5 walks for National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month; a chance to get outside in the lighter, warmer evenings for a full on hike, a gentle ramble,  a stroll, promenade, roam, plod, meander, trek, march, jaunt, amble, saunter or even a peregrination if that's your bag. In other words (if there are any left), there's something for everyone's age, health, ability, inclination or preference.

We know the benefits of fresh air and exercise on our bodies and minds and best of all, it's free. You can enjoy it at any time of the year, at any time of the day or night, with or without company and it can be fitted in wherever and whenever you choose, for as long or as short a duration depending on how you feel. A quick dash round in your lunch break, a more leisurely dog walk after work or a full day's hiking. Endless possibilities. With so many different places to choose from, here are five different walks we've enjoyed.

Buttermere Village to Crummock Water

I appreciate that not everyone wants to race uphill, so this is a lovely gentle little walk between Buttermere Village and Crummock Water we did when Bro aggravated an old knee injury and didn't want to do anything too taxing. Starting from the car park in Buttermere, past Syke Farm camp site following a tiny stream, you cross a beautiful meadow heading for a stand of trees on a small hillock which is a great place for atmospheric photos as the light is softly filtered and the trees are very moss covered. This southern end of Crummock is lovely, with pebbly beaches and little coves leading down to the water's edge and lots of places to sit and picnic. It's just a delight here and a real suntrap if you get the weather. The Fish Inn or the Bridge Inn are great places to have refreshments afterwards.

Fleetwith Pike

This is an absolute favourite and there is more than one route to choose from, but a slightly different way is to take the Honister Rambler bus from Keswick to the Honister Slate Mine which is a really relaxing way to start. Circling the foot of Catbells,  you get wonderful views across Derwentwater. The route from the mine follows the quarry path up to Bell Crags and from there it's a straightforward walk to the summit which is just stunning. Looking straight down the length of Buttermere and Crummock Water, ringed by fells, it's a magical spot. Don't forget to the check the return bus times (we had a slight panic once that we'd missed the last one which we just caught)  and it can get really busy in peak times. Otherwise, there is plenty of parking available for £5.00 a day which is refundable against mine tours, the Via Ferrata or purchases in the shop over £10.00.

Arnison Crag

This is another of my absolute favourite areas to walk and is a moderate sized fell with huge views. Arnison is an outlying fell belonging to the Fairfield group and looks down on Patterdale village. The path up wends its way through the bracken following a lovely old dry stone wall and doesn't involve anything too strenuous, but your reward is a panorama of the Eastern fells and a corker of a view down Ullswater.

Tottlebank Height

This has the advantage (as does Carron Crag) of being one of Wainwright's Outlying Fells if you fancy a spot of peak bagging, but it's in a very quiet and beautiful area at the southern end of Coniston Water. Heading towards Blawith and parking off the road opposite the Giant's Grave, the walk can easily be combined with Blawith Knott if you fancy a longer outing. Magnificent views towards the Coniston Fells and over the Duddon Valley to Black Combe.

Carron Crag

Right in the middle of the beautiful Grizedale Forest, you have the added benefit of coffee and cake before you start, or tea and cake as you finish at the lovely Grizedale Cafe at the Visitors Centre. The forest has eight marked walking trails for all abilities, as well as mountain bike routes and forest roads. This walk follows the red marker posts up through the forest with gorgeous, far reaching views once you get to the top.  A lovely little summit area, not too strenuous walking and some interesting sculptures along the way.

What are you waiting for?!!