By Andy, founder
A drink in the pub is fine. But you live in one of the most beautiful corners of the country, and a first date with something to do takes the pressure off: you're side by side, there's always something to talk about, and it's easy to end early if the spark isn't there. Here are twelve ideas from around the county.
Out in the open
1. Take a steamer on Ullswater
The Ullswater 'Steamers' run between Pooley Bridge, Howtown and Glenridding. Sit out on deck, watch the fells go by, and if it's going well, get off at Howtown and walk part of the way back along the lakeshore path.
2. Stroll round Tarn Hows
Between Coniston and Hawkshead, the path round Tarn Hows is about a mile and a half, mostly level and gorgeous in every season. Easy enough to chat the whole way round.
3. Climb Catbells
Above Derwentwater, Catbells is a small fell with a big view. There's a short scramble near the top, so it's a good early test of whether you can laugh at yourselves. Start from Keswick and finish with a brew in town.
4. Walk round Buttermere
The path around Buttermere is flat, about four and a half miles, and even goes through a short rock tunnel on the eastern shore. Plenty of time to talk, and plenty to look at when you run out of things to say.
5. Walk a stretch of Hadrian's Wall
Around Birdoswald, near Gilsland, some of the best-preserved stretches of the Wall run through Cumbria. Pick a short section and you'll have two thousand years of history to talk about.
6. The clifftops at St Bees Head
The red sandstone cliffs at St Bees are home to seabird colonies and the start of the Coast to Coast walk. You don't have to go all the way to Robin Hood's Bay. A mile or two along the top and back will do.
Culture and a bit of shelter
7. A show at the Theatre by the Lake
Keswick's theatre sits right on the edge of Derwentwater. Book an evening show, walk down to the water in the interval, and you'll have something to talk about all the way home.
8. Tullie House in Carlisle
Carlisle's museum and gallery covers the Romans, the Border Reivers and a lot in between. A good rainy-day option, with a café when you've seen enough.
9. The Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal
A cinema, theatre, bar and café under one roof. Catch a film and then argue gently about it over a drink.
10. Lowther Castle and gardens
Near Penrith, the ruined castle and its gardens are made for a slow wander, and there's a café for a warm-up afterwards.
Keep it simple
11. A pub with a real fire
Every valley has one: a walkers' pub with a fire, a dog asleep in front of it and a quiet corner. A weekday afternoon is ideal for a relaxed first meeting.
12. Sticky toffee pudding in Cartmel
Cartmel is famous for it, and the village, priory and racecourse make a lovely hour's wander. Sharing a pudding is a surprisingly good way to find out if you get on.
A few tips before you go
- Choose somewhere public for the first meeting, and make your own way there.
- Let a friend know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
- Check the weather (the fells have their own), sailing times and opening times before you set off.
- Keep the first date short. If it goes well, you'll have a reason for a second.
For more on meeting safely, read our guide to dating safely. And if you haven't met anyone to take on these dates yet, see who's near you.
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