The best walks and hikes around Clifton

There are over 260 hiking trails around Clifton, Cumbria, offering a wide range of options from easy strolls to more challenging excursions. This includes 132 easy routes and 117 moderate routes, ensuring something for every ability level.

Hiking around Clifton, Cumbria, is characterized by picturesque river valleys, historic castle grounds, and open countryside paths. You'll often find trails traversing woodlands and offering views of landmarks like Lowther Castle and Brougham Castle, as well as the River Lowther.

Yes, Clifton offers several family-friendly routes. Many of the 132 easy trails are suitable for families. For example, the Brougham Castle – View of Brougham Castle loop from Penrith is an easy 3.4-mile path that provides views of the historic castle and surrounding countryside, perfect for a family outing.

Yes, many of the trails around Clifton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the popular Low Gardens Bridge – Lowther Castle loop from Lowther Castle Park and Gardens, which is a 5.2-mile route featuring views of Lowther Castle and following the River Lowther.

The area around Clifton is rich in history. You can explore sites like Lowther Castle and Brougham Castle. Trails often pass by or offer views of these historic landmarks. Additionally, you might encounter ancient sites like The Cockpit Stone Circle.

The routes in Clifton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 650 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, the scenic river valleys, and the historical points of interest along the paths.

While Clifton is known for its easy and moderate routes, there are also 20 more difficult trails for those seeking a greater challenge. For a longer moderate option, consider the Arthur's Round Table Henge – White House by the River loop from Penrith, which is an 11.3-mile route with significant elevation gain.

Clifton, Cumbria, offers enjoyable hiking throughout much of the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while summer provides pleasant weather for exploring. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible, offering a different, often quieter, experience of the landscape.

Yes, the region has local establishments where you can refresh after a hike. For example, the The Strickland Arms loop from Clifton is a 3.4-mile trail that leads through the local village, providing opportunities to visit local pubs or eateries.

Many trails in Clifton, Cumbria, are dog-friendly, especially those through open countryside and woodlands. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly when passing through farmland with livestock or in nature conservation areas, and to follow the Countryside Code.

Beyond the historical sites, the natural landscape includes the scenic River Lowther, which many trails follow. You can also find tranquil lakes nearby, such as Haweswater Reservoir, offering beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.