The Lake District National Park, with its breathtaking mountains, serene lakes, and picturesque valleys, is a paradise for walkers and hikers of all abilities. Encompassing 912 square miles of diverse landscape in northwest England, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a wealth of walking routes that showcase its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the finest walking routes the Lake District has to offer, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain expeditions. Whether you're planning your first visit to the region or looking to discover new paths in familiar territory, our selection covers a range of difficulties, lengths, and landscapes to help you find your perfect Lake District adventure.
Easy Walks: Perfect for Beginners and Families
1. Tarn Hows Circular
Distance: 1.8 miles (3 km)
Time: 1 hour
Starting Point: Tarn Hows Car Park
Tarn Hows is one of the Lake District's most popular beauty spots, and for good reason. This man-made tarn surrounded by woodland offers exceptional views and a well-maintained, level path that makes it accessible to almost everyone. The circular route takes you around the tarn, with several benches along the way where you can pause to absorb the tranquil atmosphere.
This walk is particularly spectacular in autumn when the surrounding trees display a rich tapestry of red, orange, and gold. The National Trust has made significant efforts to ensure accessibility, with a hard-surfaced path suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs for most of the route.
2. Derwentwater Lakeshore Path
Distance: 10 miles (16 km) full circuit, but easily shortened
Time: 3-4 hours for the full circuit
Starting Point: Keswick
The path around Derwentwater offers one of the most scenic low-level walks in the Lake District. The route follows the shoreline, providing ever-changing views across the water to the surrounding fells. The mostly flat terrain makes this an easy walk, despite its length.
A unique aspect of this route is its flexibility—the Derwentwater Launch operates a regular boat service that stops at various points around the lake, allowing you to walk a section and then catch the boat back. This makes it perfect for families or those who want to adjust the length of their walk. The western shore is particularly peaceful, with ancient woodland and several secluded beaches ideal for a picnic stop.
3. Aira Force
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Time: 1 hour
Starting Point: Aira Force Car Park
This enchanting walk takes you through ancient woodland to one of the Lake District's most impressive waterfalls. Aira Force drops 65 feet from below a stone footbridge, creating a spectacular sight and sound, especially after heavy rainfall.
The National Trust has created a network of well-maintained paths through the wooded valley, with several beautiful stone bridges crossing the beck at different points. Though the main path to the waterfall involves some steps and inclines, they are well-constructed with handrails. The area is rich in wildlife and plant life, with red squirrels often spotted among the trees.
Moderate Walks: For Those Seeking a Challenge
4. Catbells
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Time: 3-4 hours
Starting Point: Hawes End Landing Stage or roadside parking
Described by Alfred Wainwright as "one of the great favourites," Catbells offers the perfect introduction to fell walking for those looking to move beyond valley-level paths. This distinctive, rounded hill stands at 1,480 feet (451 meters) and provides panoramic views over Derwentwater, Keswick, and the northern fells.
The ascent involves some rocky sections that require hands-on scrambling, particularly near the summit, but the path is generally well-defined. The relatively short distance makes this achievable for reasonably fit walkers, including families with older children. The reward for your efforts is a stunning 360-degree view that many consider unbeatable for a hill of this modest height.
5. Helm Crag (The Lion and the Lamb)
Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Time: 3 hours
Starting Point: Grasmere village
Helm Crag earned its nickname "The Lion and the Lamb" from the distinctive rock formations at its summit that resemble these animals when viewed from certain angles. This walk begins in the charming village of Grasmere, beloved by William Wordsworth, and climbs steadily to the summit at 1,299 feet (396 meters).
The path is well-established with some steeper sections but no technical difficulties. From the top, you'll enjoy superb views of Grasmere lake, the Langdale Pikes, and on clear days, all the way to Windermere. Wainwright himself never reached the actual summit rocks, describing them as "a problem for gymnasts, not for walkers," but the main viewpoint is easily accessible.
6. Loughrigg Fell Circuit
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Time: 4 hours
Starting Point: Ambleside or Skelwith Bridge
Loughrigg Fell may be modest in height at 1,099 feet (335 meters), but what it lacks in stature it makes up for in character and views. This circuit takes you around and over the fell, providing constantly changing vistas of Windermere, Grasmere, Rydal Water, and the surrounding higher mountains.
The route includes the beautiful Loughrigg Terrace, a balcony path offering spectacular views over Grasmere, and Rydal Cave, a man-made cavern that was once a slate quarry. The numerous interconnecting paths across the fell mean you can easily extend or shorten the walk as desired, making this an adaptable choice for varied conditions or energy levels.
Challenging Routes: For Experienced Hikers
7. Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
Time: 5-7 hours
Starting Point: Wasdale Head National Trust Car Park
No guide to Lake District walks would be complete without including England's highest mountain. At 3,209 feet (978 meters), Scafell Pike offers the ultimate Lake District challenge and achievement. The shortest and most direct route starts from Wasdale Head, but don't be fooled by the relatively short distance—this is a serious mountain hike requiring good fitness and proper preparation.
