WINTER WANDER LAND

Lakeland walks writer Vivienne Crow selects five of her favourite low level walks – perfect for a seasonal stroll

- Vivienne Crow

It’s great to stride out on the high fells, isn’t it? Sometimes though, the low fells can be just as rewarding. Many of them provide a great vantage point from which to gaze out over the valleys and the lakes as well as to ogle those higher summits. And, at this time of year, when daylight hours are short and the snow-covered heights become the domain of serious, well-equipped fell-walkers, the low fells can provide a relatively easy but equally satisfying alternative for us less hardy types. So, don’t write them off, those little tiddlers often hide big personalities.

WALK 1: SCHOOL KNOTT

School Knott is truly titchy. At just 761ft, it sits above the eastern shore of Windermere. It can be climbed directly from Windermere or Bowness, but for a more pleasing approach, follow the Dales Way from Staveley and then divert from the long-distance route to climb grassy slopes to the summit. Immediately ahead of you now is the glorious northern end of the lake, with its eponymous town below. The tempting ridges of the mountains above Coniston seem to be just a stone’s throw away across the water, but it is the shapely Langdale Pikes which inevitably draw the eye. From the top, drop to Windermere to catch the bus or train back to Staveley.

WALK 2: LATRIGG