Famous far and wide for its breathtaking natural beauty, the Lake District is deservedly England’s most celebrated national park (and now, just to confirm the global appeal and importance of its cinematic landscapes, it’s officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site). With thrilling mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and bucolic villages, the Lake District has long inspired poets and artists, and this timeless appeal - widely documented in cultural gems from the likes of William Wordsworth - has drawn gleeful visitors to the area for much of the past two centuries. Escapism is the real key to its reputation and enduring popularity - the chance to flee the city in search of tranquility and adventure. Exploring its dramatic peaks is not as daunting as it might seem for those who aren’t regular hikers; there is a diverse range of highly accessible walks in which stunning Lake District views can be enjoyed without the steep climbs. Here is our guide to the best.
Buttermere Lake Loop
Many plaudits insist this is the prettiest ‘easy’ walk in the entire Lake District national park; some even claim it’s among the finest low-level walks in all of England. It represents a rare combination of simplicity and drama (with respect to the views), and generally remains quieter than more accessible tourist hubs such as Windermere or Ambleside. The well-maintained, 4.5-mile (7.2 km) circular path should take a couple of hours, with easygoing terrain: mostly flat, lakeside paths with a few gates and very occasional rocky patches. It begins in the tiny village of Buttermere, where there are cosy pubs, tearooms, and toilet facilities. From here, follow the path west to start the loop and soon enough, majestic views of ‘Fleetwith Pike’ and ‘Haystacks’ fell will reveal themselves. There are shaded glades - handy if the sun is fierce - and plenty of places to skim stones on the water or indulge in a picnic. The eastern shore provides sweeping views down the length of the lake, and there’s an enchanting passage through a short tunnel which children love exploring - it was chiseled through the rock in the 1800s.
Orrest Head
For those new to ‘fell walking’ - a fell in the Lake District simply means a hill or a mountain - Orrest Head is a perfect introduction. Close to Windermere town centre, this gentle hill offers the chance for a 1.7 mile (2.7 km) round trip, taking no more than an hour but with views that will last long in the memory. From the top, you can see the glorious Windermere lake stretching out and shimmering to the south, while if you look north, famous Lakeland peaks (such as Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Langdale Pikes) can be admired on a clear day. This ‘mini-mountain’ is an ideal walk for families with toddlers and young children, and especially those with limited mobility - the route is particularly accessible, having been recently upgraded for pushchairs and mobility scooters.
Tarn Hows
‘Walk’ is too strong a word for this route - stroll does it more justice. Tarn Hows is an immensely relaxing affair, a picturesque and accessible spot where you can enjoy an easy loop around a postcard-perfect tarn (a small lake), with an arresting backdrop of distant hills and pretty summits. Set in the countryside between Coniston and Hawkshead, it’s a secluded two-mile (3.2 km) circular, with mostly level terrain and a well-maintained gravel path that is suitable for pushchairs, mobility scooters, and wheelchairs. There is no need for maps or hiking attire - ease and simplicity are the order of the day. Standout wildlife is a real factor here too: look out for herons, red squirrels, and Highland cows. All in all, it’s utterly photogenic - worth having a camera at the ready throughout.
Rydal Water and Caves
Slight climbs make this less of a stroll, and more of a moderate walk - though it's wonderfully varied, generally undemanding and boasts some ultra-rewarding views. Starting near Grasmere, this loop follows well-marked woodland paths along the River Rothay, skirting meadows and mossy woodlands at the edge of Rydal Water. There are peaceful picnic spots and satisfying hillside views as you wind towards Rydal Cave, an enticing man-made cavern carved from an old slate quarry which is well worth exploring. The calming views from Loughrigg Terrace are well worth lingering over and there is literary history to savour here - iconic English poet William Wordsworth lived at nearby Rydal Mount and adored his corner of the earth. The circular walk with cave detour is around three miles (4.8 km) long, and should take a little under two hours. Children love feeding ducks on the lake and Grasmere is worth visiting for its tearooms.
Aira Force Waterfall
It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t love a waterfall and this classic Lake District route, near Ullswater, delivers the goods when it comes to one of nature’s most spectacular, enduring visions. Walkers explore ancient woodland paths - with towering trees and moss-covered boulders to zigzag around - before eventually uncovering the 65-feet Aira Force waterfall, which plunges and crashes into the atmospheric rocky gorge below. It’s a dramatic, powerful sight - especially after rain - and the Victorian-era twin bridges that arch over the area’s gorge are perfect for catching impressive photos. It’s 1.5 mile (2.4 km) circular which can be extended to take in lakeside scenery for those that wish.
Map-reading expertise and hiking equipment are ultimately redundant for those that want to sample the timeless beauty of the Lake District on two legs. All the ‘beginner’ walks satisfyingly capture the wild romanticism of this stunning swathe of England. There’s nothing to stop you becoming a regular - and perhaps even tackling a fell or two.
