Lakeland walk and push
Experience the beauty of the Lake District
Walks in the Lake District
No visit to the Lake District is complete without a walk amongst the mountains. Here at Calvert Lakes, we love taking groups out into the local hills to explore. And you don’t have to be a confident walker or super fit to enjoy the benefits – that’s the beauty of where we are and what we do!
The main centre is perched on the slopes of Dodd with Dodd Wood behind us and across the lake, Whinlatter Forest opposite. Both woodlands offer a wide range of walking and pushing trails, with wide flat paths and gentle gradients. Nearby we also have Latrigg which is a very accessible Wainwright fell with stunning views of the northern Lakes.
When we take groups out into the fells, we’ll carefully plan a route that matches the ability of the group. For short, flat walks, we might journey down to nearby Mirehouse and Gardens which is on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake.
More ambulant groups might prefer to explore further afield and make a day trip out of it. We often take the minibuses, packed with lunch, out into the national park to find stunning views, interesting walks and somewhere to stop for an ice cream or hot chocolate.
If the group is mixed ability, we might take ropes and get everyone involved in helping those less ambulant with pushing and pulling. Alternatively, there’s a local walking route along an old railway line which is perfect for groups with multiple chair users. With so many walks to choose from, there are options for all abilities.
Getting out into the fresh air and exploring somewhere new is great for mental wellbeing. Not only does the fresh air do wonders for the body and mind, but navigating, working up a sweat and negotiating pathways is great for building confidence and improving communication skills.
Some of our favourite Lake District walks include:
- Surprise View (Borrowdale Valley)
- Whinlatter Forest
- Friar's Crag (Derwentwater)
- Dodd Wood
- Rydal Cave
- Keswick to Threlkeld Railway
Walking activities are great for:
Improves cardiovascular health
Adaptive walk and push equipment
Boma use – electric wheelchair
Tramper use – electric scooter
Accessible minibuses for walks further afield
Plenty of options for all abilities
“First time in seven years being completely independent but knowing I had back up and people trusting me and showing me I’m more than capable. I even enjoyed being the last one to the bus because I’d walked around the town by myself.”
Debbie
Lakeland walk FAQs
Who can enjoy walking activities?
Anyone can enjoy spending time in the mountains – no matter the ability. Whether you’re a confident walker, walk with a rigg, use a wheelchair or need support, there are plenty of places to enjoy time outdoors as a group. We’ll adapt our route, duration and access depending on the needs of the group but we’re confident everyone can experience success with a Lakeland walk or push.
How long do walking activities take?
We can spend an hour walking or a whole day – depending on the preferences and ability of the group. The weather often plays a part in how long we’re out for, especially with non-ambulant guests who may get cold. We’ll plan a walk that best fits the requirements of our groups to ensure everyone gets maximum enjoyment out of their activity.
Where do walking activities take place?
There are so many different places we can visit, from walks straight out of the centre, to journeys further afield. We’ll find trails and routes that best suit the group and try to experience somewhere new that everyone will enjoy.
Whinlatter Forest, Dodd Wood, Latrigg and Friars Crag are some of our guests favourites but with our minibuses we can travel to different locations to make the most of the natural landscapes in the national park.
How hard are walking activities?
While there are some big mountains here, we won’t take a group anywhere that is not within their capabilities. We’ll liaise closely with group leaders and guests to ensure any walks and pushes are achievable and enjoyable.
Funding for adventure breaks
We’re committed to making our activity breaks accessible to as many people as possible, which is why limited bursary funding is available to help reduce the cost. Because our funding is often restricted, we prioritise those who’d most benefit from financial assistance. While we cannot guarantee support for every enquiry, we encourage anyone facing financial barriers to get in touch. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you explore the options available.