There’s no shortage of Lake District hikes to choose from, but if you’re new to the area, it’s hard to know where to start or what’s actually within your abilities.
That’s exactly why we put this list together. In this article, we use our firsthand experience of the fells to create a list of Lake District hikes. From beginners to experienced walkers, there really is something for everyone.
By the end, you should have a good idea of which Lake District hiking routes to tackle when visiting our beautiful corner of the world!
An overview of the best Lake District hikes
| Route | Region | Level | Distance | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gummer’s How and Blake Holme Plantation loop | South Lakes | Easy | 6.3km | 91m |
| Old Man of Coniston via Low Water Tarn loop | South Lakes | Moderate | 10.5km | 670m |
| Old Man of Coniston, Swirl How, and Wetherlam loop from Walna Scar | South Lakes | Hard | 13.5km | 830m |
| Helm Crag loop from Grasmere | Central Lakes | Easy | 7.4km | 305m |
| Blea Tarn, Side Pike, and Lingmoor Fell loop | Central Lakes | Moderate | 7.6km | 320m |
| Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding | Central Lakes | Hard | 13.1km | 815m |
| Cat Bells & Derwent Water loop | North Lakes | Easy | 7.1km | 359m |
| Scales Tarn & Blencathra loop | North Lakes | Moderate | 7.3km | 587m |
| Derwent Water Ferry & Catbells full loop from Keswick | North Lakes | Hard | 14.3km | 414m |
| Buttermere loop | West Lakes | Easy | 7.9km | 62m |
| Buttermere – Haystacks & Fleetwith Pike circular | West Lakes | Moderate | 8.7km | 630m |
| Scafell Pike loop from Wasdale | West Lakes | Hard | 9.1km | 937m |
| Aira Force & Gowbarrow Park Trail | East Lakes | Easy | 5.8km | 91m |
| Ullswater, Sheffield Pike & Glenridding Dodd loop | East Lakes | Moderate | 8.3km | 518m |
| Kentmere Horseshoe | East Lakes | Hard | 18.8km | 930m |
Note: The easy, moderate, and hard labels above are a rough guide. How they feel in practice depends on your fitness level and experience. A route we’ve listed as moderate might feel hard if you’re new to fell walking, whereas an easy route might feel like nothing if you’re used to big mountain days!
If you’re not sure where you sit, our advice is to start with one of the easy routes to get a feel for the terrain before stepping things up. For example, try the Gummer’s How loop first (it’s only 6.3km with 91m of elevation gain) to get a good baseline. From there, the jump to the Old Man of Coniston loop (10.5km and 670m of elevation) is a significant one, and it’s worth knowing how your legs handled Gummer’s How before you commit to it.
Best Lake District hiking routes in the South Lakes
Easy: Gummer’s How and Blake Holme Plantation loop
In our opinion, this route offers one of the best views in the South Lakes for the least amount of effort. It’s a short climb through some forest that leads to the top of Gummer’s How, where Windermere stretches out below you in both directions.
You’re up and back in a couple of hours, and the loop through Blake Holme Plantation on the way down makes it feel like a proper walk rather than just an out-and-back.
Good for: First-timers, families with younger kids, or anyone who wants a decent view without committing to a big day.
Highlight: The panoramic views over Windermere’s southern shore from Gummer’s How.
Tip: Park at the free Forestry England car park off Fell Foot Brow, but make sure to arrive early on weekends and in the summer because it fills up fast!
Moderate: Old Man of Coniston summit loop from Coniston Village
One of the most popular Wainwrights* in the Lakes, the Old Man of Coniston is a classic fell in the south Lakes. Climbing to the top gives you sweeping views over Coniston Water and the surrounding fells (it really is beautiful, especially on a clear day).
The route also passes through the remnants of the old copper mines and slate quarries before reaching Low Water Tarn. A steep but well-pitched zigzag path then leads you up to the summit.
Good for: Hikers with some fell walking experience and a decent level of fitness.
Highlight: Exploring the copper mining ruins and the view of Low Water Tarn.
