Things to do near Aikin
Around the Neighbourhood
It’s easy to walk directly from Aikin either onto the fells behind the house, or down the valley along the public footpath, or across the valley and up the higher peaks – Robinson, Hindscarth, Dale Head and Maiden Moor. There’s so much choice , it’s a walker’s paradise.
From Keswick there’s a lovely drive along the banks of Derwent Water to Borrowdale where you can see, (and also climb!), some of the highest peaks in the Lake District, including Great Gable and Scafell Pike. Catbells (famous from Beatrix Potter stories) is a gentler walk close by – it’s always popular with families. In the other direction, you can drive from Aikin to the staggeringly beautiful Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water (3 miles) where there is a range of walking, from an easy stroll around one of the lakes or along the Rannerdale valley, to a more challenging ridge walk on Red Pike and High Stile (one of Wainwright’s favourites). Haystacks is an ever popular walk with children who love to clamber up the rocks and explore the many little tarns on top. We often end up at the Bridge Inn in Buttermere for a good pub lunch or supper – children and hikers with boots all welcome! A bit further afield (7 miles from Aikin), near Loweswater, is the award-winning Kirkstile Inn, well worth the drive for a special meal in a charming old pub full of character in a beautiful setting, not to mention a choice of excellent home-brewed beers! Last but not least, our nearest pub – the Swinside Inn (2 miles from Aikin) is full of atmosphere and serves above average food.
