Offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, The Lake District is a true paradise for walkers. The region is home to England’s tallest mountain, surrounded by stunning scenery for as far as the eyes can see.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or want to get into nature to breathe fresh air, you’ll find plenty of scenic trails to conquer in the Lake District.
Here are some of the best walking destinations in the Lake District.
Windermere
Whether you want to meander around the lakeshore or venture into the higher fells, the Windermere is a walker’s paradise. Located within the Lake District National Park, Windermere is home to stunning mountains and picturesque villages you’ll come across on a hike.
If you want to enjoy an easy hike that will take about one to two hours, the Loughrigg Tarn trail is worth a try.
It may only be less than two miles, but it’s definitely one of the most scenic walks in Windermere, offering majestic views of the Langdale Pikes.
If you prefer to hike by the shore, you can do the West Shore Walk, a scenic trail suitable for hikers of all levels, including those with limited mobility.
To get to the starting point, you need to take a ferry. From there, follow the trail that hugs the shoreline. It will not take you to any hills, and that’s why it’s easy for everyone. But you are guaranteed stunning views with endless photo opportunities along the way.
Ullswater
The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile walking trail that will take you around the entire Ullswater Lake. You can conquer this trail in one go or hike a smaller section and take a boat or bus for the rest of the way.
But if you decide to walk through the entire trail, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful villages along the way and fantastic pubs where you can rest and enjoy refreshing drinks.
The Ullswater Way is 32 km long. It’s a low-level trail, and the route is easy to walk, ideal for hikers of all ages. But if you don’t feel like doing it the entire way, you can walk a shorter section of the trail and then take a boat or bus towards the starting point.
The Ullswater Way is a popular trail near plenty of cottages in the Lake District and welcomes thousands of hikers each year. There are plenty of picturesque sights to enjoy by the lake. It’s surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and rolling hills, making for a truly unforgettable hiking experience.
Grasmere
Grasmere is a beautiful village in the Lake District, home to the famous Dove Cottage, a house on the edge of the lake, best known as the home of William Wordsworth.
The scenic village is also a popular spot for those who love nature and an ideal location for walkers of all abilities.
Avid walkers may have already heard about the Helm Crag, also called the Lion and the Lamb, and one of the most popular fells to tackle in the area.
Getting to the summit can be a challenge, but your efforts will be worth it, as it’s one of the most scenic trails in the Lakes. Once you get to the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the idyllic sea and beyond!
Even though the Helm Crag route is quite steep, the trail is well laid out, with many paths taking you to the summit.
Make sure you wear appropriate footwear and carefully watch your step, especially when you reach the summit, where the terrain changes into loose rocks.
Keswick
Keswick is home to some of the most scenic walking trails in the UK. Some are ideal for families with kids, while others are best suited to expert trekkers.
Whether you are looking for easy walks by the lake or challenging mountain paths, Keswick will have something for you.
One of the most popular Lake District walks in Keswick is Catbells, which offers striking views of the Derwentwater. The climb to the top is about 451 meters high and is usually short but filled with gorgeous views.
It starts in the town centre of Keswick, taking you towards the Cumbria Way and into a steep path leading to the summit. The trail is suitable for families and those looking for a fast climb.
Resting below the imposing backdrop of Blencathra and Skiddaw mountains, the Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the easy hiking trails to tackle in Keswick. For this trail, you will be treated to breathtaking nature views and deep history.
The Castlerigg Stone Circle is believed to be built during the Neolithic period in 3000 BC and is one of the first British circles. The walk will begin in the town centre of Keswick, taking you to the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path before reaching the stone circle.
Kendal
Dubbed the “Gateway to the Lakes,” Kendal is the perfect base for a holiday exploring the Lake District. It has many scenic walks starting within a ten-mile radius of the town. If you’re taking your kids for a scenic walk in Kendal, head to the Kendal Riverside for the Detective Mystery-themed walking Treasure Trail.
As you walk through the mystery trail, you will have to solve sneaky clues along the way. The route begins and ends outside the Town Hall on Highgate, winding its way into Market Square and New Shambles.
The trail will then take you to explore the gorgeous sights by the River Kent before going back into town through The Brewery Arts Centre.
The Detective Mystery Trail is about 1.1 miles long and will only take two hours to tackle. Of course, you can conquer the trails at your own pace and time.
The activity is ideal for kids six years old and above. It’s a fun activity to do with the family, and if you are great at solving clues, you will have a chance to enter the monthly £100 prize draw!
Walks in The Lake District
Those are some of the best walks in the Lake District in England you can do.
For more articles on Britain take a look at my guides to Britain.
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