My hope is that this blog inspires you to step outside, start small, and discover the confidence that comes from moving through nature at your own pace. Whether you’re beginning your first solo hike, learning to respect the land, or simply taking the time to appreciate the wildlife around you — every action matters. The outdoors is for everyone...
Across Mountains and Continents: How the Lakes Started It All
If you live in the Lake District, there’s usually a nine-out-of-ten chance that you love the outdoors — and honestly, if you don’t, this might not be the place for you. For me, that love didn’t arrive instantly. It was earned, step by step, trail by trail, over the last four years as I ventured out hiking solo and discovered hidden corners of the Lakes I had never experienced before.
People often think of the Lake District and immediately picture Windermere. Beautiful, yes — but the Lakes are far richer, wilder, and more varied than a postcard hotspot. Grasmere, for example, has become my sanctuary. Surrounded by mountains, wrapped in still water perfect for wild swims, and with light that changes the whole valley in minutes — it’s the kind of place that sinks into your memory. A place you return to whenever you need grounding. You just can’t beat it.
People often think of the Lake District and immediately picture Windermere. Beautiful, yes — but the Lakes are far richer, wilder, and more varied than a postcard hotspot. Grasmere, for example, has become my sanctuary. Surrounded by mountains, wrapped in still water perfect for wild swims, and with light that changes the whole valley in minutes — it’s the kind of place that sinks into your memory. A place you return to whenever you need grounding. You just can’t beat it.
Becoming a Hiker — And Growing Into an Adventurer
Hiking didn’t come naturally to me at first. I wasn’t raised scaling mountains or studying OS maps. I started alone, slowly, and a bit unsure — but determined. Every solo hike taught me something new: how to plan routes, how to layer clothing properly, how to manage my pace, how to stay calm when the weather suddenly turns (because it will), and how empowering it feels to stand on a summit because you got yourself there.
And that curiosity — that desire to push one step further — eventually took me beyond the Lake District.
I’ve stood on Mount Toubkal in Morocco, watching the sunrise and surrounded by nothing but silence at 4,167 metres, learning what my body can handle when the altitude steals your breath. I’ve crossed the rugged, limestone-carved ridges of the Dinaric Mountains, discovering how different landscapes challenge your legs — and your mind.
I’ve trekked through the dramatic, steep, story-filled Pyrenees, where weather can shift in minutes and every pass feels like entering a new world. And I’ve explored the sharp, jagged peaks of the Polish Tatra Mountains, where scrambling becomes part of the journey and mountain goats confidently stroll past like seasoned guides. Each mountain range taught me something: how to trust my instincts, how to respect nature more deeply, and how to appreciate both the gentleness and the brutality of the outdoors.
I’ve stood on Mount Toubkal in Morocco, watching the sunrise and surrounded by nothing but silence at 4,167 metres, learning what my body can handle when the altitude steals your breath. I’ve crossed the rugged, limestone-carved ridges of the Dinaric Mountains, discovering how different landscapes challenge your legs — and your mind.
I’ve trekked through the dramatic, steep, story-filled Pyrenees, where weather can shift in minutes and every pass feels like entering a new world. And I’ve explored the sharp, jagged peaks of the Polish Tatra Mountains, where scrambling becomes part of the journey and mountain goats confidently stroll past like seasoned guides. Each mountain range taught me something: how to trust my instincts, how to respect nature more deeply, and how to appreciate both the gentleness and the brutality of the outdoors.
Helping Others Begin Their Solo Hiking Journey
Because I started alone, I know exactly how intimidating solo hiking can feel. That’s why helping others begin their own journeys has become one of the best parts of my outdoor life. I love showing beginners that they don’t need expensive gear or elite fitness. What they need is willingness, awareness, and a little confidence — they can absolutely build.
Tips I Share With New Solo Hikers
• Start with short, familiar routes. Know the terrain before venturing further.
• Gradually stretch your comfort zone. One mile more. One new summit. One early morning start.
• Carry the essentials. Water, snacks, layers, a map, headtorch, and a charged phone.
• Plan your route — and your backup route. Weather changes fast, especially in the Lakes.
• Learn basic navigation. Even knowing how to orient a map can save you from panic.
• Walk at your pace. Solo hiking means freedom — not rushing.
• Celebrate every win. The first summit, the first long hike, the first time you navigate alone.
Watching others discover that solo hiking isn’t scary — it’s liberating — is one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
• Celebrate every win. The first summit, the first long hike, the first time you navigate alone.
Watching others discover that solo hiking isn’t scary — it’s liberating — is one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Here are 10 fells in the Lake District that are suitable for beginners, if you’re looking to start your solo hiking journey!
1. Catbells
A short, popular ridge with amazing views over Derwentwater. Feels like a proper mountain without being difficult.
2. Latrigg
One of the gentlest Wainwrights with a wide path and a huge viewpoint overlooking Keswick — perfect for first-timers.
3. Loughrigg Fell
A fun, varied fell with lakes, woodland, and a spacious summit. Great for building confidence and navigation skills.
4. Hallin Fell
Very short and easy, with a big reward: a stunning panorama of Ullswater from the top.
5. Orrest Head
A gentle woodland walk leading to the viewpoint that inspired Alfred Wainwright himself. Ideal for absolute beginners.
6. Rannerdale Knotts
A small ridge above Buttermere offering dramatic scenery with minimal effort. Beautiful bluebells in spring.
7. Wansfell Pike
A steady climb from Ambleside with a simple route and sweeping views — a perfect “first bigger fell.”
8. Castle Crag
Short but full of character, winding through old quarry paths and finishing with great views down Borrowdale.
9. Binsey
One of the easiest standalone fells in the Lakes. A grassy, gradual climb with wide views of Skiddaw and the northern fells.
10. Sale Fell
A peaceful, quiet fell with gentle slopes — ideal for a relaxed, worry-free introduction to the outdoors.
The Lake District has shaped me in more ways than I ever expected — through its mountains, its wildlife, its challenges, and its quiet, grounding moments. Every trail I’ve walked, whether here at home or across mountains around the world, has taught me something new about myself and about the wild places we’re lucky enough to explore.
My hope is that this blog inspires you to step outside, start small, and discover the confidence that comes from moving through nature at your own pace. Whether you’re beginning your first solo hike, learning to respect the land, or simply taking the time to appreciate the wildlife around you — every action matters. The outdoors is for everyone, and the Lake District is a place worth loving, protecting, and exploring wholeheartedly.
Here’s to more trails, more summits, and more people finding their own wild.
My hope is that this blog inspires you to step outside, start small, and discover the confidence that comes from moving through nature at your own pace. Whether you’re beginning your first solo hike, learning to respect the land, or simply taking the time to appreciate the wildlife around you — every action matters. The outdoors is for everyone, and the Lake District is a place worth loving, protecting, and exploring wholeheartedly.
Here’s to more trails, more summits, and more people finding their own wild.
Kate Outdoors
Founder of girlsoutdoors
