15 Best Walks In The Lake District (+ Maps)

The craggy peaks, sheep-strewn valleys, dry stone walls, and glistening lakes of the Cumbrian Fells are best seen on foot. These are our 15 favourite walks in the Lake District. Ranging from easy to challenging, there is a hike for everyone.

The Lake District is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking corners of the UK—and there’s no better way to experience its beauty than by lacing up your boots and heading out on foot.

With hundreds of trails crisscrossing the landscape, the challenge is knowing which walks to choose.

Legendary Lakeland writer Alfred Wainwright famously mapped out routes up 214 of the different mountains. Fortunately for you, our list isn’t quite that long.

We have chosen our 15 favourite walks in the Lake District covering the best the Natoinal Park has to offer.

We have split the walks into easy, medium, and challenging. Each walk has a detailed Google or OS Map to help you plan your route.

So, whether you’re after a gentle amble or a full-day hike, there’s something for everyone.

LOCATION OF BEST HIKES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

MAPS & INSTRUCTIONS

Each walk has a brief description and comes with a choice of two maps: a Google Map and an Ordnance Survey (OS) Map.

The Google Map is better for highlighting where to park and showing different route options, but we have also pinned nearby pubs and any good wild swimming spots.

The OS Map is better for the hike itself. It shows a detailed map of the trail, the contours of the countryside, and an accurate view of ascent and descent. It can also be downloaded onto your phone, so there is no risk of losing the map if you lose reception.

If you regularly hike in the UK, we highly recommend the annual Ordnance Survey subscription. It costs £35 a year and gives you access to all 607 OS Maps covering the entire country.

Remember, if you are using a map on your phone, always carry a power pack in case the battery runs out.

EASY WALKS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Our easy hikes are all under 5 miles, can be completed in 2 hours 30 minutes or less, and have no more than 600 feet of ascent and descent.

1. LATRIGG

There are few Lake District circular walks as effortless yet rewarding as this short hike to the summit of Latrigg.

Starting from the car park at Underskiddaw, it’s an easy 20-minute stroll up a grassy slope to the top—making it ideal for beginners, families, or anyone short on time.

Despite the brief ascent, you’ll want to linger at the summit because the panoramic views are hard to walk away from.

Skiddaw’s rounded peaks rise to the north, Blencathra’s dramatic ridgelines stretch eastward toward the Pennines, and to the south, Keswick nestles beside the shimmering waters of Derwentwater.

As a short walk, it’s easy to be at the top at dawn or dusk for superb Lake District views.

Our guide to Keswick has more great things to do in the area.

LATRIGG WALK DETAILS

Difficulty – Easy | Distance – 1.25 miles | Time – 40 minutes | Elevation – +/- 260 feet | Start – Underskiddaw Car Park | Map – Google Map | OS Map

2. TARN HOWS

The Tarn Hows circular walk takes just one hour to complete, but it’s easily one of the best family-friendly days out in the Lake District.

The route is flat, scenic, and easy to follow, making it suitable for pushchairs or little legs.

Grassy slopes on the bank provide plenty of space for a rest on the short walk, and the views up to the rugged Langdale Pikes in the distance are excellent.

The National Trust runs the parking at the Tarn Hows. They also sell basic food supplies and can provide a handy area map. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and toilet facilities are available.

This is a great walk for families, but it can get very busy in peak season.

TARN HOWS WALK DETAILS

Difficulty – Easy | Distance – 1.7 miles | Time – 1 hour I Elevation – +/- 205 feet | Start – National Trust Tarn Hows Car Park | Map – National Trust map | OS Map

3. BUTTERMERE

My favourite of the easy walks in the Lake District is this sensational loop around Buttermere.

Starting in Buttermere, this two-hour circular walk passes through some of the region’s finest scenery. Along the way, you pass deep-cut ravines, craggy mountains, ancient woods, gorse-lined roads and pristine mountain reflections.

A stand of trees at the southeastern end of the lake resting under the craggy buttresses of Haystacks – Wainwright’s favourite mountain – is an iconic image of the lakes.

End with coffee and a cake from the Croft House Farm Café, or try the homemade ice cream from Sykes Farm.