Tip: We suggest starting from Coniston village (plenty of parking options) and taking the Coppermines Valley path up. It’s more interesting than the direct tourist path and passes the old mine workings (although you can park at Walna Scar if you want to make the route shorter). Brim Fell is also a great extension from the summit if you have energy to spare!
*A Wainwright is any of the 214 fells in the Lake District documented by Alfred Wainwright in his series of seven illustrated walking guides, published between 1955 and 1966. Bagging all 214 is a popular challenge among walkers!
Hard: Old Man of Coniston, Swirl How, and Wetherlam loop from Walna Scar
If the Old Man on its own isn’t enough, this loop takes in two of the other Coniston Fells in one go: Swirl How and Wetherlam.
Starting from the Walna Scar road rather than Coniston village means you’re already up at height before setting off, and the ridge walking between the summits is excellent. The Saddlestone Mill ruins on the way up are worth stopping at too – a reminder of the area’s industrial past.
Good for: Experienced walkers who’ve already done the Old Man and want a full day of walking in the fells. The route is mostly on clear paths, but the terrain is rougher between summits. Good navigation is important if the clouds roll in (which, let’s be honest, is pretty common in the Lake District).
Highlight: The ridge between Swirl How and Wetherlam, where the views open out across the Langdale Pikes to the north and down over Coniston Water to the south.
Tip: Go clockwise to tackle the Old Man first while your legs are fresh, then enjoy the ridge to Swirl How and Wetherlam on the return.
Top hikes in the Lake District in the Central Lakes
Easy: Helm Crag loop from Grasmere
Helm Crag is the little rocky fell you can see from Grasmere village. It’s a pretty odd-shaped summit that stands out because of its distinctive rocky outcrop. Known as “The Lion and the Lamb”, it’s a jagged cluster of rocks that (from the right angle) looks uncannily like a lion lying next to a lamb.
This route starts with a steep climb, but because it’s fairly short overall, we’ve still classed it as an easy walk. You also get beautiful views back over the village and lake almost immediately, making the steep uphill worth it!
It’s a good walk to do straight from the village after breakfast, and you’re back in time for lunch (but it’s best to pack food and snacks in case it takes longer than planned, especially with children in tow).
Good for: Beginners and families with kids old enough to handle a bit of rocky ground.
Highlight: The Lion and the Lamb rock formation on the summit ridge.
Fun fact: The true summit of Helm crag is a shark-fin slab of rock called “The Howitzer”. It requires a little scramble to get to it, but this is optional – Alfred Wainwright never made it to the top either, so don’t feel obliged.
Moderate: Blea Tarn, Side Pike, and Lingmoor Fell loop
A short but hilly loop in the Langdale Valley that starts at Blea Tarn. From there, you head up an easy scramble to Side Pike and walk the ridge of Lingmoor Fell with the Pikes right in front of you the whole way.
The views make it one of the best half-days in the central Lakes, especially with the Langdale Pikes reflected in Blea Tarn on a still day.
Good for: Walkers with some hill experience looking for a shorter day with good views.
Highlight: Outstanding views of the Langdale Pikes.
Tip: The Side Pike scramble is really fun but easy to skip if you’d rather avoid it (there’s a clear path around it).
Hard: Striding Edge, Helvellyn, and Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding
Striding Edge is a narrow rocky ridge with steep drops on both sides, so it’s not the place for anyone who doesn’t like heights. But if you’re comfortable with it, the route over Helvellyn via Striding Edge and back down Swirral Edge is as good as it gets in the Lake District!
Expect a long day with a lot of ascent and some hands-on scrambling – the summit at 950m is England’s third highest point.
Good for: Walkers who are fit, experienced, and fine with exposure. If you’re unsure whether heights are a problem for you, this isn’t the walk to find out!
Highlight: Climb England’s 3rd highest via an amazing scramble.
Tip: Striding Edge gets really busy on the weekends and during the summer, so much so that there’s sometimes a queue on the ridge. Get to the start of the route early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scramble without having to wait your turn.
Epic Lake District hikes in the North Lakes
Easy: Catbells and Derwent Water loop
Catbells (or Cat Bells) is a classic Lake District fell. This hike delivers on the goods (by which we mean epic views) but is generally achievable for most people.
