The best walks and hikes around Wythop

Yes, Wythop has plenty of easier options. For a short but rewarding walk, the Sale Fell loop from Wythop is a great choice. It's a 2-mile (3.2 km) trail that offers lovely views without a major climb. Another gentle option is exploring the well-maintained paths at Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve, which is ideal for a leisurely stroll.

For a family outing, the trails through Wythop Woods are a fantastic option, offering sheltered paths and the chance to spot wildlife. The nearby Dodd Wood is also highly regarded for its well-signposted trails and has a café for refreshments. For a bit more of a hill walk, the ascent of Sale Fell is considered relatively easy and rewarding for families with active children.

Yes, the Wythop area is generally very dog-friendly. The open fells and woodland paths are great for walking with dogs. However, you will be walking through areas with livestock, especially on the fells, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead. Always follow the Countryside Code to protect wildlife and farm animals.

Parking can be limited, especially for popular routes. For walks up Sale Fell, there are a few small, free parking bays near St Margaret's Church, but these fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. For walks in Wythop Woods, there are designated parking areas, and you can also find parking at Dodd Wood for access to its trail network.

Reaching the heart of the Wythop Valley directly by public transport can be challenging as it's a more remote part of the Lake District. Bus services typically run along the main A66 road, with stops near Bassenthwaite Lake. From there, you would have a considerable walk to reach the trailheads for fells like Sale Fell and Ling Fell. It's best to check current local bus timetables for services running between Keswick and Cockermouth to plan your journey.

The views are one of the main draws of hiking in Wythop. From the summits of fells like Sale Fell and Ling Fell, you can expect panoramic vistas across Bassenthwaite Lake, over to the majestic peak of Skiddaw, and across the Solway Firth towards Scotland on a clear day. The lower-level woodland walks also offer beautiful, framed views of the lake and surrounding fells.

While the immediate Wythop fells are more moderate, you can find challenging hikes nearby. The Rivings Summit Cairn – Sale Fell loop from Embleton is a longer route at 7.5 miles (12 km) that provides a more strenuous day out. For a truly demanding hike, you can head to the nearby Whinlatter Pass, which is the starting point for routes covering multiple Wainwrights like Lord's Seat and Barf.

The trails around Wythop are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquility of the area, the stunning views over Bassenthwaite Lake, and the mix of accessible woodland paths and rewarding fell walks. The area is often described as a quieter alternative to the busier central fells.

Wythop Woods is a rich habitat for wildlife. Keep an eye out for roe deer, badgers, and red squirrels. The woods are also a known habitat for the rare pine marten. For birdwatchers, it's a fantastic area, with the possibility of spotting ospreys from the nearby Bassenthwaite Lake National Nature Reserve, especially during their breeding season.

Both fells offer fantastic views and are often climbed together. Sale Fell is slightly more popular and generally considered to have more expansive views over Bassenthwaite Lake. Ling Fell is a bit quieter and provides excellent views north towards the Solway Coast. For a great day out, the Sale Fell & Ling Fell loop combines both, so you don't have to choose.

Yes, there are several good options for a post-hike meal or drink. One popular choice is The Pheasant Inn, which is conveniently located and is even the starting point for some routes, such as The Pheasant Inn – View of Bassenthwaite Lake loop from Setmurthy. Other pubs can be found in the nearby villages of Bassenthwaite and Embleton.

There are over 40 curated hiking routes around Wythop available on komoot. These range from 28 easy walks through woodlands and along the lake to 15 moderate fell hikes, ensuring there's a trail suitable for almost every ability and fitness level.