Walking Holiday Cottages in the Lake District — Explore the Fells from Your Front Door
The Lake District is one of Britain’s finest walking destinations, and our self-catering cottages near Penrith put you right at the heart of it. Whether you are a seasoned fell runner tackling Helvellyn or a family looking for gentle riverside strolls, our cottages in Great Strickland and Eamont Bridge are the perfect base for a walking holiday in the Lake District.
With walks starting directly from the cottage door, easy access to Ullswater and the Eastern Fells, and fully equipped kitchens for preparing packed lunches, you will spend less time driving and more time on the trails.
Our Cottages for Walking Holidays
Fern Cottage — Sleeps 5, Dog-Friendly
Fern Cottage is a walker’s favourite. The enclosed garden is ideal for drying boots and airing kit after a long day on the fells. The fully equipped kitchen means you can prepare a hearty breakfast before setting out and a warming evening meal when you return. The wood-burning stove is a welcome sight after a wet day on Helvellyn. Dog-friendly, so your walking companion is welcome too. View Fern Cottage →
- Sleeps 5 with space for walking gear
- Wood-burning stove for drying out after wet walks
- Dog-friendly — £25 per stay
- Fully equipped kitchen for packed lunches
- Off-road parking for muddy cars
Maple Cottage — Sleeps 6, Walking Groups Welcome
Maple Cottage is our largest property, making it ideal for walking groups. The 17th-century barn conversion has a spacious living area where a group of six can spread out maps, plan routes, and relax after a day on the fells. The village location in Great Strickland means you can walk to the Strickland Arms pub for a well-earned pint without getting in the car. View Maple Cottage →
- Sleeps 6 — perfect for walking groups
- Spacious 17th-century barn with character
- Dog-friendly — £25 per stay
- 200 yards from the Strickland Arms pub
Rittson Cottage — Sleeps 4, Quiet Base
Rittson Cottage in Eamont Bridge suits couples or pairs of walking friends who want a stylish, comfortable base. The village sits on the River Eamont with footpaths leading towards Brougham Castle and beyond. It is also the closest of our cottages to Penrith, handy for stocking up on supplies at the start of your trip. View Rittson Cottage →
Walks from the Door
One of the greatest advantages of our location is that you do not need to drive to a trailhead. Both Great Strickland and Eamont Bridge have footpaths leading directly into the Cumbrian countryside.
- Great Strickland Village Loop (2 miles, easy) — A gentle stroll through the village and surrounding farmland, suitable for all ages.
- Eamont Bridge to Brougham Castle (3 miles, easy) — Follow the River Eamont to the atmospheric castle ruins and back.
- Mayburgh Henge Circular (4 miles, easy) — Visit the ancient stone henge and King Arthur’s Round Table before looping back through meadows.
Walking Routes by Difficulty
Gentle Walks (Suitable for Families and Beginners)
- Pooley Bridge to Howtown (lakeside path) — 4 miles one way along the shore of Ullswater. Take the steamer back for a perfect circular day out.
- Aira Force Waterfall — A short but beautiful woodland walk to one of the Lake District’s most famous waterfalls. Allow 1-2 hours.
- Lowther Castle Estate — Waymarked paths through parkland and gardens with minimal climbing.
Moderate Walks (Half-Day to Full-Day)
- Ullswater Way (sections) — The 20-mile trail around the lake can be walked in sections. The Pooley Bridge to Howtown and Howtown to Patterdale sections are both outstanding.
- Askham to Lowther Circular — 6 miles through the pretty village of Askham and the Lowther estate.
- Hallin Fell from Howtown — A short but rewarding climb with panoramic views over Ullswater. Perfect for a half-day outing.
Challenging Walks (Experienced Walkers)
- Helvellyn via Striding Edge — The classic Lake District scramble. A full-day expedition from Glenridding, approximately 20 minutes by car from our cottages.
- High Street from Howtown — A superb ridge walk with Roman road history. Less crowded than the western fells and equally dramatic.
- Place Fell Circuit — A challenging but rewarding route above Ullswater with some of the best views in the eastern Lakes.
- Coast to Coast (Shap to Patterdale section) — If you are walking Wainwright’s famous route, our cottages make an excellent overnight stop.
Practical Information for Walkers
- Packed lunches: All cottages have fully equipped kitchens with everything you need to prepare sandwiches, flasks, and trail snacks.
- Drying facilities: The wood-burning stoves in Fern and Maple are excellent for drying wet gear overnight.
- Parking: All cottages have off-road parking, so your car is safe and secure while you are on the fells.
- Maps and guides: We can recommend the best OS maps and walking guides for the area.
- Walking with dogs: Fern and Maple are dog-friendly. Please keep dogs on leads near livestock.
Why Book Your Walking Holiday Direct
- No booking fees — More money to spend on waterproofs and pub lunches
- Best price guarantee — Our direct rate is always the lowest
- Local walking knowledge — We walk these fells ourselves and can recommend routes to suit your ability and interests
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we walk directly from the cottages?
Yes. Both Great Strickland and Eamont Bridge have footpaths leading into the countryside from the doorstep. You can enjoy village loops, riverside walks, and visits to ancient monuments without getting in the car.
How far are the cottages from Helvellyn?
The Glenridding trailhead for Helvellyn is approximately 20 minutes by car. You can be on the mountain within an hour of leaving the cottage.
Is there somewhere to dry wet walking gear?
Fern and Maple Cottages both have wood-burning stoves which are excellent for drying boots, jackets, and clothing overnight. All cottages have heating throughout.
Can we walk the Coast to Coast and stay at your cottages?
Absolutely. Our cottages are well-positioned for the Shap to Patterdale section of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path. We can help with logistics and local transport advice.