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The ideal season to explore Cumbria and the Lake District is spring, when the region shifts from winter’s muted colors to a burst of life. Daffodils and bluebells push through the soil, trees unfurl fresh leaves, and the fells regain their sharp outlines. This season offers walkers vivid scenery, particularly for those who leave vehicles behind. Award-winning writer and photographer Vivienne Crow has selected 10 of the best springtime walks, all accessible by public transport, ranging from gentle lakeside walks to demanding ridge climbs.

Easy routes for first-time hikers

With winter’s snow and ice behind us, spring brings a new lease of life to Cumbria’s hills and valleys. While no short, easy walks are listed in this selection, the region offers many accessible routes—such as lakeside strolls—that can be enjoyed without a car.

Moderate climbs with big rewards

Rannerdale’s bluebells stand out as a spring highlight, particularly in late April or early May when the valley floor transforms into a sea of blue. The 4½-mile route starts at Buttermere, where bus routes 77/77A or 77C drop visitors off. From the car park, a short lakeside walk leads to the bluebell-filled valley, followed by a climb to Rannerdale Knotts. Walkers can choose a shorter return or extend the hike with a ridge traverse.

High Rigg delivers hidden tarns, dark crags, and sweeping views with minimal effort. The 6¾-mile loop begins near Dale Bottom, accessible by bus 555 to the A591. The route climbs to the 1,171ft (357m) summit, offering vistas of Blencathra, Skiddaw, and the Helvellyn range. A detour through Scots pines and a visit to Low Bridge End Farm’s tea garden break up the journey before returning to the start.

Dent, just outside the Lake District National Park, starts as a gentle forest walk before a challenging climb to its 1,155ft (352m) summit. The 7¼-mile route from Egremont follows quiet lanes to Nannycatch Valley, then ascends via the Coast to Coast route in reverse. The descent through forest and along the River Ehen completes the hike. Bus 30 serves Egremont.

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Longer treks for experienced hikers

The Latterbarrow and Claife Heights walk spans 10½ miles from Hawkshead, blending woodland, tarns, and a pub stop at the Cuckoo Brown Inn. The route passes Wise Een Tarn and Moss Eccles Tarn before reaching Windermere, where the Claife Crier, a ghostly figure said to haunt the wooded slopes, might be spotted. The final climb to Latterbarrow (800ft/244m) offers panoramic views of the Coniston fells, Bow Fell, the Langdale Pikes, the Fairfield group, the Howgills, and the Pennines.

Hay Stacks, at 1,958ft, may not be the tallest fell, but its rocky slopes and hidden tarns make it a favorite. The 4½-mile route from Gatesgarth Farm, accessible by bus 77/77A or 77C, climbs to Scarth Gap before ascending the western slopes. The return via Warnscale Beck includes a visit to Warnscale Bothy, a remote shelter for hikers.

Walla Crag is a steep but rewarding 5¾-mile climb from Keswick, offering views over Derwentwater and distant Scottish hills. The route starts in town, following bluebell-lined paths before the final ascent to the crag’s edge. The descent passes through Great Wood and along the lakeshore, with a detour to Friar’s Crag for an alternative perspective. Multiple buses serve Keswick.

All walks require basic hiking gear and a map, with Ordnance Survey OL4, OL5, or OL7 covering most routes. Pensioners travel free with a NoW card, and other fares are capped at £2 per journey under the national scheme.