BUTTERMERE CIRCULAR WALK DETAILS

Difficulty – Easy | Distance – 4.9 miles | Time – 2 hours, 20 minutes | Elevation – +/- 510 feet | Start – National Trust Car Park in Buttermere | Map – Google Map | OS Map

4. RYDAL WATER

The circular hike around Rydal Water has a bit more ascent than the first three hikes, but it’s still an easy and rewarding walk.

It could be completed in just over 90 minutes, but there’s a lot to see on the way, so it’s worth allowing some more time.

Visit Rydal Mount, the final home of William Wordsworth. Step into the dramatic Rydal Cave, a vast hollow carved into the rock. Or cool off with a dip in Rydal Water, one of our top swimming spots in the Lake District.

Midway, stop for high tea in the manicured gardens of Rydal Hall, or keep things casual at the welcoming Badger Bar.

This is a great walk, even if you don’t stop at any of these things. The trail ambles through peaceful woodland and bluebell-filled slopes with excellent views of the lake and Loughrigg Fell behind it.

RYDAL WATER WALK DETAILS

Difficulty – Easy | Distance – 3.1 miles | Time – 1 hour, 40 minutes | Elevation – +/- 690 feet | Start – White Moss Car Park | Map – Google Map | OS Map

5. CASTLE CRAG

This relatively easy circular walk is a little tougher than the first four but encapsulates everything the Lake District National Park offers.

The trail starts in the village of Rosthwaite before heading downstream along the River Derwent. A packhorse bridge carries you to the other side and into a lovely forest. Here, moss-draped stone walls and glowing green rocks create a fairytale atmosphere.

There are caves to explore and mounds of slate to negotiate before the path drops back to the river, providing an opportunity to paddle or picnic next to the river.

From here, the path gently ascends around Castle Crag, rising for about 20 minutes before revealing panoramic views over Borrowdale and some of the Lake District’s mightiest mountains.

CASTLE CRAG WALK DETAILS

Difficulty – Easy | Distance – 3.3 miles | Time – 1 hour, 40 minutes | Elevation – +/- 590 feet | Start – Rosthwaite Car Park | Map – Google Walk | OS Map

MEDIUM WALKS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Our medium walks are either longer in distance or require more ascent and descent, making them slightly more physically demanding.

They are 2.5 to 7.5 miles long, range from 90 minutes to 4 hours, and involve between 1,000 and 1,500 feet of ascent and descent. Each require a reasonable fitness level.

6. RANNERDALE KNOTTS

Some mountains in the Lake District are not that high but still provide magnificent views. The Rannerdale Knotts circular walk is one of them.

The trail begins in Buttermere and heads up a steep climb on a grassy slope. It might look a little challenging at the start, but after about 30 minutes of hard work, you will have reached the top of the ridge.

From here, a great stroll along the ridgetop has sweeping views of Crummock Water and Buttermere.

There are a few rocky crests to scramble over—nothing too technical—and after another 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at the summit. You might even glimpse Scotland shimmering in the distance on a clear day.

Carefully pick your route off the summit before descending along another grassy slope to the edge of Crummock Water.

If you are feeling brave, take a dip at Crummock’s southern beach; otherwise, follow the path through the forest back to the parking lot.

RANNERDALE KNOTTS WALK DETAILS

Difficulty – Medium | Distance – 2.75 miles | Time – 1 hour, 45 minutes | Elevation – +/- 980 feet | Start – National Trust Car Park in Buttermere | Map – Google Map | OS Map

7. CATBELLS

Catbells may not be one of the Lake District’s highest peaks, but it towers impressively over Derwentwater and offers some of the best 360-degree views in the region. It’s no surprise it’s one of the most popular walks near Keswick.

The trail to the summit is short, but it’s a steep climb. Rising in two stages, it zigzags up along the mountain’s crest.

You may need your hands in a couple of places, but nothing is too difficult, and you are rewarded with stunning views all the way.

The circular route descends via a gently sloping path, looping back to the start.

Catbells can be completed in less than 2 hours and is a great one to save for sunset.

Getting To The Trailhead

Parking can be tricky at Catbells. There are a few spaces in the small Gutherscale car park and more on the road leading to it. You can also park at Hawse End, though it’s slightly farther from the start of the trail.

If you’re staying in Keswick, the best option is to take the ferry to the Hawse End Jetty and begin walking from there. It adds around 20 minutes to the hike but saves the hassle of finding a parking spot.