It’s a lovely ridge above Derwentwater (you can spot it from Keswick) with views that open up quickly to the North fells skyline. The loop back along the lake shore is a nice way to finish, and you can head to Keswick for brunch at Lake Road Brunch or a burger at The Round to celebrate!
Good for: All ages and people who are new to hiking but want epic views. We’ve seen young children get up it regularly (and often faster than a lot of adults).
Highlight: The view from the Catbells summit over Derwentwater, with Borrowdale stretching away to the south and the bulk of Skiddaw filling the horizon to the north.
Tip: Take the Keswick Launch ferry to Hawes End rather than trying to park near the start of the trail. Trust us when we say it makes everything easier because there’s so much more parking in Keswick.
You can check the times and prices for the Keswick Launch Ferry here.
Moderate: Scales Tarn and Blencathra loop
Granted, Blencathra is a big, imposing fell that looks intimidating from the road. However, the summit rewards you with some of the best views in the northern Lakes, including Sharp Edge (the classic grade one scramble).
This route takes you up to Scales Tarn first (a dark, moody tarn tucked under the crags) before the steep climb to the summit ridge.
Good for: Walkers who are fit and comfortable on steep, open hillside.
Highlight: The view of the Sharp Edge ridge from the summit of Blencathra.
Tip: When you’re walking up to Scales Tarn, keep an eye out for the old coaching road that cuts across the lower fell. It’s a nice flat section to catch your breath before the steep climb to the tarn!
Hard: Derwent Water Ferry and Catbells loop from Keswick
This route starts on the Catbells trail and keeps going past the summit, along the quieter ridge to Maiden Moor and High Spy. Then, you drop down into Borrowdale and up the small but satisfying rocky top of Castle Crag.
This hike has a bit of everything: hiking, ridge walking, a valley, a bit of scrambling, and a ferry ride home if you started in Keswick and hopped on the boat to Hawes End.
Good for: Walkers who want a longer day without anything too technical. The ridge beyond Cat Bells is much quieter than the main fell!
Highlight: The view back down the ridge from High Spy is one of the best in the northern Lakes. Derwentwater sits below you, Keswick in the distance, and Skiddaw fills the horizon. Heaven!
Tip: Stop at The Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden for a nice coffee and cake along the route.
Best routes for hikes in the Lake District in the West Lakes
Easy: Buttermere loop
This Buttermere loop is one of our favourites – a near-flat circuit of one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. The path goes through Burtness Wood and along the open shore with Haystacks and High Stile above you. It’s an easy walk, but the setting is incredible.
Good for: All ages and fitness abilities. If someone in your group can’t manage a big fell walk, bring them here!
Highlight: This route passes through the Hassness Tunnel, a short passage cut through a cliff right at the water’s edge that always catches people off guard.
Tip: Take a small torch for the Hassness Tunnel. It’s completely dark inside and there are often puddles on the floor.
Moderate: Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike circular
This Buttermere loop is one of our favourites – a near-flat circuit of one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. The path goes through Burtness Wood and along the open shore with Haystacks and High Stile above you. It’s an easy walk, but the setting is incredible.
Good for: All ages and fitness abilities. If someone in your group can’t manage a big fell walk, bring them here!
Highlight: This route passes through the Hassness Tunnel, a short passage cut through a cliff right at the water’s edge that always catches people off guard.
Tip: Take a small torch for the Hassness Tunnel. It’s completely dark inside and there are often puddles on the floor.
Moderate: Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike circular
Starting from Buttermere village, this route climbs up through Scarth Gap Pass before the path opens out onto Haystacks, Wainwright’s favourite fell! The summit is a maze of rocky outcrops and little tarns, with Innominate Tarn sitting quietly near the top where Wainwright’s ashes were scattered by his wife.
The route then passes Warnscale Bothy (worth a quick stop for the view of Buttermere framed through the window) and Dubs Hut Bothy before the descent over Fleetwith Pike brings you back down to the valley.
Good for: Walkers with some fell experience, comfortable on rough, pathless ground. There are several paths (especially around the summit plateau on Haystacks), so it’s easy to wander off route.