The initial path follows Lingmell Gill before steepening considerably as you climb to Lingmell Col. From here, the final ascent to the summit involves navigating boulder fields. On a clear day, the views from the top are truly spectacular, extending as far as Wales, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. However, the summit plateau can be confusing in poor visibility, so navigation skills and proper equipment are essential.
8. Striding Edge to Helvellyn
Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Time: 6-7 hours
Starting Point: Glenridding
Helvellyn, England's third-highest mountain at 3,117 feet (950 meters), is famous for its dramatic approach via Striding Edge—a narrow, exposed ridge that provides one of the most thrilling walking experiences in the Lake District. This is a serious undertaking that should only be attempted in good weather by experienced hikers comfortable with exposure and basic scrambling.
The route from Glenridding ascends gradually to Red Tarn before tackling the knife-edge ridge of Striding Edge. The ridge requires careful hand and foot placement in places, with significant drops on either side. After reaching Helvellyn's summit plateau, many walkers complete a horseshoe route by descending via Swirral Edge, another ridge that, while less intimidating than Striding Edge, still demands respect.
9. The Fairfield Horseshoe
Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Time: 6-8 hours
Starting Point: Ambleside
This classic ridge walk takes in eight Wainwright fells in a horseshoe-shaped route around the valley of Rydal Beck. Starting and finishing in Ambleside, the route climbs steadily to Low Pike, continuing along the ridge to High Pike, Dove Crag, Hart Crag, and Fairfield (the highest point at 2,864 feet/873 meters) before returning via Great Rigg, Heron Pike, and Nab Scar.
The Fairfield Horseshoe offers sustained high-level walking with magnificent views throughout, particularly from the summit of Fairfield itself, where you can see many of the Lake District's highest peaks. The ridge is relatively straightforward in good conditions, but the Fairfield plateau can be tricky to navigate in mist or snow. This is a long day out requiring good stamina and mountain sense.
Essential Walking Tips
Planning and Preparation
- Check the Weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Always check the forecast before setting out, particularly for high-level walks.
- Proper Equipment: Wear sturdy footwear and bring waterproofs regardless of the forecast. For higher walks, carry extra layers, hat, gloves, map, compass, headtorch, and emergency food.
- Navigation: Don't rely solely on smartphone apps. Carry a physical map (OS Explorer OL4, OL5, OL6, and OL7 cover the Lake District) and compass, and know how to use them.
- Timing: Start early to maximize daylight hours, especially in winter. Always allow more time than you think you'll need.
During Your Walk
- Leave No Trace: Respect the environment by taking all litter home and sticking to established paths to prevent erosion.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry sufficient water, especially on warmer days. Many streams in the Lake District are safe for refilling water bottles, but consider using water purification tablets.
- Wildlife and Livestock: Keep dogs under close control around sheep and during ground-nesting bird season (usually March to July). Close all gates behind you.
- Emergency Procedures: If you need mountain rescue, dial 999 or 112 and ask for 'Police' then 'Mountain Rescue'. Try to provide precise location details.
The Best Time to Visit
The Lake District has something to offer walkers year-round, but each season brings its own character to the landscape:
- Spring (April-May): Offers refreshing walking conditions with blossoming wildflowers, lambs in the fields, and fewer visitors than summer.
- Summer (June-August): Provides the longest daylight hours and generally warmer temperatures, but popular routes can be busy. Early mornings or evenings offer more solitude.
- Autumn (September-November): Many walkers' favorite season, with stunning fall colors, atmospheric mists, and reduced crowds. The heather on the fells creates a purple carpet in early autumn.
- Winter (December-March): The most challenging time but potentially the most rewarding. Snow-capped fells offer a magical alpine atmosphere, but shorter days and potentially hazardous conditions require additional skills and equipment.
Accommodation and Transport
The Lake District's popularity means it offers a wide range of accommodation options, from campsites and hostels to luxury hotels. Book well in advance for peak periods, especially summer weekends and bank holidays.
While having a car provides the most flexibility for reaching walking trailheads, the Lake District has a reasonable public transport network. The Lakes by Bus service connects major towns and villages, and the Windermere train station links to the national rail network. Several seasonal open-top bus services provide scenic transfers between popular walking areas.
Conclusion
The Lake District's diverse landscape offers walking opportunities for everyone, from gentle ambles beside reflective lakes to challenging scrambles across exposed ridges. The routes we've highlighted merely scratch the surface of what's available in this magnificent national park.
One of the joys of the Lake District is discovering your own favorite paths and viewpoints. With each visit, you might explore a different valley, climb a new fell, or see familiar landscapes transformed by changing seasons and weather.
At SulphAccov, we can arrange guided walking experiences tailored to your interests and abilities, complete with accommodation, transport, and equipment rental if needed. Our local experts can help you discover both the iconic routes and hidden gems of this extraordinary landscape.
The fells and lakes have inspired poets, artists, and adventurers for centuries. Now it's your turn to lace up your boots and discover why the Lake District is considered one of the world's most beautiful walking destinations.