The Lake District is, above all else, a place for walking. The national park contains England's highest mountain (Scafell Pike, 978 metres), its deepest lake (Wastwater), and some of the most dramatic ridge walks in Britain. But it also offers gentle lakeshore paths, woodland trails, and low-level circuits that anyone can enjoy.
This guide covers walks for every level of ability, from easy family strolls to challenging fell routes.
Easy Walks
Tarn Hows Circuit
Tarn Hows, between Hawkshead and Coniston, is one of the Lake District's most popular short walks for good reason. The circular path around this man-made tarn takes about 30 to 40 minutes and is largely flat, with good surfaces suitable for pushchairs. The views across to the Langdale Pikes and Helvellyn are outstanding.
The tarn was created in the 19th century by damming three smaller tarns. Despite its artificial origins, it has settled beautifully into the landscape. Swimming is popular in summer, though the water is cold — enter gradually to avoid cold water shock, and never swim alone.
Distance: 1.5 miles Time: 30–40 minutes Parking: National Trust car park (free for members, otherwise around £5)
Lakeshore Walk, Buttermere
The circuit of Buttermere lake is one of the finest low-level walks in the Lake District. The four-mile path follows the shore through woodland, across meadows, and through a short rock tunnel, with the dramatic fells of Haystacks, High Crag, and Fleetwith Pike rising on either side.
The walk is mostly flat with good paths, though one section through the tunnel requires a head torch in winter. Allow about two hours. The Bridge Hotel in Buttermere village is a good spot for a pint afterwards.
Distance: 4 miles Time: 1.5–2 hours Parking: National Trust car park at Buttermere village
Friar's Crag, Derwentwater
A short, easy walk from Keswick lakefront to Friar's Crag — a wooded promontory on the shore of Derwentwater that Ruskin described as one of the three most beautiful scenes in Europe. The view across the lake to Borrowdale and the surrounding fells is magnificent.
The walk takes about 20 minutes each way and is suitable for all abilities. Combine it with a Derwentwater launch cruise for a longer outing.
Distance: 0.5 miles each way from Keswick landing stage
Moderate Walks
Catbells
Catbells (451 metres) on the western shore of Derwentwater is the Lake District's most popular fell walk, and deservedly so. The ascent from Hawse End takes about 45 minutes and rewards you with one of the finest summit panoramas in Lakeland. The path is steep in places and rocky near the top, but manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness.
Distance: 3 miles (out and back from Hawse End) Time: 2–2.5 hours round trip Starting point: Hawse End car park or take the Derwentwater launch
Loughrigg Fell
Loughrigg Fell (335 metres) rises between Ambleside and Grasmere and offers superb views for a relatively modest climb. The classic circuit starts from Ambleside, climbs to the summit, and descends via Loughrigg Terrace — a path above Grasmere lake with views that Wordsworth walked almost daily.
Distance: 4.5 miles Time: 2.5–3 hours
Howtown to Glenridding (Ullswater)
This linear walk along the eastern shore of Ullswater is often cited as one of the finest low-level walks in England. Take the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding to Howtown, then walk back along the lakeshore through Hallinhag Wood, past Silver Point, and around Geordie's Crag.
The views constantly change as you round each headland. The path undulates gently and there are no difficult sections, though it is seven miles long, so allow a good half-day.
Distance: 7 miles (one way) Time: 3–4 hours Getting there: Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding to Howtown, walk back
Challenging Walks
Helvellyn via Striding Edge
Helvellyn (950 metres) is one of England's highest mountains, and the approach via Striding Edge is one of Britain's most famous ridge walks. Striding Edge is a narrow, exposed arête — a genuine scramble in places — with steep drops on either side. In good conditions it is exhilarating; in wind, rain, or ice it is genuinely dangerous.
The classic circuit starts from Glenridding, climbs via Striding Edge, crosses the summit plateau, and descends via Swirral Edge. This is a serious mountain walk that requires proper equipment, navigation skills, and respect for the weather.
Distance: 8 miles Time: 5–7 hours Warning: Striding Edge has claimed lives. Do not attempt in winter without crampons and an ice axe. Turn back if conditions deteriorate.
Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike (978 metres) is England's highest mountain, and reaching the summit is a rite of passage for many walkers. The most popular route starts from Wasdale Head and climbs via the Corridor Route — a well-cairned path that involves some rough ground and boulder fields near the summit.
The summit itself is a rocky plateau with a cairn and, on clear days, views stretching to Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. On cloudy days (which are frequent), the summit is a featureless grey landscape where navigation is essential.
Distance: 6 miles (round trip from Wasdale Head) Time: 5–7 hours Essential: Map, compass, waterproofs, warm layers, and food. The weather can change rapidly.
The Langdale Pikes
The Langdale Pikes are the Lake District's most recognisable mountain profile — a cluster of rocky peaks at the head of Great Langdale. The circuit taking in Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle, and Pavey Ark is a classic mountain day with scrambling, exposed paths, and outstanding views.
Start from the New Dungeon Ghyll car park in Great Langdale. The ascent via Stickle Ghyll is steep and rocky. This is a serious mountain walk requiring proper equipment, navigation skills, and awareness of weather conditions. Allow a full day.
Distance: 7 miles Time: 5–6 hours
Safety and Practical Tips
- Weather: The Lake District has some of the highest rainfall in England. Always carry waterproofs, even for short walks. Check the weather forecast at the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) before heading onto the fells.
- Equipment: For fell walks, proper walking boots, a map (OS Explorer OL4, OL5, OL6, OL7), compass, and sufficient food and water are essential.
- Parking: Car parks fill early in summer, particularly at popular spots like Catbells, Tarn Hows, and Langdale. Arrive before 10:00 or use public transport.
- Dogs: Welcome on most walks but must be on leads near livestock. Fell farmers take a dim view of dogs chasing sheep.
