Attractions and Places To See around Blindcrake - Top 20

Blindcrake is rich in history. You can visit Isel Hall, a historic estate featuring a Border pele tower from around 1400, which offers guided tours on Monday afternoons from late March to early October. Other notable sites include St Michael and All Angels Church, an 11th-century parish church, and Blindcrake Hall, a Grade II listed house from 1728. Don't miss Thorneycroft, reputedly the oldest dwelling with a datestone from 1613, and the Medieval Well on the village green.

Yes, the area boasts stunning natural beauty. Clints Crags, an area of special scientific interest, offers outstanding panoramic views across the Lake District, including the Ennerdale Fells and Helvellyn range. You can also enjoy expansive vistas of the iconic Skiddaw and Buttermere Fells from various points. Nearby, Bassenthwaite Lake is known as a nesting site for ospreys. For specific summits with great views, consider Skiddaw Summit, Little Man (Skiddaw) summit, and Sale Fell.

Blindcrake is an excellent base for walking and hiking. Numerous public footpaths allow exploration of the natural features, including a path to Clints Crags. The Allerdale Ramble also passes through the parish. For more structured routes, you can find various options in the Hiking around Blindcrake guide, which includes routes like "The Lakes Distillery – Bassenthwaite Lake loop." For easier walks, check out the Easy hikes around Blindcrake guide, featuring routes such as the "Willie White's Well – Clints Crags Summit loop."

Blindcrake is unique for its well-preserved heritage. It is one of 23 designated conservation areas within the Lake District National Park, recognized for its exceptional medieval strip field pattern to the west of the village, considered the finest example of its kind in the Lake District. The village itself features many 18th-century houses and seven Grade II listed buildings, showcasing traditional Cumbrian stone-built architecture.

Yes, there are family-friendly options. Many of the local walks, particularly those categorized as 'easy' in the Easy hikes around Blindcrake guide, are suitable for families. For example, Sale Fell is appreciated for its quiet atmosphere and fantastic views, with mainly grassy trails that are popular for dog walkers and families. The village also hosts a popular "Garden Safari" (open garden festival) typically in late June or July.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Clints Crags, which offers outstanding vistas across the Lake District, including the Ennerdale Fells and Helvellyn range. The elevated position of Blindcrake itself provides scenic views of the Skiddaw and Buttermere fells. Additionally, summits like Skiddaw Summit, Little Man (Skiddaw) summit, and Grisedale Pike are renowned for their extensive Lakeland views.

The countryside surrounding Blindcrake is rich in wildlife. You can spot various bird species, including grey heron, mallard, sparrowhawk, buzzard, kestrel, and oystercatcher. The area is also home to a diverse array of butterflies. Bassenthwaite Lake, a short distance away, is particularly known as a regular nesting site for ospreys.

For those seeking a challenge, the area offers several demanding climbs. Skiddaw Summit is a significant mountain with a barren and rocky summit, offering phenomenal views. Grisedale Pike, with its sharp peak, can be climbed as part of the popular Coledale Round horseshoe walk or from Braithwaite. Long Side Summit, part of the Longside Edge, provides an exciting ridge walk and is considered a superb Wainwright fell.

Yes, there are several running trails available. The Running Trails around Blindcrake guide features routes like the "Sale Fell – Lothwaite loop from Setmurthy," which is a more difficult option, and moderate trails such as "The Pheasant Inn – Wythop Walk loop from Setmurthy" and "Hills Wood loop from Cumberland." Many of these trails offer scenic views and varied terrain.

Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The phenomenal views from summits like Skiddaw Summit and Little Man (Skiddaw) summit are frequently praised. The quiet atmosphere and fantastic views from Sale Fell are also highly appreciated, especially by fell runners and dog walkers. The area's rich history, from ancient halls to the unique medieval strip field pattern, also captivates many visitors.

While Blindcrake offers beauty year-round, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally provides the most favorable weather for outdoor activities like hiking and walking. During this period, trails are typically drier, and the views are often clearer. The village's "Garden Safari" (open garden festival) usually takes place in late June or July, offering an additional cultural highlight.

Beyond the well-known fells, the village itself holds charm. The Medieval Strip Field Pattern to the west of Blindcrake is a unique and often overlooked historical feature, considered the finest example of its kind in the Lake District. Exploring the various Grade II listed buildings and the attractive village green with its medieval well offers a glimpse into the village's deep history away from the more strenuous mountain climbs.