The Lake District is one of the UK’s most iconic walking destinations, offering everything from peaceful woodland strolls to challenging fell hikes with panoramic mountain views. Whether you’re after dramatic scenery, waterfalls, lakeside trails or rugged climbs, there’s a route for every type of walker. The Lake District National Park is home to some of the country’s most famous landscapes, making it the perfect destination for outdoor adventures year-round.
Here are some of the best walks around the Lake District to add to your hiking list with Maps!
Key: 🟢-Easy 🟡-Moderate 🔴-Challenging
The Walks:
Tilberthwaite to Cathedral Quarry
6km – 2hrs – 🟡
This fascinating circular walk combines classic Lake District scenery with industrial history. Starting in Tilberthwaite, the route takes you through woodland and old quarry tracks before reaching the impressive Cathedral Quarry, a vast cavern with towering rock walls and dramatic light shafts.
The paths are generally moderate, although some sections can be uneven and rocky underfoot. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views across the surrounding fells and valleys, making this an excellent shorter walk for those wanting a mix of scenery and exploration.
Perfect for families, photographers, and anyone interested in the Lake District’s mining heritage.
3km – 1.5hrs – 🟢
This gentle walk around Ambleside is ideal for a relaxed day outdoors. The trail showcases some of the area’s most impressive and historic trees, winding through peaceful woodland and parkland close to the town centre.
The route is easy to follow and suitable for most abilities, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. It’s particularly beautiful during autumn when the woodland colours are at their best.
A great option for families or anyone looking for a shorter Lake District walk without tackling steep terrain.
Grasmere Village and Allan Bank Walk
4.5km – 2hrs – 🟢
This charming circular walk combines the picturesque village of Grasmere with peaceful woodland trails and stunning viewpoints across the surrounding fells. Starting in the heart of one of the Lake District’s most famous villages, the route leads walkers through quiet lanes and up towards Allan Bank, the former home of William Wordsworth.
The walk is relatively gentle, making it ideal for families and casual walkers, while still offering beautiful scenery throughout. Along the way, there are excellent views over Grasmere Lake and the surrounding countryside, especially on clear days.
The mixture of literary history, woodland paths, and classic Lake District scenery makes this a fantastic shorter route for those wanting a relaxed but rewarding walk. Allan Bank itself is also worth exploring, with its historic character and peaceful setting above the village.
Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head
15km – 7hrs – 🔴
For experienced hikers looking for a challenge, the Pillar Trail delivers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Lake District. Starting from Wasdale Head, this demanding route traverses beneath the imposing Pillar Fell and passes through remote, rugged terrain.
Expect rocky paths, steep ascents, and exposed sections in places. However, the reward is incredible panoramic views across the western Lake District, including Great Gable and the surrounding fells.
This is a serious mountain walk best suited to confident walkers with appropriate equipment and good weather conditions.
Aira Force and Gowbarrow Trail
7km – 3hrs – 🟡
One of the Lake District’s most popular waterfall walks, this route combines woodland trails, lakeside views, and stunning scenery around Ullswater.
The highlight is undoubtedly Aira Force waterfall, where water cascades dramatically through a rocky gorge surrounded by ancient woodland. The trail then climbs towards Gowbarrow Fell, rewarding walkers with fantastic views across Ullswater.
The route includes some steeper uphill sections, but the scenery throughout makes the effort worthwhile. This is an excellent all-round Lake District walk suitable for most reasonably fit walkers.
Rosthwaite Round, Fells, Tarn and Beck Walk
10km – 4hrs – 🟡
This varied circular walk near Borrowdale takes in classic Lake District landscapes, including rolling fells, peaceful tarns, flowing becks, and traditional countryside scenery.
The route offers a fantastic mix of terrain, with gentle valley paths combined with some moderate climbs. Along the way, walkers can enjoy quiet sections away from the busier tourist spots while still experiencing some of the area’s finest scenery.
Ideal for walkers looking for a rewarding half-day hike with plenty of variety.
Wray Castle and Latterbarrow Circular Walk
8km – 3hrs – 🟡
This circular route combines lakeside scenery with woodland trails and panoramic viewpoints. Beginning near Wray Castle on the shores of Windermere, the walk climbs gradually towards Latterbarrow, where spectacular views open up across the surrounding lakes and fells.
The route is well-maintained throughout and offers a good balance of manageable climbing and rewarding scenery. Wray Castle itself also makes a great stop either before or after the walk.
A brilliant choice for those wanting classic Lake District scenery without an overly strenuous hike.
Lanthwaite Wood and Crummock Water Walk
6km – 2.5hrs – 🟢
This peaceful circular walk around Crummock Water is perfect for anyone seeking quieter Lake District scenery. The route passes through the tranquil woodland of Lanthwaite Wood before following sections of shoreline with beautiful views across the lake.
The terrain is relatively gentle and suitable for most walkers, making it a fantastic option for families or relaxed weekend walks. The reflections across Crummock Water on calm days make this one of the most scenic easier walks in the region.
An ideal route for photography, picnics, and slower-paced exploring.
Enjoying the Lake District on Foot
The Lake District offers some of the best walking routes in the UK, from peaceful woodland trails to iconic mountain hikes. Whether you’re looking for a gentle lakeside stroll or a challenging fell adventure, these walks showcase the incredible variety and beauty of the national park.
Before heading out, always check weather conditions, wear appropriate footwear, and carry suitable waterproof clothing - mountain weather in the Lake District can change quickly.
Looking for the right gear for your next adventure? Explore ArdMoor’s range of outdoor clothing and equipment designed to keep you comfortable whatever the terrain.