The Lake District is beautiful any time of year, but it’s especially popular in summer for bracing wild swimming and country walks that may or may not be in the sun.

So winter is a great time to walk in the lake district when the paths are covered with a carpet of frost, snow covers the mountain tops, and the whole area looks magical.

It’s also the quietest time of year to visit.

Here are the winter walks rated the best by All Trail readers to help you choose a frosty outing.

We also include the pubs you can visit for a cheeky pint along the way and a link to our downloadable maps.

BUTTERMERE

Buttermere is one of our favourite walks in the Lake District and a great option in winter. The two-hour walk navigated the lake with pristine reflections on an easy trail that shouldn’t be too muddy.

This is a great walk for families, with the Croft House Farm Café being a great option for lunch or the homemade ice cream from Skye’s Farm, an ideal for a post-walk treat.

After the hike, have a pint at the charming Bridge Inn.

RYDAL WATER

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 – some of the best things to do in the Lake District.

It could be a little wet underfoot in the wooded area if there has been rain, but otherwise, this is a great walk in winter. If you would like to try this walk, read our guide to hiking in the Lake District.

Have a pint at the Badgers Bar.

LOUGHRIGG

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, and 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.

CASTLE CRAG

This is a lovely, easy walk that would be beautiful in winter, with moss-covered dry-stone walls glistening in the low light.

The path sticks close to a river and includes a lovely forest, so you might need boots for this one. At the top of the crag, you will find wonderful views of Borrowdale.

Have a pint at the Royal Oak Hotel in Borrowdale.

TARN HOWS

Tarn Hows is a quick circular walk that only takes around 1 hour to complete. It’s perfect for families with plenty of facilities including a café and toilets.

The path is paved, well-marked and easy to follow.

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.
• Enjoy a scenic swim in Black Moss Pot.
• Tackle one of our favourite hikes in the Lake District.
• 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.
• Find one of our top photography spots in the Lake District