While we all may have a slightly different idea about what romance means, surely a peaceful stroll hand in hand as the sun sets would feature high on many of our lists. The Lake District is crammed with secluded spots and romantic retreats so we’ve picked out three of our favourite Lake District romantic walks to share: one hill, one lake, and one stretch of coastline. All you need now is the perfect person to take with you.
This is a short but very straightforward walk from Windermere; ask in the visitor's centre for a map or follow the clear and waymarked route from the main road.
This is one of the finest and most famous walks in the whole of the Lake District; in 1930 a young Alfred Wainwright walked to the top of Orrest Head and instantly fell in love with the Lake District and its magnificent views. There’s a lovely dedication to him at the summit and plenty of benches where you can snuggle up and enjoy a flask of tea or a cheeky hot toddy as you admire the views.
In front of you are the Coniston Fells sweeping around to the Langdale Pikes in the distance. Below you the lake disappears down towards Morecambe Bay in the south and on a clear day you can see for miles.
Unless you’re used to being out on the fells it’s not a great idea to get stuck up there after dark, but in this case the route down is mostly tarmac and is well marked so, as long as you take a torch with you, you should be fine.
We’re very fond of a trip to Coniston in the evenings and sometimes we take along a picnic, or a disposable BBQ so we can enjoy a romantic supper whilst watching the sun go down. Lots of folk might prefer a nice restaurant but around Valentine’s Day they’re generally crammed, so how about escaping the crowds and giving yourself time to enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet.
As you drive along the eastern side of the lake there are a lots of places to pull in and a variety of lovely woodland walks to enjoy before dinner (you should be able to easily spot them on an OS Map).
If you’re feeling more adventurous there are a number of popular local wild swimming spots along there too – make sure you have a wetsuit with you as it’s particularly fresh this time of year!
The stone beaches are the best place for your BBQ so the heat doesn’t damage any of the local wildlife habitats, and do remember to take all your litter away with you afterwards.
Arnside is right in the south of Cumbria and well outside the National Park, but it’s hard to beat for its spectacular sunsets and it has all the ingredients for the perfect romantic stroll.
From the village you can take a gentle walk along the estuary for as far as you feel comfortable and during the late afternoon and early evenings, especially in the spring, you will be serenaded by curlews and oystercatchers as flocks of migrating birds pass by overhead (it’s one of the most important migratory spots in Europe).
Once you’re all walked out, there are a couple of fine pubs in the village where you can get hot food and good beer or, if you prefer to stay out and enjoy the sunset, go and grab a bag of chips from the local chip shop and bag a bench on the pier to enjoy the show.
