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Best autumnal walks in the Lake District

If you’re like us, you’re lacing up your walking boots as soon as the first hints of autumn appear in the air. And the Lake District landscape has never looked more inviting. A walk in the Lakes when mountain sides are draped in a rainbow of fiery foliage is just sublime. Here are four of the best autumnal walks in Lake District.

Langdale

Mickleden Glacial Valley and Langdales

A fantastic autumnal walk in the Lake District is Langdale. Langdale is a remarkable valley that really comes into its own in the autumn months. The Langdale Pikes provide a stunning backdrop in an already beautiful area. Enjoy a simple wander along the valley through bright fields and over ancient bridges. Finish up at one of the hearty pubs nearby and kick back with a pint in front of the roaring fire.

Stay at YHA Langdale

Borrowdale

The green fields of Borrowdale

Borrowdale is a popular favourite walk all year round, especially in autumn. There are two ancient woods that come to life as the leaves start to change colour. The best way to enjoy the autumn colours at Borrowdale is a steady eight-mile circular walk through the valley, starting from Grange and following the River Derwent to Seatoller through idyllic woodlands and old quarries and then on a raised path above the valley. Make sure to take in the beautiful surroundings – it’s not something you get to witness every day.

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Buttermere

Sunshine Over Buttermere, English Lake District

The walk around Buttermere definitely stands out in autumn and is definitely one to remember. On the western side of the lake, the verges of High Crag and High Stile are surrounded with trees. As it is one of the smaller lakes within the Lake District, the water is often calm throughout the day. This creates a magnificent mirror effect with the towering pines to the north of the lake reflected across its glassy surface. The walk around Buttermere can take around two hours, but you’ll inevitably need plenty of moments to stop, take a breath, and revel in the glorious show Mother Nature has put on.

Stay at YHA Buttermere

Ullswater

Ullswater Lake

Ullswater Lake is the perfect location for an early autumnal stoll to watch the morning mists burn away as the day warms up. Start from Cow Bridge and ramble along the side of the water with Low Wood on your right. Low Wood is dotted with withered trees and wild branches and roots. In the early morning light, Ullswater is quite the view. One of our favourite autumnal walks in the Lake District.

Stay at YHA Patterdale

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Written by Ruby Higton

Here is Ruby and she is a digital marketer at YHA. She looks after social media, content writing and SEO. Her favourite hostel is YHA Perranporth.

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Autumn guideBest autumnal walks in the Lake District