The Lake District is beautiful any time of year, but in the colder months, a frosty hike in the clean, crisp air of the lakes is an experience on another level. Here are the best walks that can easily be done in winter.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Jump to Comments
Winter is a great time to walk in the Lake District.
Paths are covered with a carpet of frost, and mountain tops are blanketed in snow. The whole area looks magical.
It’s also the quietest time of year to visit.
Not all the trails in the Lake District are suitable for winter walking. Some are too high and exposed; others will have you stomping through the mud.
So, we’ve picked out a few of our favourite Lake District walks that should be fine in most conditions.
We also include the pubs you can visit for a cosy pint along the way.
WHY ARE THESE GREAT WALKS FOR WINTER?
We have selected these walks for their winter suitability and accessibility.
They are at a lower elevation, so you’ll avoid the most severe weather conditions and icy mountain terrain that can hit the Lake District in some winters.
The circular routes around Buttermere, Rydal Water, and Tarn Hows stay below 200 metres, keeping you safely away from snow-covered ridges and exposed summits where navigation becomes difficult.
Most of these paths are well-maintained year-round and don’t turn into muddy quagmires during wet weather.
Buttermere’s lakeside trail and Tarn Hows’ paved path remain remarkably accessible. Even the slightly muddier sections through woodland on routes like Rydal Water and Castle Crag are manageable with proper walking boots.
The shorter daylight hours of winter make these shorter walks ideal, as you can comfortably complete them with plenty of time before dusk.
The Lake District sees far fewer visitors between November and February, meaning you’ll often have these trails largely to yourself.
Perhaps most importantly, most of these walks finish near a cosy pub where you can warm up with a pint and a hearty meal by an open fire.
LAKE DISTRICT WINTER WALKS
1. BUTTERMERE
- Distance – 4.9 miles (7.5 km)
- How long – 2 hr, 20 min
- Elevation – 510 ft
- Maps – Google Map | OS Map
Buttermere is one of our favourite locations and possibly the most scenic stop on our multi-day hike in the Lake District. It’s also a great option in winter.
The two-hour walk circles the lake on an easy trail that should never be too muddy. It’s also very beautiful, with pristine reflections of the surrounding mountains illuminating the water.
This is a great walk for families, with plenty of facilities along the way.
Croft House Farm Café is a great option for lunch, and the homemade ice cream from Skye’s Farm is ideal for a post-walk treat.
After the hike, have a pint at the charming Bridge Hotel.
Getting there – Park at the National Trust Car Park in Buttermere.
2. RYDAL WATER
- Distance: 3.1 miles (4.7 km)
- How long: 1.5 hr
- Elevation: 990 ft
- Map – Google Map | OS Map
Rydal Water is a beautiful lake with a lovely circular trail.
The walk includes a cave, a stop at the manicured gardens of Rydal Hall and a lovely woodland area. If you have some time, this walk covers some of the best things to do in the Lake District.
It could be a little wet underfoot in the wooded area after rain, but otherwise, this is a great walk in winter.
After the walk, we recommend a pint at the Badgers Bar to warm up.
Getting there – Park at the White Moss Car Park.
3. LOUGHRIGG
- Distance: 4.8 miles (8 km)
- How long: 2.5hr
- Elevation: 1,270 ft
- Map – Google Map | OS Map
Loughrigg is a great mountain walk if you’re up for a bit more of a challenge to get some great views.
The walk is around 8 kilometres and should take 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the top. The total elevation is 360 metres, but the views are worth it.
Lakes and tarns stretch off in all directions, pretty villages sit under its flanks, and higher mountains form an amphitheatre around it.
The walk starts and finishes in Grasmere, so we’d suggest a pint at the Traveller’s Rest.
Grasmere is a great accommodation option if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the Lake District.
Getting there – Park at the Pelter Bridge Car Park.
4. CASTLE CRAG
- Distance: 3.3 miles (5.5 km)
- How long: 1.5hr
- Elevation: 590 ft
- Map – Google Walk | OS Map
This lovely, easy walk is beautiful to do in winter.
Moss-covered dry-stone walls glisten in the low light, and the short climb to the top has wonderful views of Borrowdale.
The path sticks close to a river, so it’s mostly flat and easy to navigate. A lovely forest section might be a bit wet underfoot, so boots would be a good idea; otherwise, it should be very achievable in all conditions.
After the walk, make our way to Borrowdale for a pint at the Royal Oak Hotel.
Getting there – Park at the Rosthwaite Car Park.
5. TARN HOWS
- Distance: 1.7 miles (3.2 km)
- How long: 1 hr
- Elevation: 205 ft
- Map – National Trust map | OS Map
Tarn Hows is a quick circular walk on a paved and well-marked path that skirts the edge of the lake.
This is a great one for families with plenty of facilities, including a café, toilets and a National Trust van that can answer any questions about the area.
The views on the walk to the Langdale Pikes in the distance are stunning. As you can see from the picture below, they were covered in snow when we were there last.
Getting there – Part at the National Trust Tarn Hows Car Park.
6. HOWTOWN TO GLENRIDDING WALK
- Distance: 7.5 miles
- How long: 4 hr
- Elevation: 1,525 ft
- Map – Google Map | OS Map
This is a great winter walk that starts with a ride on the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding to Howtown.
From Howtown, the trail follows the shoreline back to Glenridding. This trail is low and quite well protected.
On sunny days, you’ll pass through patches of dappled light with plenty of spots to pause for a break.
Finish up at the Traveller’s Rest in Glen Ridding.
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.
READER-SUPPORTED
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Thanks for your support.
Paul & Mark.