The Lake District is a haven for nature and outdoors enthusiasts, as the UK’s most beautiful national park boasts rolling hills, glistening lakes, and dramatic fells, offering an unparalleled landscape for exploration. With its rich variety of walking trails, charming villages and breathtaking scenery, it’s no surprise this area has inspired countless artists, poets, and adventurers.
You will find no shortage of unforgettable moments spent outdoors as you explore one of Britain’s most cherished landscapes, its challenging ridges and stunning lakeside paths. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker seeking adrenaline-fueled action, or prefer ambling gently through picturesque valleys, the Lake District has something to satisfy your appetite for adventure.
Helvellyn
For thrill-seekers and experienced hikers alike, Helvellyn, reached on this route from Striding Edge, offers one of the most exhilarating adventures in the Lake District. This challenging route features a narrow, dramatic ridge walk with breathtaking views that are a fitting reward for the effort it demands. Standing at 950 metres, Helvellyn is one of the tallest peaks in the area and consistently ranks among the UK’s favourite hikes.
The best time to tackle this popular route is between late spring and early autumn, when weather conditions are more predictable and the ridge is less slippery. However, plenty still try it in adverse conditions if they’re up for a challenge, though caution is always advised. Scrambles and exposure make this trail unsuitable for beginners, but for those ready to have a go, it’s an exhilarating experience that culminates in panoramic views of Ullswater, the Pennines and beyond on the clearest of days.
Catbells Terrace
Few walks in the Lake District are as universally adored as the Catbells Terrace. Nestled above Derwentwater, this more casual trail offers stunning vistas over Borrowdale and Keswick, making it a perfect option for families and the average hiker. With its well established paths and relatively short length, Catbells is a recommended trek for those seeking a rewarding hike, without the fear of it turning into an all-day commitment.
The ascent is steep but short, and reaching the summit provides a satisfying pay off for hikers of all ages. Autumn is particularly spectacular to enjoy the walk as the landscape transforms into a patchwork of amber and gold with the shifting season. But this trail’s charm endures throughout the year, offering a delightful introduction to exploring the Lake District.
Scafell Pike
Climbing Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain, is an adventure every visitor to the Lake District should experience at least once. Starting from Wasdale Head (the most popular route), expect a steep, rocky, and physically demanding trek, requiring a good level of fitness and preparation, especially for disagreeable weather. Standing at 978 metres, the summit offers unrivalled views over the Cumbrian fells and neighbouring peaks.
Summer is the optimal time to attempt this challenging hike, as clear weather improves safety and enhances visibility from the summit. The trail’s difficulty should not be underestimated (although it is far less demanding than some of the walks on this list), but the sense of achievement and the awe-inspiring scenery make it well worth the effort to climb England’s highest peak.
Buttermere Circle
The Buttermere Circular Walk is a gentle and scenic trail that loops around one of the Lake District’s most picturesque lakes. The path hugs the shores of Buttermere, providing magnificent views of the surrounding peaks such as Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike, and is easily accessible for all ages.
Spring and summer are the ideal seasons for this walk, when the sunshine hits the still waters, creating a tranquil, almost magical atmosphere. Families, dog walkers, and photography enthusiasts will find this route particularly enjoyable thanks to the scenic views and the opportunity to cool their feet (or paws) off in the water afterwards.
Grasmere and Rydal Water
This gentle walk combines lakeside trails with literary history, linking two of the Lake District’s most famous bodies of water - Grasmere and Rydal. Along the route, walkers can explore Rydal Mount, once home to William Wordsworth, one of the UK’s most accomplished poets, many of whose works were inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Autumn is a particularly enchanting time to visit this section of the lakes, with golden foliage shimmering in the reflection of the water making for a stunning canvas for any inspired painter. The trail is accessible for most hikers, offering a peaceful journey through landscapes that provide endless sources of inspiration for creative minds.
Great Langdale Valley
The Great Langdale Valley is a quintessentially Lake District route, featuring lush meadows, sparkling streams, and towering peaks. This is a versatile route, offering options for a gentle half-day exploration or an extended adventure incorporating more demanding trails such as Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.
Spring and summer are the best seasons to experience the valley’s lush greenery and blooming wildflowers and the easiest time to take on those more demanding trails. This walk is perfect for those who want to enjoy the Lake District’s beauty at different levels of exertion, with a variety of options to make the route more challenging if so inclined.
The Old Man of Coniston
The Old Man of Coniston offers a rewarding ascent with sweeping views over Coniston Water and the surrounding fells. Although it is a more challenging walk for most walkers, this well-trodden trail is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The summit stands at 803 metres, providing an excellent vantage point for photographers and nature enthusiasts, and is one of the highest peaks in the district.
The best time to visit is late spring through autumn when the weather is more stable and the views are clearer. The route also passes through the remnants of the region’s industrial past, such as old slate mines, which can be explored by those more curious to understand the history of this picturesque part of the world.
Fairfield Horseshoe
The Fairfield Horseshoe is an exhilarating ridge walk for experienced hikers, offering a full day of adventure. Beginning and ending in Ambleside, the route covers several peaks, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding fells and lakes, although this will be a challenge for some, as it demands a higher level of fitness and a head for heights.
The Horseshoe is best attempted between late summer to early autumn as stable weather enhances safety and enjoyment. Good levels of stamina and preparation are essential for this challenging yet rewarding trail, which consistently delivers dramatic scenery and a deep sense of achievement in mastering some of the Lake District’s most rugged and challenging terrain.
Ennerdale Valley
For those seeking a journey of tranquillity away from the more popular routes, the Ennerdale Valley offers a lovely escape. This lesser-known gem features many easy walking trails through pristine, unspoiled landscapes, offering a welcome break from the gradients of other walks on this list.
Summer is the perfect season to visit, with long daylight hours allowing for more time to wander through the gorgeous fields and meadows. The valley’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it an underappreciated treasure of the Lake District, ideal for reflective walks or quality time in nature.
Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path
The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path is a flat and easily accessible trail following the path of a former railway line. Perfect for families, cyclists, and walkers of all abilities, this gentle route features scenic views and many charming spots to stop and enjoy a picnic while taking in the surroundings.
This path is enjoyable at any time of the year, and indeed much of its appeal lies in the chance to see how the landscape changes with the seasons. Without the challenges of a traditional hike through the higher peaks and hills, it makes for a wonderful walk where the beauty of the area can be appreciated from closer to ground level.
The Lake District’s outdoor appeal makes it a dream destination for walkers and hikers. Each route offers a unique view of the region’s enchanting beauty, from towering peaks to tranquil lakes and rolling valleys. It isn’t hard to see why the Lake District continues to captivate outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe looking to lace up their boots, embrace the fresh air, and set off on unforgettable adventures in this timeless corner of England.