CATBELLS ROUTE DETAILS

Difficulty – Medium | Distance – 2.9 miles | Time – 1 hour, 50 minutes | Elevation – +/- 1085 feet | Start – Gutherscale Car Park | Map – Google Map | OS Map

8. HELM CRAG

Helm Crag is an odd-shaped mountain with a finger of rock reaching upwards from the summit. While scaling the finger might be a step too far for most (including us), the rest of the hike is more than worth it.

Three things make this walk one of our favourite activities in the Lake District.

Firstly, it starts in Grasmere, a pretty village and one of our favourite places to stay in the Lake District.

Secondly, the path to the summit (although not long) feels like the trail to Mordor. A rock-and-stone track winds through narrow cracks and around rocky towers.

Thirdly, the views from the summit are spectacular, with a panoramic vista over Grasmere and the surrounding landscape.

Allow just under 3 hours to get to the summit and back. End the walk at The Good Sport pub in Grasmere. It brews its own ale, and it would be wrong not to support their efforts.

HELM CRAG ROUTE DETAILS

Difficulty – Medium | Distance – 4.4 miles | Time – 2 hours, 45 minutes | Elevation – +/- 1,100 feet | Start – Grasmere Car Park | Map – Google Map | OS Map

9. LOUGHRIGG FELL

Loughrigg is a little lump of a mountain, but it packs a punch.

It sits at the centre of several attractive valleys in the Lake District, and although only a little more than 1,000 feet high (335 metres), it has surprisingly wide-ranging views.

Lakes and tarns stretch off in all directions, pretty villages sit under its flanks, and higher mountains form an amphitheatre around it.

But what really makes this walk stand out are the slopes of Loughrigg itself. Picture rolling hills dotted with sheep, heather-clad mounds split by dry stone walls, and well-trodden paths leading to wooden stiles and the shimmering waters of nearby lakes.

This is my personal favorite among the medium-difficulty hikes in the Lake District.

While there are several routes to explore, I recommend the one that passes by Rydal Water and through Rydal Caves. This route takes around 2.5 hours.

Finish the day with a wild swim in Grasmere.

LOUGHRIGG FELL WALK DETAILS

Difficulty – Medium | Distance – 4.85 miles | Time – 2 hours, 45 minutes | Elevation – +/- 1,270 feet | Start – Pelter Bridge Car Park | Map – Google Map | OS Map

10. HOWTOWN TO GLENRIDDING WALK

To begin this scenic walk, catch the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding and enjoy a 40-minute cruise across the lake to Howtown.

From Howtown, the trail follows the shoreline back to Glenridding.

Winding along the eastern edge of Ullswater, the rocky path undulates through forested sections and open slopes. On sunny days, you’ll pass through patches of dappled light with plenty of spots to pause for a break.

After reaching the end of the lake, head across to Patterdale. Unfortunately, the last 10 minutes require walking along the road back to Glenridding, but it’s a minor compromise for such a rewarding walk.

If you have the energy, there is a short but steep detour up Hallin Fell—a lower Wainwright with spectacular views over Ullswater and the Martindale Valley. This adds about an hour, but it’s a memorable addition to an already stunning route.

It takes about 3 hours to walk back without heading up Hallin Fell, or four if you go via the summit. It’s simply one of the best things to do in the Lake District.

HOWTOWN TO GLENRIDDING WALK DETAILS

Difficulty – Medium | Distance – 7.5 miles | Time – 4 hours | Elevation – +/- 1,525 including Hallin Fell | Start – Ullswater Steamers in Glenridding | Map – Google Map | OS Map

CHALLENGING WALKS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Our five challenging hikes tackle some of the highest mountains in the Lake District National Park. They are long and tiring, with considerable ascent and descent. Each one will require you to use your hands periodically, and a couple involve high, narrow ridges.

If we were to choose just one, it would be Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route, with Helvellyn giving it a close run for its money.

11. BLENCATHRA

Blencathra sits all alone in the northeast of the Lakes. At first impression, it appears little more than a large hill. But, looks can be deceiving, and ascending this unobtrusive mountain is one of the most exhilarating walks in the country.

What makes it special is the range of ascent options, offering everything from gentle gradients to thrilling scrambles.

