Lake District walks

34 Lake District Walks

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Experience the great outdoors with our Lake District walking guide

What better way to explore your surroundings than on foot? Discover the best walks in Lake District with our handy Lake District walking guide. Find the most picturesque routes and enjoy the best of the scenery the lakes have to offer.

Follow in the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright and explore the many serene trails in the UK’s most visited National Park with our Lake District walking guide.

Best Lake District Walks

Take the Borger Dalr trail, described as the ‘finest square mile in Lakeland’ by legendary fell walker Wainwright. Climb Castle Crag for astounding views of the surrounding fells and valleys. Rest in the tranquillity of Peace How, a spot bought in 1917 for the use of returning soldiers. Head to the West of the Lakes for quieter routes, and take in the beauty of the Eskdale Valley. Along the way, be sure to stop at Greendale Tarn for a picnic.

Don’t forget about the stunning stretch of coastline, reaching from Solway Firth to the border town of Gretna. There are a number of glorious coastal walks in the Lake District, all part of the 180-mile Cumbria Coastal Way. Take in quaint harbour villages such as Ravenglass and portal towns including Whitehaven during your outdoor adventure.

Are you bringing the whole family along to your Lake District cottage holiday? There are plenty of dog walks in the Lake District for everyone to enjoy. Traverse the nine-mile circumference of Ullswater Lake, taking in the fantastic views as you go. If nine miles seems a bit much, hop on a Ullswater Steamer on the way back and take in your surroundings from a different perspective.

There are a variety of challenging and awe-inspiring outdoor activities available, from climbing multiple peaks to simply strolling around beautiful lakes.

Explore the best walks with our Lake District walking guide below…

 

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  • Solway Firth coast lake district

    Cumbria Coastal Way

    182 miles

    Varied

    The Cumbria Coastal Way is a 182-mile trail that begins at Silverdale in Lancashire and ends at the border town of Gretna. Rich in wildlife and archaeological Heritage Sites, the route traverses through the Lake District towns of Grange-Over-Sands, Ulverston and the village of Ravenglass.

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  • derwentwater

    Derwentwater

    Derwentwater
    Keswick
    Lake District
    Cumbria
    England

    Derwentwater is the feather in Keswick’s cap. Situated just 15 minutes walk from the market square in Keswick town centre, this three-mile-long lake is fed by the River Derwent catchment area in the high fells at the head of Borrowdale. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became the inspiration for romantic poets.

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  • derwentwater

    Derwentwater Circular

    3h 48m

    9.3 miles

    Moderate

    Llyn Idwal Circular Derwent Lake is a short walk from Keswick and is surrounded by the beautiful Cumbrian Mountains. Llyn Idwal in Wales is known for its rock formations and rich greenery.

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  • uk woodland

    Dodd Wood

    Dodd Wood
    Little Crosthwaite
    Keswick
    Lake District
    England
    CA12 4QD

    Dodd Wood is situated just a few miles north of Keswick and is home to a network of waymarked trails, many of which are ideal for younger children. There is also the steeper Dodd Summit trail, for those looking for more of a challenge.

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  • Easedale Tarn

    Easedale Tarn

    Easedale Tarn
    Red Bank Road Car Park
    Grasmere
    Lake District
    LA22 9PU

    Easedale Tarn is situated around two miles west of the village of Grasmere, in a hollow between Tarn Crag and Blea Rigg. Take this six-mile walk to the tarn over stone bridges, past plunging waterfalls and along the edges of fells.

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  • Lake District Hikes

    Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge

    Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge
    Elterwater
    Ambleside
    Lake District
    Cumbria
    England
    LA22 9HU

    Take this walk along the Cumbrian Way in the Langdale Valley from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge. The walk is 2.5 miles and takes around 2-3 hours to complete and is suitable for children.

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  • Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite, feature

    Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite

    7h 19m

    15 miles

    Moderate

    Embark on an adventure through Cumbria with this 15-mile route of the Coast to Coast walk.

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  • Lake District walks

    Ennerdale Water and Smithy Beck Falls

    Ennerdale Water and Smithy Beck Falls
    Bowness Knott Car Park
    Cleator
    Lake District
    England
    CA23 3AX

    Take this two-mile walk from one of the Lake District’s hidden gems. Ennerdale Water is one of the least visited lakes in the Lake District and sits nestled within a remote part of West Cumbria. The walk takes around one to two hours and is ideal for little ones.

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  • gate in woodland, countryside

    Giggle Alley

    Giggle Alley
    Smithybrow Lane
    Holmrook
    Lake District
    England
    CA19 1UF

    Giggle Alley is nestled on the western edge of the Lake District National Park, close to the village of Eskdale Green. With diverse woodland and a Japanese Garden, it’s a popular spot with visitors. Hop off the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway at Irton Road and find this gem just a short walk away.

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  • Ullswater

    Glenridding to Lanty’s Tarn

    Glenridding to Lanty's Tarn
    Glenridding
    Lake District
    England
    CA11 0PA

    Take this short, tranquil walk around Ullswater and up to Lanty’s Tarn. While this tarn may not offer views as dramatic as nearby tarns, it is a peaceful hidden gem that allows walkers to get away from the crowds. The walk is suitable for dogs and children.

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