• The quiet country lanes, secluded lakes and expansive woodland on the west shores of Lake Windermere offer dozens of trails.
• Beautiful Tarn Hows, once owned by Beatrix Potter has wheelchair- and buggy-accessible lakeside paths, and is just a few minutes away by car.
• Park your car in Grasmere and take the lakeshore paths around Grasemere and Rydal Water.

Cycle Routes:

Cyclists have dozens of road and mountain-biking options straight from the front door of Steppingstones Riverside Terrace.

• The energetic and enthusiastic can join the classic 112-mile (180km) Fred Whitton Challenge road biking route.
• Or choose one of many tried-and-tested routes around Ambleside, Windermere and Coniston.
• The local Loughrigg Fell circular (head over to Rydal water, then back over the top) takes around an hour, with some technical sections.

Pubs & Restaurants:

If you want a break from cooking, there are wide variety of excellent pubs and restaurants in the local area. From Michelin starred places like Holbeck Ghyll, to friendly pubs and restaurants serving delicious food and ales, with locally sourced ingredients:

• For a delicious home-cooked breakfast or afternoon tea and cakes, Chesters by the River is right next door to the Skelwith Bridge Hotel. No booking necessary, but it can get busy at peak times. An ideal start point for a walk around Elterwater. Again, a short walk, and also ample parking if you want to hop in the car.
• Just 2 miles (3.2km) away in Elterwater village is the highly recommended Brittania Inn. A beautiful location on the village green, with tasty home cooked food and local ales and beers. Less than 6 minutes by car. The best local pub.
• Enjoy gastro dining at the Drunken Duck in Barngates. The food is always delicious and they also brew a range of award-winning ales. Highly recommended – but advanced booking will always be necessary.
• Holbeck Ghyll is recognised as one of the best restaurants in the North of England, and its Michelin- Starred fine dining is second to none. Booking ahead is advised.
• Three Shires Inn serves good ales and food. Located on the winding road that passes through Little Langdale, is a rustic inn that welcomes muddy boots, with a large central bar, sunny outside veranda.
• There are a wide variety of restaurants in Ambleside to suit most tastes, including Indian, Chinese, Thai and Italian cuisine – many offer takeaway too, if you fancy a takeaway night-in.
• In Coniston and you will discover the historic Black Bull inn. It serves delicious pub food and features an impressive range of locally brewed award-winning ales and beers. Particular favourites include Bluebird Bitter and Thürstein pilsner lager. No booking required – first come, first served for tables.

Water Sports:

• Watersports of all kinds – including rowing, sailing and canoeing – can be found on any of the three major lakes – Windermere, Coniston Water and Ullswater – all within a 20-minute drive. Windermere also offers waterskiing and wakeboarding for more adventurous guests.
• A wonderful and unique Sail 'N' Dine experience is available on Windermere, hosted by skipper John Haworth. Choose a Brunch Buffet or evening Sail 'N' Dine – booking essential. (info(at)sailndine.co.uk)
• The River Brathay, just a few minutes walk from the house, is recognised as an excellent 6 km Grade 2 white water course for Kayakers. Start at Skelwith Force, or for beginners, Skelwith Bridge.
• Wild swimmers will find opportunities much closer, not only in Loughrigg Tarn itself (best entry point is the small beach at the south end of the tarn), but also Grasmere and Rydal Water.
• Lake cruses are available on all three lakes: www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk, www.conistonlaunch.co.uk, www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Historic Houses:

There are many historic houses and gardens within a few miles of Stepping Stones Riverside Terrace, including many National Trust properties.

• Wray Castle is a mock-Gothic castle sitting on the shores of lake Windermere with turrets, towers and informal grounds. With expansive views and connections with Beatrix Potter who used to stay there, it's a unique and different experience. Kids can dress up in medieval garb and run from room to room. Why not arrive by boat on Windermere Lake Cruises. 4 miles (6.4km).
• Brantwood on the shores of Coniston Water was home to painter, philanthropist and social thinker John Ruskin for the last 28 years of his life from 1872 to 1900. Just 9 miles (14.5km).
• The Ruskin Museum in the village of Coniston has more about the great man, as well as exhibits on 'Swallows and Amazons' author Arthur Ransome and Donald Campbell's world water speed records. 6.6 miles (10.6km).
• One of the most famous is Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's home in picturesque Near Sawrey where she lived from 1896. A number of sites in the village were used in her books such as The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Fairy Caravan, The Pie and the Patty Pan and The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. Hill Top is around 8 miles (12.9km). Visit early to avoid the crowds.
• Her original paintings are housed at the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead – 5.4 miles (8.7km) distance.
• Poet William Wordsworth's newly restored house, Allan Bank, opened to the public for the first time in 2012. It's a uniquely relaxed property on the banks of Grasmere, home not only to Wordsworth but also National Trust founder Canon Rawnsley. 4 miles (6.4km) distant.
• On the opposite shore of Grasmere is Dove Cottage, Wordsworth's first family home, an immaculately preserved example of a 19th Century cottage with stone floors, wood paneling and open fires. 4 miles (6.4km).
• Townend in Troutbeck is a traditional Cumbrian farmhouse, little changed in over the 400 years. 6 miles (9.7km).
• Lovers of gardens will enjoy Holehird Gardens, the Lakeland Horticultural Garden near Windermere in its superb Lakeland setting. 6 miles (9.7km).
• When the architect MH Baillie Scott built a holiday home overlooking Windermere for his client Sir Edward Holt he created Blackwell, a masterpiece of twentieth-century design; a perfect example of the Arts & Crafts Movement. 9 miles (14.5km).
• Rydal Hall, is just a short walk away from Steppingstones Riverside Terrace, enjoy the impressive grounds and finish with a visit to the café overlooking the falls.