• Scales Fell: A steady, scenic climb with sweeping views of the North Pennines and Helvellyn. A great option for a more relaxed ascent.
• Halls Fell Ridge: A more adventurous route via a rocky ridgeline that’s ideal if you are new to scrambling. The ridge is fairly wide – typically a couple of metres – and while you may need your hands occasionally, it’s never too sheer.
• Sharp Edge: A serious undertaking. This is the most technical Grade 1 scramble in the Lake District and should only be attempted if you are comfortable with heights, exposed paths and using your hands.

The route we have chosen below climbs to the summit of Blencathra via Sharp Edge, making a there-and-back along the ridge to Blease Fell before descending down Halls Fell Ridge.

All the details are in our Blencathra guide.

BLENCATHRA ROUTE DETAILS

Difficulty – Challenging | Distance – 7.5 miles | Time – 5 hours | Elevation – +/- 3,000 feet | Start – Scales Farm Car Park | Map – Google Map | OS Map

12. LANGDALE PIKES

The Langdale Pikes are a dramatic collection of five peaks whose rugged summits rise steeply from the Great Langdale Valley.

The views from each of them are excellent, especially towards Bowfell and the mighty crags of the Scafell Range.

From the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, it’s a steep hike up a well-trodden path to Stickle Tarn, a high lake under the craggy façade of Pavey Ark, the largest and most imposing cliff in the Lake District.

The path winds east, skirting the cliff edge before reaching the summit. From there, it crosses a surprisingly flat plateau to tick off the other four peaks before returning to the valley.

End the day with a drink at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and a hearty meal at Lanty Slees in the Sticklebarn.

For a more adventurous ascent of Pavey Ark, you could try Jack’s Rake — a Grade 1 scramble that climbs a diagonal groove in the cliff face. Read our guide to the best Grade 1 scrambles in the Lake District if that sounds like your thing.

LANGDALE PIKES WALK DETAILS

Difficulty – Challenging | Distance – 5.4 miles | Time – 4 hours | Elevation – +/- 2,980 feet | Start – New Dungeon Ghyll Car Park | Map – Google Map | OS Map

13. HAYSTACKS AND FLEETWITH PIKE

This delightful walk to Haystacks (Wainwright’s favourite mountain in the Lake District) and Fleetwith Pike not only includes excellent views of the Buttermere loop but also collects two fantastic summits.

Haystacks is all nobbles and bumps. Little tarns dot the summit, and paths disappear into tiny canyons. In September, the heather glows purple in the late afternoon sun.

The views from both peaks look up to Great Gable and Pillar, and down to the gorgeous Buttermere.

The route back follows Fleetwith Pike Ridge. It’s steep in places, but the almost 360-degree vistas make it worthwhile.

There’s nothing technical or difficult here — just a long (5 hours 15 minutes) but fantastic walk through beautiful scenery.

To shorten the route, skip the Buttermere loop and start from the Gatesgarth car park (3 hours 30 minutes).

If you also want to skip the Fleetwith Pike summit, head up Haystacks and return via Warnscale (3 hours). See the different route options on the Google Maps link below.

HAYSTACKS & FLEETWITH PIKE WALK DETAILS

Difficulty – Challenging | Distance – 8.8 miles | Time – 5 hours, 15 minutes | Elevation – +/- 2,800 feet | Start – Buttermere Car Park | Map – Google Map | OS Map

14. HELVELLYN VIA STRIDING EDGE & SWIRRAL EDGE

This magnificent walk ascends Helvellyn, the third-highest peak in the Lake District, via two of the most exhilarating ridges in the area.

Striding Edge is a thrilling, narrow, and exposed ridge walk. You’ll need a head for heights and some confidence to tackle ‘the Chimney’, a short but awkward downclimb near the end.

That said, it’s one of the more accessible Grade 1 scrambles in the Lake District — making it a great introduction to more technical routes.

The return is via Swirral Edge, a steep, rocky descent that’s less exposed than Striding Edge but still requires care and good footwear.

From the high ridges, views stretch in every direction, with Ullswater shimmering below and the rolling fells laid out around you.

It’s a challenging route, best tackled in good weather. Read our Helvellyn via Striding Edge for detailed route info, safety tips, and alternative options.

