6 books to help plan your Lake District adventure

That sweet anticipation of planning and booking a new trip! From those who have visited the Lake District several times and need new inspiration to those who have never visited the national park, these six books will help you plan a memorable trip to one of England’s most scenic regions.

If you are already in the Lake District, I recommend heading to Fred’s Bookshop in Ambleside, which has an extensive collection of local guides, maps and interest books.

1. Ramble Guides: Lake District by Athena Mellor

A beautiful and thoughtfully created guide by local adventurer Athena Mellor showcases the array of small, dedicated independent businesses in the Lake District, and it shares top spots, cosy and off-the-beaten-track places to stay, cafes, pubs, villages and 15 walks with hand-drawn maps and full route descriptions.

Best for…a guide to independent businesses in the Lake District and 15 walk ideas

2. Wild Guide Lakes and Dales by Daniel Start and Tania Pascoe

6 books to help you plan a Lake District adventure

Of all six books, this one is hands down my most used and loved.

Each Lake District area has a number of subsections which include lakes & waterfalls, wildlife wonders, hilltops & scrambles, sacred & ancient, lost ruins & caverns, slow food, and sleep wild. Comprehensive directions and OS grid references are also included to make navigating simple.

I’ve found it perfect for looking for hidden gems I’ve never heard of and avoiding the Lake District crowds on summer days.

Best for…off the beaten track/hidden gem spots to avoid the crowds

3. The Photographers Guide to the Lake District by Ellen Bowness

I picked up this guide at a photography exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham just before moving to the Lakes and I’m so glad I did!

Each of the eight geographical sections has ideas on where to photograph iconic Lakeland spots, advice on where to park, how to get there and the best time of day to shoot – plus where to get alternative angles of well-photographed shots. At the back of the book, there is further advice on photographing the different seasons, sunset, and sunrise times.

I also found a few spots I’d not read about in other guides, such as Tewet Tarn just outside Keswick, which has stunning reflective views back over to Blencathra.

Best for…those looking to get creative in the Lake District landscape

Find The Photographers Guide here

4. Mini Walk Book Guides of the Lake District

6 books to help you plan a Lake District adventure

I’ve used these super little pocket guides whilst living in Scotland before and began collecting the series when I moved to the Lakes.

Each book has around 25 walks ranging from short strolls to long hikes. Perfect for if you want a quick bit of fresh air when you arrive in a new place or looking for a more adventurous day walk, there are a few around 2/3 mile walks and longer hikes of 8-10 miles, usually up in the hills.

Whilst I’d recommend taking an OS map on the longer hikes, these books are small and lightweight and give some really great ideas if you plan to stay in one or two areas of the Lake District.

Best for: Great value, lightweight books for walkers of all abilities

Find Hallewell Walking Guides here

5. Swimming Wild in the Lake District by Suzanna Cruickshank

6 books to help you plan a Lake District adventure

This is my most recent purchase, wild swimming is something I hope to get into more this summer and I’ve found this book provides a really solid grounding with background advice on getting started, equipment, ecology and biosecurity.

Each chapter is set around a different lake and then has a detailed description, which includes advice on where to swim, technical information, plus where to avoid swimming.

Suzanna also provides workshops and sessions on wild swimming in the Lake District – you can find more info at Suzanna Swims.

Best for….adventurous souls and wild swimmers

Find Swimming Wild in the Lake District at Bookshop.org*

6. Lake District Low Level and Lake walks by Vivienne Crow

6 books to help you plan a Lake District adventure

If scaling fells and hills isn’t on your radar, or you need a more relaxed walk, this book is perfect for more chilled, low-level walks.

Each of the five regions (North, East, Central, Western, and South Lakes) has around 5-6 walks varying in length from 4-9 miles with a detailed rundown of total ascent, grade, and estimated walking time, plus an OS map of the route and comprehensive details of the walk.

At the front of the guide is also a handy chart with all the walks so that you can quickly pick a walk based on time and distance.

Best for….moderate/chilled walkers

Find Lake District Low Level and Lake Walks at Bookshop.org*

Further books for multiple Lake District adventures

If you are looking for an ongoing Lake District adventure, consider an investment in the Wainwright series. Set out over seven books, Wainwright documented 214 falls with his unique hand-drawn maps and quirky observations, which he wrote whilst he lived in Kendal and explored the Lakeland fells on the weekends.

A true Lakeland classic and a fine accompaniment to any Lake District adventure.

*Denotes affiliate links on which I can earn a small commission towards running Look With New Eyes


Planning an adventure to the Lake District?

Check out these posts to get started

The 12 best cafes in the Lake District

4 of the best independent bookshops in the Lake District

12 things you need to know before visiting the Lake District

When is the best time to visit the Lake District?


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