5 of Julia Bradbury’s favourite walking routes in Cumbria

It is one of the only activities we have been allowed to partake in and it has also allowed us to explore some beautiful, hidden gem destinations in our neighbourhoods.

The walkers of Cumbria are incredibly lucky as the Lake District is just on our doorstep.

(Photo: Chandler Media on Unsplash)

However, you might be tired of travelling on the same old route and are eager to spice up your walks once again.

For those who don’t know, Julia Bradbury is a television presenter known for  co-presenting Countryfile and ITV’s Britain’s Best Walks with Julia Bradbury.

She has embarked on several hikes and walking routes around the country but Julia seems to have a particular penchant for the Lake District.

(Ian West/PA)

We have tracked down just five Lake District walks as recommended by Julia.

If you live near the Lake District you could try out one of these routes this weekend.

Alternatively, you can wait until lockdown restrictions life and consider embarking on a walking weekend at the Lakes.

Borrowdale Walk

(Credit: YouTube/The Outdoor Guide with Julia Bradbury)

This walking route was recommended by Julia as one of Britain’s ‘best walks with a view’.

It’s four miles long- but it isn’t circular, so get your friend to pick you up at the end or be prepared to walk four miles back too.

The walk starts off at Rosthwaite; this historic village was once a working village filled with miners and farmers.

After the village, you will follow the River Derwent and through Seatoller.

The climax of the route takes you up the Castle Cragg, which Julia describes as the “perfect place to stop with a picnic” and enjoy views over Borrowdale.

You can find the full route on The Outdoor Guide website.

Catbells walk

(Credit: YouTube/The Outdoor Guide with Julia Bradbury)

The famous author, Alfred Wainwright, said this particular walking route was perfect for families and children to embark on.

It’s a relatively short one and only around 1.5 miles long.

(Photo: Catbells Summit
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © DS Pugh - geograph.org.uk/p/5413972)

The walk begins at Hawse End, taking the walker through some scenic woodland.

After this, it’s time to ascend Catbells following the engineered zig zag path until you reach the rugged summit.

Castle Crag

This walk is only 1.5 miles long and there are plenty of pitstops along the way- perfect for when we emerge out of lockdown.

The walk begins at Grange and sees you hugging the edge of the river through woodland areas and past the National Trust campsite at Hollows Farm.

Head up the incline until you reach the summit.

On the way, you might even spot some Herdwick sheep.

Blencathra

(Credit: YouTube/The Outdoor Guide with Julia Bradbury)

If you are an experienced walker hoping to embark on a more challenging route, then this one is for you.

Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, is one of the most northerly hills in the Lake District.

It starts of simple, but soon links onto the Sharp Edge walking route which is considered to be a tricky scramble in the lakes; It needs to be tackled carefully

There are also no man made paths or routes towards the end of the hike.

The route is just under three miles long.

Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike

(Photo: Ashleigh Joy Photography on Unsplash)

Scafell is the highest mountain in England- when you reach the summit you are guaranteed get a stunning view.

This Julia Bradbury route begins at Seathwaite Farm near Seatoller, following Derwent River up to Stockley Bridge.

You head up Grains Gill and to the plateau at Esh Hause which Julia describes as the “perfect lunch spot”.

The hike up Scafell Pike is the grand finale of the walk.

Will you be trying out any of these walking routes?