The Very Best Walks in Lake District

A guide to the Hidden Gems and Classic Routes for every kind of Walker

If you’ve ever found yourself elbow-to-elbow with crowds on a narrow path or completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of walk options in the Lake District, you’re not alone.

Planning a day out in this stunning national park can be as daunting as it is exciting. With over 200 fells and hundreds of trails, how do you pick a route that suits your mood, your legs, and your desire for a bit of peace and quiet?

Whether you’re seeking an easy lakeside ramble, a scenic family hike, or a challenging solo ascent far from the tourist trail, this guide cuts through the noise to bring you the best walks in the Lake District—tailored to your pace and preference.

Easy and Scenic: Best Lake District Walks Under 3 Miles

🧶 Tarn Hows Circular Walk

Distance: 2 miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Very Easy
Start Point: National Trust Tarn Hows car park
This wide gravel path loops around a peaceful tarn surrounded by wooded slopes and dramatic views. It’s accessible, dog-friendly, and ideal for prams or wheelchairs.

🧶 Buttermere Lake Loop

Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Start Point: Buttermere village
A flat, scenic loop with waterfalls, woodland, and iconic views of Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks. Go early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

Moderate: Rewarding Half-Day Walks for Weekend Explorers

🧶 Catbells Ridge Walk

Distance: 3.5 miles (loop)
Time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Start Point: Hawes End
Short, sharp, and panoramic—Catbells is the classic Lake District “mini mountain.” Great for families with older kids or those short on time.

🧶 Helm Crag (The Lion and the Lamb)

Distance: 4 miles (loop)
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Start Point: Grasmere
This quirky summit with rock formations resembling animals makes for a fun, scenic climb with excellent valley views.

Challenging and Remote: Best Lake District Hikes for Serious Adventurers

🧶 Scafell Pike via Corridor Route

Distance: 8.5 miles
Time: 6–7 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Start Point: Seathwaite, Borrowdale
Parking Tip: Limited roadside parking in Seathwaite—arrive early or park in Seatoller and walk 1 mile in.
This quieter, more scenic ascent to England’s highest peak follows the Corridor Route—a rugged trail with incredible mountain views and fewer crowds than the Wasdale route.

🧶 Haystacks from Gatesgarth

Distance: 6 miles
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Start Point: Gatesgarth car park, Buttermere
Parking Tip: Paid parking available at Gatesgarth Farm, right at the start of the trail.
Beloved by Alfred Wainwright, this walk offers peace, solitude, and views of wild tarns and sweeping fells. A quieter alternative to nearby peaks.

🧶 Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Distance: 8 miles (loop)
Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Hard (Exposure and scrambling)
Start Point: Glenridding village
Parking Tip: Glenridding Car Park (Pay & Display) near Ullswater is the best base for this route.
This thrilling ridge walk is not for beginners—but if you’ve got a good head for heights, the traverse over Striding Edge and descent via Swirral Edge delivers unmatched drama and views. One of the most iconic hikes in Britain.

🧶 Fairfield Horseshoe

Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Time: 5.5–6.5 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Start/Finish: Rydal or Ambleside
Total Ascent: 838m
Terrain: Grassy ridges, rocky paths, occasional boggy sections
Parking Tip: Rydal has limited parking; Ambleside offers more options. The 555 bus stops at Rydal.
This classic horseshoe route offers panoramic views of the Helvellyn range and provides a comprehensive taste of the Lake District’s diverse terrains.

Walks with a View: Best Panoramic Spots in the Lake District

Loughrigg Fell at Sunset – Catch golden hour over Windermere and Grasmere.
Orrest Head – A gentle climb with views that inspired a young Wainwright.
Old Man of Coniston – A classic full-day walk with industrial ruins and 360° views.

Safety and Navigation Tips

Navigation Tools: Utilize apps like Ordnance Survey or Maps.me for offline navigation. Ensure routes are downloaded in advance due to patchy signal in the hills.
Weather Preparedness: Check the forecast before setting out. The Lake District’s weather can change rapidly.
Essential Gear: Carry a map, compass, sufficient water, snacks, and wear appropriate footwear.
Emergency Preparedness: Inform someone of your route and expected return time. Carry a whistle and a fully charged phone.

Key Takeaways: Best Walks in the Lake District

🌄 Tarn Hows and Buttermere offer easy, accessible beauty.
🌻 Catbells and Helm Crag strike a balance between effort and reward.
💪 Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Fairfield Horseshoe cater to adventurous spirits.
📸 Don’t miss Loughrigg Fell or Orrest Head for unbeatable views.

FAQs: Best Walks in Lake District

What is the most scenic walk in the Lake District?

Answer: The Buttermere Lake Loop is often considered one of the most scenic walks thanks to its lakeside path, surrounding peaks, and waterfall views.