The Lake District is one of the most magical places in the UK to visit all year round, but in autumntime it truly comes alive with spectacular scenery and lavish displays of colour. There’s an almost inexhaustible range of activities to get stuck into here; you can embark on a long leisurely stroll or get your adrenaline pumping with a spot of wild swimming. You could walk across England’s highest mountains, or paddleboard in the country’s largest and deepest lakes. To discover how to make the very best of an action-packed autumnal escape in the Lake District, keep reading…
A Wild Swimming Spot with Beautiful Autumn Views
Love the feeling of dipping your toe into magnificent wild waters, or can’t wait to try it for the first time? One of the very best spots to go wild swimming in the Lake District during autumn is Rydal Water, known for its serenity and tranquillity.
Sheltered by mountains on all sides and low in altitude, the water is often stiller and warmer than other swimming spots in the district, making it perfect for early morning laps on calm waters. Rydal Water isn’t quite as remote as some of the other wild swimming spots in the Lake District, meaning it’s a convenient place to bring the whole family to get active in nature.
On the far side of the lake, there’s a shelving beach which makes a great location to start your swim. This beach is located approximately a 20-minute walk from White Moss Car Park, accessible by walking anti-clockwise around the lake. There are some wonderful grassy banks nearby, which make an enchanting spot for a picnic.
Paddleboarding Spot with Amazing Views of Autumnal Colours
A fantastic location to take your paddleboard out and get your heart racing during the autumn months is Derwentwater and the Borrowdale Valley. This is one of the major lakes in the district and is easily accessible from Keswick. There are a few different launch sites around the lake, including Kettlewell Car Park which is conveniently located on the Eastern shore of the water in the Borrowdale Valley.
A paddleboarding adventure on this beautiful body of water will reward you with magnificent views of its islands, wildlife, and epic mountains, decorated in the rich hues of autumn. Relish paddleboarding at your own pace; you can enjoy a chilled paddle to simply relax and explore or get your adrenaline pumping with an action-packed experience. If you don’t already have your own paddleboard, you can easily hire one from Derwent Water Marina.
An Easy Walk to Admire the Lake District’s Autumn Colours
In autumntime, the Lake District is ablaze with dramatic colours – ruby reds, burnt oranges, golden yellows, and beautiful browns. One of the very best ways to soak up the glory of nature is a walk across Gummer’s How, a stunning hill on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, near Fell Foot Park.
The short walk starts at the Gummer’s How picnic area. The way to the summit is led by steps, although it does get strewn with mud from free roaming cattle. Brought in to help manage the diversity of flora, the cattle are cross breeds called Luing and are a great sight to see on the way up.
As you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views over Lake Windermere and many Lakeland Fells including Dollywagon Pike, Fairfield, and Great Rigg in their autumnal glory.
Awesome Autumn Activities to Enjoy in Our Yurts
Long Valley Yurts provides the perfect base to return to after your adventurous autumnal days exploring the Lake District. Our luxury yurts are supremely cosy and offer everything you could possibly need to enjoy cool autumn nights. You’ll feel your worries (and muscle pains!) melt away with a relaxing soak in the hot tub, and you can get cosy in front of the wood burner, listening to the crackling wood as it burns and watching the entrancing flickering flames. Curl up for a peaceful night’s sleep in our luxuriously comfortable beds and look forward to the next day of adventures. With locations in Keswick, Coniston, Witherslack and Lakeside Windermere, you’re never far from a Long Valley Yurts site in the Lake District!
Awe-Inspiring Autumn Escapes in our VW Campervans
If exploring the Lake District on wheels is more your style, hiring one of our VW California campervans could be ideal for you. Sleeping up to four people, they’re perfect for a romantic getaway for two or a family trip around the Lakes. Even on chilly autumn days, the internal heating system in the campervan keeps you nice and toasty, and the fully kitted out kitchen has everything you need to cook hearty meals and dine in style. Book your luxurious Lake District retreat with Long Valley Yurts today!