The best walks and hikes around Shap

Yes, Shap offers several gentle walks perfect for families. The terrain often includes rolling hills with minimal steep climbs. A great option is the Fairy Crag loop from Keld, a pleasant walk of under 3 miles (4.7 km) through open countryside that is suitable for most fitness levels.

Absolutely. Many of the best routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. These loops showcase the varied landscape, from open fells to historical sites. For a moderately challenging loop with great views, consider the Fairy Crag – The Goggleby Stone loop from Shap.

Dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths around Shap. The open fells provide great space for them to explore. However, you will be walking through areas with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead, especially during lambing season. Always follow the Countryside Code.

The village of Shap has on-street parking and a few small car parks which can be used as a starting point for many local walks. For specific attractions like Shap Abbey, there is a small, dedicated car park. It's always a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.

Yes, the Swindale Valley is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including Forces Falls. You can experience this on a longer, more challenging hike like the The Goggleby Stone – Swindale Falls loop from Shap, which takes you into this quieter part of the region.

Shap caters to all levels. There are 7 easy routes for gentle strolls, 8 moderate hikes for those with a good level of fitness, and 2 difficult trails for experienced hikers seeking a challenge. The more strenuous routes, such as the View of Haweswater Reservoir – Fairy Crag loop from Keld, involve significant elevation and require good navigation skills.

There are over 15 curated hiking routes to explore around Shap on komoot. These trails cover a range of difficulties and showcase the best of the area's fells, valleys, and historical landmarks.

Yes, the area is rich in history. A popular walk incorporates the ruins of Shap Abbey, a 12th-century monastery set by the River Lowther. You can also find routes that pass by Neolithic sites like the Goggleby Stone, a massive granite boulder that is part of an ancient stone avenue.

The trails around Shap are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquility of the area, the expansive views from the fells, and the sense of solitude compared to the busier central Lake District.

Shap is located on the A6 and is accessible by bus services that connect it to nearby towns like Penrith and Kendal, both of which have mainline train stations. From the village, you can directly access the starting points for many local walks on foot.

Yes, Shap is a key stopping point on Alfred Wainwright's famous Coast to Coast Path. Hikers often use the village as an overnight stop to rest and resupply before tackling the next stage of this iconic long-distance trail.