Best Walks in the Lake District
We’ve created detailed routes of some of the best Lake District walks. Discover walks and hiking for all skill levels below!Walking in the Lake District
Does the Lake District offer the best walking routes in the UK? We think so!
Stretching from Bassenthwaite in the north to Windermere in the south, the Lake District is an inspiring landscape of countryside, waters, mere’s, tarns and over 200 peaks ready to be conquered.
We’ve listed all the information you’ll need to get walking in the Lake District below.
Lake District Holidays
Experience the Lake District at Castlerigg Hall near Keswick and holiday your way with camping, touring, glamping or caravan hire.
Latest Walking Guide
Best Lake District Walking Routes
These detailed routes are packed with pictures, fun facts and clear steps of the walks!
Helvellyn 🥾🥾🥾
12km/7.7 miles, linear route
A challenging walk with over 900m/3000ft of ascent including a scramble along Striding Edge.
Walla Crag 🥾
1.6km/1 mile, circular route
Expect beautiful summit views for a relatively short walk! Ascent of 379m / 1243ft.
Castlerigg Stone Circle 🥾
5km/3 miles, circular route
A flat walk steeped in history towards the famous neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Haystacks 🥾🥾
7.5km/4.7 miles, circular route
Wainwright’s favourite, Haystacks is a varied walk with beautiful views over Buttermere.
CASTLERIGG HALL TO KESWICK SCENIC WALK
Find Castlerigg Hall Holiday Park in the north Lake District overlooking Derwentwater. There’s a delightful 25-minute walk down to Keswick through Springs Wood.
- Turn right out of the Castlerigg Hall entrance and head up the lane
- Follow the lane for about 500yds, then take the first footpath up the right
- Cross the wooden footbridge over Brockle Beck
- Swing right, following the path downstream
- Follow that path to the left of the beck, continue past turning for Great Wood
- This path eventually takes you onto Springs Road which leads into Keswick
Lake District Walking FAQs
What is the best walk in the Lake District?
- Coledale Horseshoe
- Skiddaw via Ullock Pike
- Pike O’ Stickle
- Catbells using Keswick Launch
- Scafell Pike from Borrowdale
- Haystacks from Buttermere
- Helvellyn
- Blencathra via Halls Ridge
Which Lake District lakes can you walk around?
Which Lake District lakes can you walk around?
The lakes in the Lake District which you can walk all the way around include:
- Ennerdale Water (11km)
- Derwent Water, start and finish in Keswick (15km)
- Buttermere (7km)
- Rydalwater (7.5km)
- Blelham Tarn (4.4km)
- Wast Water (12.7km)
- Thirlmere (15km)
What do you need for walking in the Lake District?
It is best to prepare for all possible types of weather when walking in the Lake District, so you should bring:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hiking boots and socks
- Hat and gloves
- Suncream
- Bug spray
- Plenty of water
- Provisions which won’t melt in your bag
- First aid kit
- Walking instructions
- Map and compass
- Hand sanitiser