Attractions and Places To See around Matterdale - Top 20

Matterdale is an excellent base for hiking, offering access to several prominent fells. You can challenge yourself with climbs to summits like Helvellyn Summit, known for its Striding Edge, or Blencathra Summit, which provides panoramic views. For a classic Lakeland outing with fun terrain and spectacular views, consider Catbells Summit. Additionally, the Gowbarrow Fell summit offers accessible walks with views over Ullswater and can be combined with a visit to Aira Force. For more detailed routes, explore the waterfall hikes around Matterdale.

Yes, Matterdale and its surroundings offer several family-friendly options. The hike to Catbells Summit is considered a classic Lakeland outing suitable for families, offering a taste of scrambling and mind-boggling views. Aira Force Waterfall is another popular spot for walks amidst ancient woodland. For indoor activities and entertainment, the Rheged Centre nearby offers a cinema, shops, a playground, and cultural exhibitions. Lowther Castle & Gardens, a bit further afield, also features a large children's adventure playground.

Matterdale has a rich history reflected in its landmarks. The historic Matterdale Church, dating back to 1573, is a significant local landmark with notable architectural details. You can find more information about its listed features here. Nearby, Dalemain House and Gardens offers insight into heritage and horticulture, while the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle, thought to be 5000 years old, provides a fascinating glimpse into the past with panoramic views.

Beyond hiking, Matterdale offers a variety of outdoor activities. Ullswater, bordering Matterdale, is perfect for scenic cruises on the Ullswater Steamers. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes available, including those around Castlerigg Stone Circle or Ullswater Lakeshore Road. You can find more cycling options in the cycling guide for Matterdale. The Rookin House Activity Centre, adjacent to Matterdale Forest, provides activities like quad biking, horse riding, and clay pigeon shooting. Honister Slate Mine offers underground tours and adventurous via ferrata experiences.

The Lake District, including Matterdale, is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and fewer crowds, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer provides the warmest weather, ideal for lake activities and longer daylight hours, though popular spots can be busy. Winter can be challenging with colder temperatures and potential snow on higher fells, but offers stunning, dramatic landscapes for experienced hikers.

Yes, there are several accessible options. The Aira Force Waterfall area offers well-maintained paths suitable for easier walks. The Gowbarrow Fell summit can be reached via accessible routes, providing excellent views without extreme difficulty. For specific easy and moderate routes, you can explore the waterfall hikes around Matterdale, which include options like the Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Trail.

Visitors consistently praise the spectacular views and the variety of terrain. For instance, the hike along Catbells Summit is loved for its fun terrain and mind-boggling views of the Borrowdale valley. The magnificent views from Helvellyn Summit, especially along Striding Edge, are a major draw. The area's natural beauty, from waterfalls like Aira Force to the expansive fells, is highly appreciated, with many sharing photos and upvoting their experiences.

Many of the outdoor trails and fells around Matterdale are dog-friendly, making it a great destination for pet owners. Popular walks like those around Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell are generally suitable for dogs. However, always keep dogs under control, especially around livestock, and check specific attraction rules before visiting. Some pubs in the area are also welcoming to dogs.

While Matterdale itself is a small, rural area, you can find cafes and pubs in nearby villages and towns. Dockray, a hamlet within Matterdale, may have local options. Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, both on Ullswater and easily accessible, offer a wider selection of cafes and pubs where you can enjoy refreshments after your outdoor adventures.

While many viewpoints are well-known, exploring the less-trodden paths on Matterdale Common and the surrounding fells can reveal stunning, quieter vistas. The summit area of Gowbarrow Fell, for example, offers awesome Ullswater views and to the Mell Fells and Blencathra, and can feel more secluded than some of the more famous peaks. Exploring the various trails in Matterdale Forest can also lead to picturesque spots along Thornsgill Beck.

Public transport in the Lake District can be limited, especially to more remote areas like parts of Matterdale. However, bus services do connect some of the larger villages and towns, which can provide access points to certain attractions or trailheads. The Ullswater Steamers offer a scenic way to travel between points on Ullswater, connecting to various walks and villages. For specific routes, it's advisable to check local bus schedules and plan your journey in advance.

Absolutely. Matterdale is ideally situated for accessing some of the Lake District's most challenging routes. Helvellyn Summit is renowned for its horseshoe ridge, including the exhilarating Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Blencathra Summit offers two glorious ridges for scrambling, with the grade one scramble up Sharp Edge featuring the notorious Bad Step. These provide a true test for experienced hikers seeking adventure.