Bluebell walks in the Lake District

When it comes to turning the ground blue, the magnificent bluebell display on the open fellside (bluebells are usually found in wooded areas) at Rannerdale, near Buttermere takes a bit of beating. So much so that visitors come from all over the world to see the ‘Valley of Bluebells’, with stunning views of Crummock Water as a backdrop to boot.

A sign put up by the National Trust warns visitors not to pick or trample on the historic and delicate blooms (local legend has it that bluebells have flourished here since the 12th century), so stay on the marked paths to avoid damaging them.

This ancient woodland is not only home to Britain’s tallest Grand Fir and Cumbria’s tallest Douglas Fir, but it’s also one of the best places to see carpets of bluebells in spring.

Only a short, easy walk from Ambleside town centre, when you get there, follow the bluebell-flanked path to the viewpoint above Jenkins Crag, which offers stunning full-length views over the lake at Windermere.

If you’re staying in Keswick, you can catch the steamer across Derwentwater to Brandelhow.

Hop off and either take a stroll along the shoreline or head directly into the woods, where you’ll be greeted by thousands of bluebells flanking the mostly flat path in springtime.

The Brandelhow estate was the National Trust’s first-ever purchase in the Lake District back in 1902, and on the lakeshore near the jetty, you can see a lovely 2002 wooden sculpture of cupped hands celebrating their first 100 years of stewardship.

The ground at Barkbooth Lot, a small woodland managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, is a riot of blue during May.

Flanking the paths and hugging the trees, the expanse of delicate blooms is a real treat for the senses.

This lesser-known gem can be found just north of Bowland Bridge in the Lyth Valley near Crosthwaite.

Take a walk from Rothay Park, up the steep track to quickly gain height on the South West side of Loughrigg. Once up, you can easily visit Todd Crag for some stunning views looking down Windermere.

Follow this with a amble past Lily Tarn, then if you’re here in May, head on to Fishgarths Wood for a fine display of the bells of blue! The walk back is a little less scenic but, you can always skirt round through Gallava Roman fort and Borrans Park to Waterhead for a drink or meal by the lakeshore to finish off the day out.

You won’t really need an excuse to visit this lovely spot at any time of the year, but in May, if it’s the beautifully scented bluebells you want to see rather than the rugged peaks of Scafell Pike and the surrounding fells, then follow the low-level path through the woodland at the edge of Wastwater and take in the swathes of blooms that decorate the ground every spring.

Pick up some gingerbread at the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, then head to the woods around White Moss Common between Grasmere and Rydal Water, where you can admire the carpets of bluebells that surround the well-tended paths on this relatively short walk that can be tackled by most people.

A picnic bench at the end makes the perfect spot to stop and munch on your gingerbread.

In the enchanting ancient woodland high above Muncaster Castle, you’ll find swathes of bluebells in bloom in May.

You can reach the bluebell woods by following the tree-lined path up the hill just behind the castle – it’s worth the effort to see bluebell heaven nestling among the beech trees for as far as the eye can see.