Great tourist attractions you can reach from the Three Shires Inn on foot or by bike

Anyone who reads this blog will be very familiar with how many outdoor activities - hiking, cycling, climbing, ghyll scrambling and much more - can be enjoyed from the door of the Three Shires Inn.

However, the inn’s location at the heart of the Lakes also makes it the perfect base to set out and explore some of the area’s best tourist attractions either by foot or on your bike.

Here is our list of great places to go. There really is something very satisfying about having a great day out without using your car!

Coniston

Head south from the Three Shires Inn via packhorse tracks and footpaths and you will reach the village of Coniston; one of the real jewels of the Lake District. The picturesque village sits on the shore of Coniston Water and is overlooked by the famous peak of Coniston Old Man.

Highlights to explore include the Ruskin Museum, which tells the story of the village’s history, including its mining heritage and the fascinating story of Donald Campbell, who died breaking the 300mph speed barrier on Coniston Water in Bluebird K7 in 1967. Another great trip is to take a National Trust steam yacht gondola across the lake to Brantwood, the beautiful former home of writer, artist and social reformer John Ruskin.

Hawkshead

Another favourite location for visitors, Hawkshead, is a longish walk or pleasant bike ride south east from Little Langdale. The village is home to the Beatrix Potter Gallery, displaying original artwork by the famous writer and illustrator in a 17th century farmhouse and also an easy walk away from her farmhouse at Hill Top. For those seeking more adrenaline-fuelled fun, Go Ape at nearby Grizedale Forest offers the chance to test your head for heights in the woodland canopy.

Ambleside

There are many different routes to bike or walk from the Three Shires Inn to Ambleside, taking in woods, fells, rivers and tarns depending on your choice. The town itself is full of things to do, from taking a ride on a steamer across the lake to visiting the quirky Bridge House built over Stock Beck, probably the Lake District’s most photographed building!

Grasmere

One of our favourite walks is to head over the flanks of Silver How to drop down into picture perfect Grasmere. Surrounded by spectacular fell tops on all sides and sitting by the lake of the same name, the village is packed full of things to do. One of the main attractions is the newly revamped Wordsworth: Grasmere experience, which incorporates Dove Cottage, where the famous poet William Wordsworth lived with his family. To keep your creative juices flowing, drop into the Heaton Cooper Studio to enjoy an array of work by local artists inspired by the beauty of the Lake District.

Eskdale

A challenging bike ride over Wrynose and Hardknott passes is a serious day out in itself. However, those who are willing to take on the challenge are rewarded with dropping into the gorgeous Eskdale. This sublime valley has a pleasantly remote feel compared to some of the busier areas of the Lakes and is home to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, known affectionately as The La’al Ratty, which heads into the valley from the coast. The pretty village of Boot is also home to Eskdale Mill, where you can see the water-powered milling machinery at work!