The best walks and hikes around Hesket

Hesket offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 270 routes recorded on komoot. These range from easy riverside strolls to more challenging paths through rolling hills, ensuring options for all skill levels.

Yes, Hesket has many easy trails. There are over 150 easy routes available. A great option for families is the Carved Faces Bay – Armathwaite Castle loop from Armathwaite, an easy 3.7-mile (5.9 km) path that follows the scenic River Eden and passes Armathwaite Castle.

The terrain around Hesket is diverse, featuring rolling hills, river valleys, and some wooded areas. Trails often follow natural contours, providing varied elevation changes. While it offers access to the wider Cumbrian landscape, it generally avoids the high fells characteristic of the Lake District, making it accessible for many hikers.

Many of the hiking routes around Hesket are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the Tree Growing on Rocky Cliff – Penrith Beacon loop from Penrith is a popular moderate circular route that provides excellent views.

Hesket's trails often pass by historical sites and natural features. You can explore the views from Penrith Beacon, discover the ancient Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle, or see the impressive Carlisle Castle and Carlisle Cathedral, which are within reach of the area's trails.

Yes, Hesket offers many trails suitable for hiking with dogs. It's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially near livestock or in nature conservation areas, and to always clean up after them. The varied landscape provides plenty of open spaces and riverside paths for enjoyable walks with your canine companion.

The best time to hike in Hesket is typically during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is milder, and the landscapes are vibrant with new growth or autumnal colours. Summer can also be pleasant, but trails may be busier. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially colder and wetter conditions.

While many trails in Hesket are natural paths through varied terrain, limiting wheelchair accessibility, some sections along riverbanks or in urban parks might be more suitable. For example, parts of the Boer War Memorial, Castle Park – Penrith Town Centre loop from Penrith may offer more accessible surfaces within the town's parks.

For amenities, you can head to nearby villages and towns. Caldbeck Village is a charming spot with cafes, and Penrith, a larger town, offers a wider range of shops and eateries, often serving as a good base for exploring the Hesket area.

The hiking experience in Hesket is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the region's diverse scenery, including its tranquil river valleys and historical sites, and appreciate the well-maintained paths that cater to various abilities.

Hiking durations in Hesket vary significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty. Shorter, easy trails like the Armathwaite Castle – Carved Faces Bay loop from Armathwaite can take around 1 hour 40 minutes, while longer moderate routes such as the View of High Pike – Buckabank Track loop from Rose Castle might take up to 3 hours 20 minutes.

The River Eden flows through parts of the Hesket area, offering opportunities for wild swimming. However, always exercise caution, check water conditions and currents, and be aware of private land. It's advisable to research specific safe and permitted swimming spots beforehand.