6 short Cumbrian walking routes to try this lockdown

According to the government guidelines, we can leave the house once a day for exercise- this can take place alone, with your household or with your support bubble.

While you can still visit beauty spots and scenic parks on your doorstep, it’s important that you stay within your local area and don’t travel to other cities and regions unnecessarily.

If you want to change up your regular walking route, here are some short routes around Cumbria to consider.

Chances Park Walk, Carlisle

This circular walk is quick, easy and accessible.

In total, the route is 1.2km long and will take you less than half an hour to complete.

The park is the only one in in Carlisle to win a Green Flag award which is the national standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces.

On the journey you will encounter the striking Morton Manor which was once home to the Ferguson family who eonwed Holmehead textile mill.

As well as the historic building, visitor will also get to walk among some beautifully landscaped gardens.

The area is home to some truly quirky and unusual trees, including turkey oak.

You can find the full walking route on the Active Cumbria Website.

Little Mell Fell, Penrith

Little Mell Fell

(Photo: Geograph/ Graham Robson)

If you live near Penrith, this could be the ideal walking route for you.

This easy loop trail is suited for walkers of all abilities, and it’s a great spot for observing nature and wildlife.

While it is short, a lot of the walk is quite steep.

One person who embarked on the trail said the steep inclines was worth it as the view from the top was “absolutely stunning”.

You can try the trail for yourself by following the route on the All Trails website.

Kingmoor North Nature Reserve, Carlisle

The nature reserve

(Photo: Geograph/Rose and Trev Clough)

This circular loop is less than a mile long but ideal for those who really want to immerse themselves in nature.

It was once the site of a horse racing course, but now it’s a much more relaxing place where people can enjoy their walk in the woods.

If you want to try the trail for yourself, then visit the All Trails website.

Abbot’s Wood Nature Trail, Barrow

This trail is 1.26 miles long and takes you on a circular route through Abbots Woods.

It’s described as the perfect little family walk to embark on- especially if you like to be surrounded by woodland.

The wood is also laced with history and was once the grounds of Sir James Ramsden’s (industrialist who ran the Furness Railway) former home.

Three sandstone blocks mark the site where the house used to stand.

In these wood you will also discover the mansion’s old gateway, seemingly fused with the surrounding landscape

You can find the trail my following the link to this website- but it is well signposted and can be followed without a map.

Stockghyll Force, Ambleside

The waterfall

(Photo: Geograph/Christine Matthews)

This beautiful Lake District walk is just over a mile long and ideal for walkers of all skill levels.

Like most Lake District walks, this one is simply stunning and you will encounter plenty of wildlife on the way.

During your short walk, you will walk alongside a waterfall and may even spot a rare bird or two.

One person who embarked on the trail last December described it s “very scenic” with “lovely views”.

Want to try the walk for yourself? Visit the All Trails website for the route.

Arnside Knott, Arnside

This two mile route will take your breath away.

It is renowned for its eclectic variety of wildlife and countryside views.

However, it is considered to be more of an intermediate route filled with hills and some tricky terrain- so make sure you are fit and healthy enough before you try it.

There is a small climb included in the route- but the views of Silverdale and the Lake Districts fells are definitely worth it.

You can find the full trail on the National Trust website.

Where is your favourite Cumbrian walk? Let us know in the comment section.