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Distington

Attractions and Places To See around Distington - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Distington, a village in Cumbria, England, include a mix of local historical sites and access to the natural beauty of the West Cumbrian region. The area provides opportunities to explore fells, lakes, and cultural attractions. Distington serves as a gateway to the broader Lake District, offering diverse outdoor activities and points of interest.

Best attractions and places to see around Distington

  • The most popular attractions is Blake Fell Summit, a natural monument that offers world-class views and is commonly hiked with its neighbours. It is the highest fell of the Loweswater Fells group.
  • Another must-see spot is Ennerdale Water, a trail and lake, known for its secluded location and clear waters. It is the most westerly and remote of the Lake District's lakes, offering a sense of solitude.
  • Visitors also love Fellbarrow Summit, a natural monument and summit, often hiked with its neighbour Low Fell. A trig pillar marks its summit, providing views of larger nearby fells.
  • Distington is known for its fells, lakes, and historical sites. The region offers a variety of natural monuments, summits, and trails to see and explore.
  • The attractions around Distington are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 80 upvotes and 72 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: July 3, 2026

Blake Fell Summit

Highlight • Natural Monument

Beautiful Blake Fell. I hiked this as a group of five Wainwrights (Burnbank Fell 475m, Blake Fell 573m, Gavel Fell 526m, Hen Comb 509m and Mellbreak 512m). It was a loop from Stuart Marshal's Wainwright book (Route No 34). World class picture postcard views!

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Burnbank Fell

Highlight • Natural

Burnbank Fell is a 1,558-foot (475 m) hill in the Western Lake District. It's the most northerly of a long ridge that starts beside Loweswater and links up to the Buttermere Edge via Great Borne. Walking the full ridge over multiple Wainwright summits, you never drop lower than around 1,300 feet (400 m) all the way to Haystacks, it's a great traverse that increases in drama and magnificence as the walk goes on.

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Grike Summit Cairn

Highlight • Viewpoint

A nice easy hike from the Ennerdale to Calder road. There are a few parking spots on that road but not many. I wish I could say it has good views but for the second day in a row I saw nothing from the high spots of the Western Fells.

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Fellbarrow Summit

Highlight • Natural Monument

Fellbarrow is a hill in the western Lake District. The fell is 1,364 feet (416 m) in height. Close to the summit is a trig pillar. I prefer to hike this fell together with it's neighbour - Low Fell - as a circular from Thackthwaite. The bigger nearby fells like Grasmoor look super imposing from Fellbarrow, especially in winter.

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Ennerdale Water

Highlight • Trail

Ennerdale is a great place to visit if you're looking to escape from the world. It's location means it's a bit out of the way, thankfully this means a lot less people.

You can do a circular walk around Ennerdale and the views are fantastic.

Other nearby hikes can be seen here visorando.co.uk/walk-lake-district.html

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Tips from the Community

Jo | The Wandering Wildflower
June 3, 2025, Burnbank Fell

The cairn is over the fence which has barbed wire topping it, but the actual spot height is on the opposite side to the cairn.

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Stunning views from the summit

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Paul
April 20, 2025, Ennerdale Water

Great walk

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Fantastic views

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A small cairn with the best view being the one looking down to lake Loweswater

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The large cairn offers shelter from the wind when needed

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The highest point of the Loweswater Fells and a great place for some peace and quiet.

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Tom
January 24, 2023, Blake Fell Summit

The highest point of the Loweswater Fells

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features and viewpoints can I explore near Distington?

The area around Distington is rich in natural beauty, offering several fells and a stunning lake. You can experience the "world class picture postcard views" from Blake Fell Summit, which is the highest of the Loweswater Fells. Another popular spot is Ennerdale Water, known for its secluded location and clear waters, offering a sense of solitude. Other fells like Crag Fell Summit and Grike Summit Cairn also provide rewarding views, especially over Ennerdale Water.

Are there historical landmarks or cultural sites in Distington and the surrounding area?

Yes, Distington itself has local historical sites such as the Church of the Holy Spirit, an Old Milestone, and the War Memorial. You can also find the fragmentary remains of Hayes Castle, a manor house fortified in 1322. In the wider area, cultural attractions include The Rum Story and The Beacon in Whitehaven, and Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth.

What outdoor activities and trails are available near Distington?

Distington is a great base for outdoor activities, particularly hiking and fell walking. Many fells like Blake Fell, Crag Fell, and Grike are popular for their trails and views. For more structured activities, you can find various routes for hiking, running, and road cycling. Explore options like easy hikes, running trails, and road cycling routes in the area.

Are there any easy walks or circular routes near Distington?

Yes, there are several easy walks and circular routes available. For instance, Fellbarrow Summit is often hiked with its neighbour Low Fell as a circular route from Thackthwaite. You can also find a variety of easy hikes around Distington, including coastal paths and loops from nearby towns like Whitehaven and Workington.

What are the best times to visit the attractions around Distington?

The Lake District region, including areas near Distington, offers beauty year-round. While summer provides the warmest weather for outdoor activities, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter can be beautiful for fell walking, especially with snow, but requires appropriate gear and caution. Ennerdale Water, for example, offers a sense of solitude at any time of year.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Distington?

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning views and the sense of escape offered by the natural landscapes. Many highlight the "world class picture postcard views" from fells like Blake Fell Summit. The clear waters and secluded nature of Ennerdale Water are also frequently praised for providing a tranquil experience.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities near Distington?

Beyond the natural beauty, the wider area offers several family-friendly attractions. These include the Lake District Coast Aquarium in Maryport, Monkey Madhouse (an indoor soft play area) in Workington, and the scenic Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. For adventurous families, Go Ape Whinlatter and Honister Slate Mine Adventures offer outdoor fun.

Can I bring my dog on walks and to attractions near Distington?

Many of the outdoor areas and fells around Distington are dog-friendly. For example, Blake Fell Summit is noted as "Great for dog walking." When exploring natural areas, always ensure your dog is under control, especially near livestock, and follow the Countryside Code. Specific indoor attractions may have their own policies, so it's best to check in advance.

What are some unique or 'hidden gem' outdoor spots near Distington?

While not strictly 'hidden,' Ennerdale Water is often described as a place to "escape from the world" due to its secluded location, offering a more tranquil experience compared to other busier Lake District lakes. Its remote nature means fewer people, allowing for a real sense of solitude.

What is the Lake District National Park's connection to Distington?

Distington serves as a convenient gateway to the broader Lake District National Park. While Distington itself is a village outside the park boundary, its proximity means that iconic features like Ennerdale Water, and fells such as Grike, Crag Fell, and Blake Fell, are easily accessible. The park is home to England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and deepest lake, Wastwater, all within reach for day trips.

Are there any coastal attractions or beaches near Distington?

Yes, Distington is close to the Cumbrian coast. St Bees Beach, a popular outdoor attraction, is located approximately 4 miles away. The coastal areas also offer various walking and running routes, providing views of the Irish Sea.

What kind of terrain can I expect on outdoor activities near Distington?

The terrain around Distington varies. For fell walking, you can expect a mix of grassy paths, rocky sections, and potentially boggy ground, especially on higher fells like Blake Fell or Crag Fell. Lower-level walks and coastal paths tend to be easier, often on well-maintained trails or tarmac. Always wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for changing conditions, especially in the fells.

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