The best walks and hikes around Askham

Yes, the area around Askham is well-suited for families. A particularly pleasant option is the gentle, traffic-free path that runs alongside the River Lowther. For a short but rewarding walk with great views, the Hiking loop from Askham is an excellent choice, offering a taste of the local countryside without being too strenuous.

Most trails around Askham are dog-friendly, especially the open paths across Askham Fell. However, you will be walking through areas with livestock, particularly sheep and fell ponies, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead at all times. After your walk, many local pubs in the village welcome well-behaved dogs.

Yes, Askham is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. You can find several routes that begin and end in the village, ranging from short riverside strolls to more demanding fell walks. A good example is the Cockpit Stone Circle – The Cockpit Stone Circle loop from Helton, which is a relatively flat and easy loop exploring the nearby historic landscape.

The trails on Askham Fell are generally wide, well-defined, and grassy, with a gentle incline. They lead you onto an open plateau with fantastic panoramic views of Ullswater and the Helvellyn range. The fell is crisscrossed by a network of paths, allowing you to create loops of various lengths. It's a popular spot for spotting the local fell ponies.

You can walk from Askham to Pooley Bridge, which sits at the northern end of Ullswater. The route takes you across Askham Fell, offering beautiful views as you descend towards the lake. From Pooley Bridge, you can access the Ullswater Way, a long-distance path that circumnavigates the entire lake.

While many local walks are gentle, you can find more demanding options. For a longer and more strenuous day out, consider the Cockpit Stone Circle – Arthur's Pike summit loop from Helton. This route involves a significant ascent to the summit of Arthur's Pike, rewarding you with expansive views across Ullswater.

Yes, the highly-regarded Aira Force waterfall is a short drive from Askham. You can park nearby and follow the popular trails that lead up through a wooded gorge to various viewing platforms overlooking the main falls. The area offers several walking loops, allowing you to combine a visit to the waterfall with a walk up onto Gowbarrow Fell.

The landscape is rich in history. Many trails, such as The Cockpit Stone Circle – Pooley Bridge (2020) loop from Helton, lead to The Cockpit, a prehistoric stone circle on the fell. You can also walk to the impressive ruins of Lowther Castle, which has extensive gardens and grounds to explore.

Many hikes incorporate the region's key attractions. Popular destinations include:

• Lowther Castle & Gardens: A dramatic castle ruin with beautiful grounds and a café, often included in riverside walks.
• Aira Force: A spectacular waterfall set in a Victorian parkland, perfect for a dedicated walk.
• Askham Fell: Not a single place but a vast area offering iconic views over Ullswater, accessible via numerous trails.
• Askham Bridge: A historic bridge over the River Lowther providing scenic views and a great photo opportunity.

There are over 25 curated hiking routes around Askham, ranging from easy riverside paths to moderate fell walks and more difficult mountain ascents. This variety ensures there are suitable options for all fitness levels and interests.

The trails around Askham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning, wide-open views of Ullswater from Askham Fell, the well-maintained paths, and the peaceful riverside walks along the Lowther.

There is on-street parking available within the village of Askham, which is the most convenient starting point for many local loops. For walks starting closer to Ullswater or Aira Force, there are dedicated pay-and-display car parks, though these can get busy during peak season.