Highlight: Innominate Tarn, one of the most peaceful spots in the Lakes. Worth sitting at for a few minutes if the weather is good!
Tip: There are several rocky knolls on the summit of Haystacks, so check your map to make sure you’ve found the actual high point.
Hard: Scafell Pike loop from Wasdale
We couldn’t make a list of the best Lake District hikes and not include the tallest peak in England!
Starting from Wasdale Head, this route steadily climbs up to Scafell Pike. It’s pretty gruelling, mostly because of how long it takes. There’s a lot of steep ground and no real let-up until the stony summit plateau at 978m.
Good for: Experienced, fit walkers who know what a mountain day involves. Waterproofs, a map and compass, and a weather check before you leave are non-negotiable! Conditions change fast and the upper mountain is no place to be underprepared.
Highlight: Without wanting to sound too cliche, the summit. On a clear day you can see into Scotland, Wales, and Ireland – not many walks in England can offer that.
Tip: Wasdale is the most popular starting point for Scafell Pike, so expect to see other people on the trail! If you’d rather avoid the crowds, the approach from Great Langdale via Bowfell is a quieter and arguably more scenic alternative (although it’s much longer – an extra 10+km).
Incredible Lake District hikes in the East Lakes
Easy: Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Trail
A short woodland walk to the most famous waterfall in the Lake District, and with good reason! It’s a genuinely impressive sight, especially after rain.
Aira Force drops 65 feet through a rocky gorge with Victorian stone bridges framing it from above and below. The route continues upstream to the High Force before looping back. This route is easy, short and well worth an hour and a half of anyone’s time.
Good for: All ages, including young children. The National Trust maintains the paths well, so it’s a good first walk for anyone new to hiking or a nice leg-stretch on a day when you don’t want anything strenuous.
Highlight: Aside from the waterfall, the Victorian stone bridges that frame it are really cool. They were built in the 1840s by the Howard family of Greystoke Castle. On a misty morning with the water thundering through the gorge beneath them, they look like something out of a Gothic novel.
Tip: Come after a few days of rain if you can; the waterfall is at its best when the beck is running high.
Moderate: Ullswater, Sheffield Pike, and Glenridding Dodd loop from Glenridding
A brilliant half-day loop starting from Glenridding that most visitors walk straight past in favour of Helvellyn. For this reason, we’d say that this route is something of a hidden gem.
The route climbs through Glencoyne Wood (the woodland that inspired Wordsworth’s poem, “Daffodil”) before the steep pull up to Glenridding Dodd and the fine summit of Sheffield Pike. The views over Ullswater and across to the Helvellyn range are excellent, and a much quieter alternative to the busier routes nearby, so it’s a win-win.
Good for: Walkers with some fell experience who want good views without committing to a big day. The terrain is varied with some rocky sections and potentially boggy ground, so be sure to wear the right footwear.
Highlight: The view from Sheffield Pike over Ullswater, with the lake stretching out below and the Helvellyn range filling the horizon to the west.
Tip: Glencoyne Wood is particularly beautiful in late March and early April when the daffodils are out along the lakeshore.
Hard: Kentmere Horseshoe
A long horseshoe ridge walk above the Kentmere Valley that includes eight Wainwrights (that’s right – eight!). It’s a full day out and you’ll feel it by the end, but it’s a great route with sweeping views of the Lake District fells the entire way round.
Good for: Experienced walkers who are comfortable with a long day on exposed ground.
Highlight: Ticking off eight Wainwrights in one loop.
Tip: Park in Kentmere village and go anti-clockwise to tackle Ill Bell’s ridge early while your legs are fresh!
Time to go and find your favourite fell
That’s our pick of the best Lake District hikes: 15 routes that cover some of the finest walking in England. Whether you summit Scafell Pike and watch the clouds roll in from the west, or sit by Innominate Tarn on a quiet Wednesday with no one else around, you’ll understand pretty quickly why people keep coming back here.
If you’re planning a trip and want to know more about where to stay, where to eat, or what else to do in between walks, have a look at the rest of Lake District Hub. We cover some of the best food and drink in the Lake District, places to stay in the Lakes, and more, so you can make the most of your stay.