Lorton Valley

The Lorton Vale is a picturesque and tranquil wide valley that runs from the market town of Cockermouth in the North to Crummock Water and Buttermere in the South. It is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and unwind amidst beautiful scenery.

Four miles from Cockermouth and eight miles from Keswick is the village of Lorton. The village is split into High Lorton, home to the village shop and church, and Low Lorton, where you will find the local pub. High Lorton and Low Lorton were separated in 1158 when High Lorton was given to the priory Church of Carlisle. The dividing line of Church Lane still exists today.

The Lorton Vale, one of Lakeland's most peaceful valleys has no shortage of activities. Visiting players are welcome to play on the tennis courts in the village. With 5 lakes within 6 miles there are opportunities for sailing, canoeing, fishing and lakeside walks. The Lorton Valley is an excellent location from which to explore the peace and tranquility of Crummock Water, Buttermere and Loweswater.

There are footpaths around both Buttermere and Crummock Water. The walk around Buttermere only takes about 2 to 3 hours set amongst some of the finest scenery in the Lake District. There are picturesque low level walks beside the river Cocker, which runs the full length of the valley. The old Mosser Road over the fell to Loweswater is a good low level walk. Low Fell is a lovely easy walk for great views without a huge amount of effort. The Red Pike to High Stile Ridge is close by for those wishing to tackle something more challenging. Walks from the Honister Pass include the summit of Great Gable. Other nearby fell walks include Melbreak, Grasmoor and Whiteside. The nearby Newlands Valley also provides a wide variety of walking routes including low level valley walks, ridge walks and fell walks such as Causey Pike, Barrow, Robinson, Hindscarth, Catbells, Maiden Moor and Dale Head. For walking routes click here.

Lorton is on the 77/77A Honister Rambler bus route, a spectacular circular route between Keswick and Buttermere via the Whinlatter Pass and Honister Pass. For bus timetables click here.

Lorton lies midway down the Lorton Valley, at the foot of the Whinlatter Pass which goes over to the village of Braithwaite. The Pass takes you up into Whinlatter Forest, Englands's only mountain forest with an excellent choice of trails for both walking and mountain biking. Depending on the time of year live pictures can be seen at the Whinlatter Visitor Centre of the world famous Bassenthwaite ospreys or the red squirrels when the Ospreys have migrated to more sunnier climes.