Hidden Trails, Local Stories and Mountain Views: Walk the Lake District With Nicky and Her Expert Guides

10 September

Author: Langdale Chase

Nicky, a lifelong resident of the Ullswater Valley, calls the foothills of Helvellyn home and knows the Lake District like few others. Passionate about the fells and the stories they hold, she specialises in creating memorable walking experiences that connect guests with the landscape, whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking to explore beyond the well-trodden paths.

Choose from a half-day or full-day guided adventure, tailored entirely to you and your party. Discover hidden valleys, peaceful trails and breathtaking viewpoints, venture across the Lakeland fells, or take on one of the region’s most iconic summits, including Helvellyn and England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.

Nicky and her team of highly qualified local guides bring a wealth of knowledge, encouragement and insight to every walk. Routes are flexible and can be adapted to suit your interests, experience and the day’s weather conditions, ensuring every experience feels personal and rewarding.

Some of Nicky’s favourite walks include exploring the dramatic Langdale Valley beneath its towering peaks, and searching for England’s oldest red deer herd in the secluded valley of Martindale, with the option to begin your journey aboard an Ullswater Steamer. Guided ascents of Helvellyn and Scafell Pike are also available for those seeking a more adventurous day in the mountains.

Perfect for couples, families, friends and corporate groups looking to experience the Lake District from a truly local perspective.

Meet the Guides

Nicky Merrett, founder of Hiking Highs, lives at the foot of Helvellyn and knows the Lake District fells like few others. Passionate about helping people build confidence in the mountains, she combines local knowledge, storytelling and expert guidance to create memorable, bespoke walking experiences.

Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, discover hidden corners of the National Park or simply slow down and reconnect with nature, Nicky’s walks are designed to help you switch off from the everyday and tune into the landscape around you.

Mountain Leader
Navigation Coach
Nordic Walking Instructor

Hikes

All routes are tailored to ability and weather conditions.

Mountains

Helvellyn: England’s third-highest mountain and one of the Lake District’s most popular peaks. Departing nearby Glenridding, routes can include the dramatic ridgelines of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge or a gentler ascent to the summit. For experienced hikers, the full Helvellyn Ridgeline includes Raise, Helvellyn Lower Man, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike.

5-8 hours | 10-17km | 950m+ ascent

Scafell Pike: England’s highest mountain, renowned for its rugged and rocky terrain. Choose between the classic route from Wasdale Head or the spectacular Corridor Route from Borrowdale, which includes some technical ground and more dramatic scenery. This mountain is not to be underestimated, as the rocky terrain can add additional fatigue whilst hiking.

4-8 hours | 12-15km | 1,100m ascent

Fairfield Horseshoe: A classic Lake District circuit visible from Langdale Chase. After a steep initial ascent, the route follows a series of rolling fells to the summit of Fairfield before completing the horseshoe. Along the way, you’ll summit eight Wainwright peaks and enjoy extensive views across the surrounding fells.

6-7 hours | 15km | 1,100m ascent

Langdale Pikes: Set within the dramatic scenery of Great Langdale, this walk showcases some of the Lake District’s most distinctive peaks, including Harrison Stickle and Pike of Stickle. Expect striking mountain views, rugged landscapes and a rewarding day on the fells, with the option to extend the route and explore additional summits.

4-7 hours | 8-17km | Approx. 1,000m ascent

Fells

Wansfell: A glorious little fell offering panoramic views across Windermere and the surrounding mountains. Starting directly from Langdale Chase, it makes for a rewarding half-day walk.

4.5 hours | 12km | 550m ascent

Angle Tarn Pikes: Crossing Kirkstone Pass into the quieter Ullswater Valley, home to England’s oldest red deer herd, this half-day hike reaches the twin summits of Angle Tarn Pikes, with panoramic views of the High Street ridgeline, Helvellyn and Fairfield.

3-4 hours | 8.5km | 450m ascent

Easedale Tarn & Silver How: Starting from the iconic Lake District village of Grasmere, this walk takes in the waters of the hidden hanging tarn of Easedale before ascending Silver How for spectacular views across Great Langdale and Stickle Tarn. Back in the village, enjoy a treat from the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop and browse Grasmere Gather’s collection of Lake District gifts.

3-4 hours | 8-10km | 550m ascent

Martindale Red Deer With the Ullswater Steamers: A journey over Kirkstone Pass leads to the Ullswater Steamers and a voyage to Howtown. From here, explore the peaceful valley of Martindale, home to England’s oldest red deer herd. Your guide will share the herd’s story, and while they’re often found high on the fells, binoculars can help spot them from afar. Routes vary from a low-level fell walk into the valley, with the option to include Hallin Fell along the Ullswater shoreline, to a longer hike returning to Glenridding. With no mobile signal and a true sense of escape, Martindale offers one of the Lake District’s most tranquil experiences.

5-6 hours | 5-10km | 150-550m ascent
Alternative route:Transport can be arranged to the head of the valley for an approx. 2-hour walk on mostly flat trails.

Please note that the Ullswater Steamers cannot operate in strong winds. Should this happen, an alternative hike will be arranged, or transport can be provided directly to Howtown.

Valleys

Great Langdale Valley: A half or full day journey deep into this valley gives a sense of escape, as the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Pike of Blisco tower above you. Rich in history, the valley is home to the Langdale Neolithic Axe Factory. Routes can explore both sides of the valley, with the option to include fell paths for additional views and adventure.

Ullswater: Home to the daffodils that inspired Wordsworth’s famous poem, A scenic drive over Kirkstone Pass leads leads to the Grisedale and Glenridding valleys, where mountains rise dramatically from the shores of Ullswater. Steeped in mining history and surrounded by spectacular scenery, these valleys offer a true sense of escape. Explore the former Greenside lead and silver mines in Glenridding, or visit the Brothers Parting Stone at Grisedale Tarn, inscribed with a poem by William Wordsworth.

Langdale Chase, Ambleside & Grasmere via the Coffin Trail: A linear hike from any of these three points, with transport arranged at either the start or end of the route. Passing through the beautiful gardens and woodland of Rydal Hall, the trail follows the historic Coffin Route to Grasmere. Stroll along the riverside and through the village, with the option to continue to Lancrigg Woods and Dorothy Wordsworth’s memorial stone. Along the way, enjoy ancient woodland, seasonal bluebells in spring, and the chance to browse local shops before rewarding yourself with the famous Grasmere Gingerbread and a well-earned afternoon tea.

2-3 hours | 5-10km | 100-200m ascent

Booking & Payment Terms

Half-day walks last approximately 3 hours, while full-day walks typically last 6 to 7 hours. Experiences are tailored to you and your party and include:

• Walk choice advice via email or telephone with your guide
• Kit selection advice based on your chosen hike
• Meet and greet service at the start of your walk
• Transport arrangements with an LCH chauffeur or your guide (by prior arrangement)
• A dedicated guide throughout your experience
• Complimentary loan of binoculars

Bookings can be made up to 8pm for a hike the following day, subject to guide availability.

Payment terms: Payment is required at the time of booking and is fully refundable up to 30 days prior to arrival.

Please contact the hotel to book.