If you’re visiting the south-east Lake District near Ullswater, this is a perfect short walk for children that isn’t too hilly but there’s plenty to see and do all the same. This Helton to Whale walk is just 3 miles long and perfect for little legs.
How To Do This Walk
This walk starts in Helton, near Askham and is circular leading to the local hamlet of Whale, a round walk of 3.1 miles which is perfect for small legs.
Where To Start This Walk From Helton To Whale
The little village of Helton is where I spent my childhood holidays. The village isn’t very big and it’s impossible to get lost.
The walk starts near Seckford Cottage. You take the track to the left crossing the main road of Wideworth farm road and onto the signed track. Most of this walk, as it borders the River Lowther and because it rains a lot, can be quite muddy so you’ll need a pair of waterproof boots.
The Solitude Of Walking In The Lakes
The walk is very quiet and the kids and I didn’t meet another soul on it. We were surrounded by nature, mountains, trees, the sound of running water and quite a few sheep.
You will cross three small streams that are not featured on the map, each possibly not existing in the summer months when it is drier.
Can The Kids Count The Bridges?
There are four bridges on the walk although two are little more than a quick foot-step over the passing water.
Walking to the end of the muddy path you take a left, almost veering back on yourself to cross a small wooden bridge, just wide enough for one person to get through. Below you can almost see the larger wooden bridge to the right of the photo. It is a little smudged by a rain drop. You have to allow for rain drops in Cumbria!
Walking Parallel to the River Lowther
Keeping the River Lowther on your right-hand side, you pass through incredibly muddy fields (in the winter) with sheep and horses. The horses were quite friendly and allowed us to pet them but sadly the sheep were more inclined to run away.
The river was high and already showing signs of encroaching over the banks. The area is prone to flooding but for now, it kept a respectful distance. I loved the contrasting colours with the greens of the grass and the reds of the berries.
Cross The One-Sided Bridge
Eventually, you will cross a stretch of water so small it isn’t featured on the map above (although it does appear on Google’s maps). This little one-sided bridge leads to the road and the Lowther Bridge which you will cross. Have no fear of falling off or in as the water is only about 30cm deep at the most and this was full.
This bridge marks the halfway point of the walk.
Play Pooh Sticks On The Lowther Bridge
The Lowther Bridge is a large, stone-built bridge that became famous for the horse fell trials that used to take place in the summer. Although the Lowther Horse Trials still continue, I am unsure if they still use the fells up-above Helton or drive the horses and their traps through the river here.
In the summer the river runs much lower and at times has run dry. The horses and traps run from the road down and through the river bed.
Take The Trail Towards The Woods
After the bridge, take a left and walk up towards the woods. They were a fantastic autumnal colour when we visited and very mesmerising.
From here you will get a great view of Helton with the mountains in the background.
Head Over Towards Whale
Heading right towards the hamlet of Whale will take on a wide path that circumnavigates both the woods and the fields. I am presuming that these are crop fields as they were full of large Canadian Geese which decided to fly away as we approached. The noise their wings made was eery!
After crossing the fields and a steep stone stile in the corner, you will approach the hamlet of Whale which comprises of approximately ten houses.
Entering The Hamlet Of Whale
It looks as if you’ll enter somebody’s garden but luckily you bypass this and walk down a lane into the hamlet. You will need to turn right through the Hamlet on the concrete road, meeting the main road and crossing into a field to meet the river again.
Leaving Whale
Meeting Whale Beck (which runs into the River Lowther) on your left-hand side you will walk towards the large wooden bridge you saw to the right, as you first started the walk.
The beck here was very high and in danger of spilling onto the path. Of course in the summer months, it is much lower.
Over The Big Pedestrian Bridge
The large wooden bridge leads you back to the field in which you started and signifies almost the end of the walk.
We stopped here for a while to take in the gushing river and the beauty of the snow-capped mountains which contrast so vibrantly with the orange leaves in the trees.
Return To The Little Stream
Walking back up that little muddy, single-lane path you will meet the stream and then the main road of Wideworth Farm Road. Now you’re back in Helton and hopefully feeling refreshed after such a glorious walk.
We found this short walk of 3 miles very therapeutic and calming; the sound of the water, the crispness of the air, the raindrops (on my camera) and the utter calmness of the day left us feeling refreshed. I hope you enjoy it too.
Where Could You Stay In The Lakes?
We booked a cottage through Sykes Cottages (Click the link to see) but you can use this interactive map to search for other accommodation.
Here’s A Selection Of Other Things You Can Do In The Lake District