HELVELLYN ROUTE DETAILS

Difficulty – Challenging | Distance – 8.2 miles | Time – 5 hours, 15 minutes | Elevation – +/- 2,900 feet | Start – Glenridding Car Park | Map – Google Map | OS Map

15. SCAFELL PIKE VIA CORRIDOR ROUTE

It’s always a thrill to climb the highest mountain in any region — and Scafell Pike, the tallest peak in England, is no exception.

There are 5 excellent routes up Scafell Pike, the most popular being the direct ascent from Wasdale Head.

However, a much more enjoyable ascent is the Corridor Route from Seathwaite.

This trail traverses beneath the dramatic flanks of Great End, crossing mountain streams, weaving around rocky knolls, and skirting the top of craggy ghylls (ravines).

Throughout the climb (weather permitting), you’re treated to sweeping views of Great Gable, Lingmell Fell, and the jagged faces of the Scafells.

The summit panorama is one of the finest in the Lake District, and the return via Ruddy Gill and Grains Gill makes for a great circular walk.

We’ve outlined all the details in our dedicated Scafell Pike Corridor Route post.

To cap it off, head to the Langstrath Country Inn in Stonethwaite — a charming, traditional Lake District pub just a few minutes’ drive from Seathwaite Farm. It’s one of our favourite spots for a well-earned post-hike pint.

SCAFELL PIKE ROUTE DETAILS

Difficulty – Challenging | Distance – 9.5 miles | Time – 6 hours | Elevation – +/- 3,520 feet | Start – Seathwaite Farm in Borrowdale | Map – Google Map | OS Map

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR HIKING IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Paul and I regularly go hiking in the Lake District. Here is some additional information that might help you prepare for your hike.

SAFETY TIPS

01. Many areas where these walks start have poor mobile reception. Make sure you download or take a photo of the map before you set off.

02. There are generally no facilities on these routes. Take enough food and water with you.

03. Be prepared for any weather. Make sure you have a waterproof jacket and warm clothes.

04. Boots or shoes with a good grip are advisable for most easy and medium walks but vital for challenging ones.

LAKE DISTRICT FORECASTS

The weather can change quickly in the mountains, and the temperature at the summits is much cooler than at the base.

We use Mountain Forecast, which allows you to toggle between the base forest and the summit forecast.

You’ll see that the temperature could be 6-8 degrees cooler at the top.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE LAKES

The Lake District is a large area, and in some cases, it takes over an hour to drive between these walks. So, deciding which walks you want to take is important, as is picking somewhere nearby to stay.

You can find all our recommendations, split by area, in our Where to Stay in the Lake District guide.

GETTING AROUND WITHOUT A CAR

While getting to the trailheads is easiest by car, many of these walks can be accessed by public transport, depending on where you are staying.

Keswick

Keswick makes an excellent base for walking in the Lake District. You can reach the starting points for each of the following hikes by bus from Keswick:

• Buttermere (#3)
• Castle Crag (#5)
• Rannerdale Knotts (#6)
• Catbells (#7)
• Haystacks (#13)
• Scafell Pike (#15)

Ambleside

Ambleside is another helpful hub. The following hikes either leave from town or via a short bus ride:

• Helm Crag (#8)
• Loughrigg (#9)
• Langdale Pikes (#12)

Glenridding

Glenridding is a good place to stay if you only have a weekend. One day, hike up Helvellyn (#14), and the next day, take the Ullswater steamer to Howtown and walk back to Glenridding (#10).

We have a detailed guide about visiting the Lake District without a car, which has tips on where to stay, what you can do from each base and the best bus routes to use.

MORE LAKE DISTRICT GUIDES

• Find your perfect area with our guide to the best places to stay in the Lake District.
• Use our detailed guide to see the Lake District without a car.
• Tackle one of our favourite hikes in the Lake District.
• Attempt one of the many routes up Scafell Pike.
• Or choose the best option and hike the Corridor Route.
• For the best Grade 1 scramble, hike Helvellyn via Striding Edge.
• Try one of these amazing wild swimming locations in the Lake District.
• There’s more than hiking, find more great things to do in the Lake District.
• Check out our easy-to-reach best views in the Lake District.
• Find all the great things to do in Keswick.
• Discover all the best attractions in Ambleside and the nearby area.