The quaint village of Backbarrow and its beautiful surroundings make it a hidden gem for visitors looking to get away from it all. Whether you enjoy long walks in nature, exploring historical buildings, or simply relaxing, there are lots of cool things to do here.

From leisurely boat trips on Lake Windermere to visiting the Lakes Aquarium and the Lakeland Motor Museum, there is something for everyone.

1. The Old Ironworks Walk

The Old Ironworks Walk takes you to a fascinating industrial heritage site. It features a small car park and level path to the Ironworks, with a Coleford to Parkend off-road cycle path running nearby following the old railway line for 4 miles. The walk includes a visit to the Iron Kilns which were used in the 1860s to process ironstone from local mines. The remains of cottages known as ‘Black Houses’ can be seen alongside the kilns, whose name stems from their being painted with weatherproof black tar. The walk culminates in a footpath leading off the trackbed of the old railway, signposted towards the Lion Inn Blakey.

The Ironworks ruins at Long Pond are open to the public and feature a collection of historic houses, barns, stables, a Smithy/Wagon shed, ice house, water wheels and other structures. In addition, the site is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants.

There are a variety of paths throughout the area, some paved and some gravel. These paths take you over a variety of ecological settings, including wet valley bottom lands and dry, rocky ridges. The trails are multi-use and allow hikers, runners and mountain bikers to enjoy the area while protecting the environment.

A short distance from the Ironworks is a large, flat Iron Age enclosure/hillfort with two entrances, situated on the eastern side of St Roche’s Hill and called The Trundle. It has been suggested that the earthworks may have been designed to control livestock in the area and it is likely that it was occupied during the Middle Iron Age, around 250 BCE.

This is a good spot for bird watching and in the right conditions, you might see harriers and buzzards soaring overhead. The area also contains a few ancient round barrows, such as Fordingbridge Cemetery which was in use during the Bronze and Iron Ages (2100 to 750BC). There are several tumuli in the cemetery.

The nearby village of Thorgill features a tearoom which is a perfect stop for lunch, providing both a scenic and historical break from your walk. Its artistic iron bench depicts a worker pushing railway carts laden with ironstone, combining historical significance with local craftsmanship.

2. The Leven Valley Walk

The Leven Valley Walk is a 7 mile (11 km) trail that spans across residential areas, woodlands and follows the River Leven for a large portion of the route, near about the Whitewater Hotel. Expect mud and varied terrain on this walking tour and we recommend that hikers wear sturdy footwear and carry sufficient water to hydrate along the way.

Starting off in the town of Kirklevington, head south down the main road towards Yarm, where the trail begins at a large car park just beyond a roundabout and a Co-op supermarket. From here, follow a path to the right past a housing estate and through an iron gate to join a dismantled railway track. This hugs the left bank of the River Leven as it meanders through farmland and a barley field before reaching a tall wide metal bridge that once carried the local rail line.

Once over this old bridge, continue on to the left along the path with young trees and the estuary to your right. The path soon crosses a barley field to reach a small stream and a wide wooden fence. After crossing the creek, take the narrow path to the right which leads down into a wood and along a high grassy sward to where the River Crake pours its waters into the Leven.

At the end of this short section, you’ll find yourself by the lovely Rusland Pool which rushes into the River Leven. Take the small zinc gate to the left of this to enter a wide, grassy sward beside the Leven which you’ll follow for the rest of the walk to its conclusion at the Causeway Bridge.

This beautiful reserve is a wildlife corridor linking the Bass Strait coastline and Cradle Mountain, and offers a stunning 250 metre deep gorge. Whether you want to step out onto the suspended platforms high above the canyon floor or witness the fury of the river from its rocky banks, this is an unforgettable experience that shouldn’t be missed.

If time and energy allow, we highly recommend completing both the Leven Canyon Lookout and Canyon Floor walks. The latter trail is a little more challenging but also quite exciting. Other highlights in the area include Preston Falls which are best seen after rain and Waratah, a quiet old mining town with heritage walks that explore its rich history. Finally, Gunns Plains Caves are a must-visit if you’re staying in the region and offer several tours a day into these spectacular limestone caverns.

3. The Haverthwaite to Lakeside Walk

The Haverthwaite to Lakeside Walk is a leisurely path that runs alongside the former Furness Railway branch line from Haverthwaite to Lakeside, the southern terminus for Windermere boat trips. This stunning footpath is both pram and wheelchair friendly, offering views of the beautiful river Leven and the quaint village of Newby Bridge.

It is one of the newest paths to be installed in the area, with work starting in 2018 to make this scenic route accessible for everyone. This has included laying down a hard crushed stone surface, planting trees and hedgerows, and adding waymarkers and information signs.

This is the perfect walk for families looking for a fun and easy outing that they can all enjoy. As well as exploring a historic railway, the route offers lots of interesting things to do and see along the way. This includes taking a trip on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, which is a great way to experience a unique journey through the countryside, while also making some unforgettable memories.

The Haverthwaite & Lakeside Railway is a family run heritage railway that opened in 1973. It features traditional 1950s carriages, which are hauled by steam trains, providing a unique and memorable experience for all. The quaint Victorian Station also has a tea room, gift shop, engine shed, woodland playground and walk, and is the ideal place to relax and unwind during your visit to the Lake District.

When you reach the end of the path, take a short stroll into Newby Bridge and explore this quaint village. You can find some lovely cafes and pubs here, as well as a small train station where you can hop on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway to return to the path or head west. This is a great spot to start your day in the Lake District, and there are plenty of nearby attractions like the Lakes Aquarium and the Lakeland Motor Museum.

Alternatively, you can continue north on the West Windermere Way, which connects Newby Bridge to Lakeside Pier and further up towards the sleepy village of Finsthwaite. The route is a mainly off-road trail, which makes it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the busy roads.

4. The Leven Valley Walk

The Leven Canyon is an unforgettable place to visit. A powerful 250 metre deep ravine carved out of the Loongana Range, it is part of a wildlife corridor that stretches all the way from Bass Strait to Cradle Mountain. From its lofty vantage point at Cruickshanks Lookout, it is possible to enjoy magnificent sweeping views. The canyon itself is also accessible via a short walk. The track descends into a fern glade tangled with brightly coloured fungi and mosses, and a forest where you can discover native plants and animals. The roar of the river below is a mighty spectacle, crashing into boulders worn smooth by time and force.

Continuing on from the lookout, you will reach a trail that heads to a footbridge across the gorge. This is an easy enough path to take, although you may find yourself being battered by the ferocious westerly winds that blow here. Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous you can continue on to the Devil’s Elbow trail (part of the Penguin to Cradle Trail) but this requires more of a scramble and is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

It is recommended that you wear a hardhat and gloves when walking this section of the track. The canyon floor is a sandstone rock shelf with a steep drop off the side, and it can be quite slippery when wet.

A short distance past the bridge, you will reach a cliff edge where you can stand and peer over the canyon’s sheer cliff face. The wind is often vicious here, so it’s best to keep an eye on your hat or camera, especially if you are wearing a waterproof jacket.

The main draw for many visitors to Leven Valley is the coastline. The area has several attractive beaches, and there is a long beach promenade with parks and other facilities for families. For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, there are also a number of bicycle trails. Many of the town’s paths are being upgraded as part of the River Park Route project, which aims to connect residential areas and provide better access to existing riverside assets.