Lake District
walks and walking in Cumbria
The Lake District
in Cumbria offers some of the best scenery in England for walkers
and hikers who enjoy the great outdoors, Cumbria has many footpaths
and bridalways open to the public, the choices are endless.
Below you will
find links and brief descriptions to all the walks we have in our
database, from scenic meanders around lakes and tarns, magnificent
scenery and views from mountain walks and leisurely strolls through
tiny hamlets and villages to the adventurous heights of Scafell
sumit.
Our routes are
easy to print off and take with you on your hike, we do however
advise that it would be best to take a map or official guide book
with you, check the weather too so you know what to expect during
the duration of your walk and what clothing you may need, stay safe
and enjoy the Lakes.
Walk name: Fairfield, near Grasmere
This walk starts from the village of Grasmere. From the centre of the village walk in the direction of Keswick (north) along the B5287
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 9 Miles
Walk name: Rydal Water, near Ambleside
Following the A591 from Ambleside towards Grasmere after about 2 miles there is a public carpark on your right hand side
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Helm Crag, near Grasmere
Starting from Easedale Road in Grasmere follow the road out of the village and cross over Easedale Beck
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 8 Miles
Walk name: Easedale Tarn, near Grasmere
Starting from Easedale Road in Grasmere follow the road out of the village and cross over Easedale Beck
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Alcock Tarn, near Grasmere
Following the B5287 from the village of Grasmere, as the road crosses the river Rothay take the right-of-way on the right hand side up to the A591
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Great Langdale, near Ambleside
Follow the A593 for about two miles from Ambleside to Skelwith Bridge, take the B5343 for about three miles and park in one of the car parks at New Dungeon Ghyll.
Leaving the car park walk past the hotel through an open field looking for a gap in the stone wall
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Pike of Blisco, near Ambleside
Follow the A593 for about two miles from Ambleside to Skelwith Bridge, take the B5343 for about three miles and park in one of the car parks at New Dungeon Ghyll.
From the car park cross over the river and turn right, then immediately left up a small narrow road
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 5 Miles
Walk name: Elterwater to Grasmere, near Ambleside
Follow the A593 for about two miles from Ambleside to Skelwith Bridge, take the B5343 for about a mile and a half and then turn into the village and you can park in the car park by the vehicle bridge over the Great Langdale Beck.
Go over the vehicle bridge and turn right along a tarred road then drop down to the right looking for the footpath sign which leads you along by the river
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Elterwater, near Ambleside
Follow the A593 for about two miles from Ambleside to Skelwith Bridge, take the B5343 for about a mile and a half and then turn into the village and you can park in the car park by the vehicle bridge over the Great Langdale Beck.
Leave the car park and cross over the vehicle bridge, looking for the sign for Eltermere Country House Hotel, just after this sign another road goes off the right
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 6 Miles
Walk name: Red Screes, near Ambleside
From the square in Ambleside, by the old market cross, go up North Road, go over the bridge over Stock Ghyll
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 8 Miles
Walk name: Sweden Bridge, near Ambleside
From the square in Ambleside, by the old market cross, go up North Road, go over the bridge over Stock Ghyll
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Ambleside to Troutbeck, near Ambleside
This walk starts from Central Square in Ambleside behind Barclays Bank. Follow the road which gently swings left then right as you approach the tree lined Stock Ghyll
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Stockghyll Force, near Ambleside
This walk starts from central square in Ambleside behind Barclays Bank. Follow the road which gently swings left then right as you approach the tree lined Stock Ghyll
Grade: 4 Approximate length: 2 Miles
Walk name: Loughrigg, near Ambleside
Park in Rydal Road car park in Ambleside, leave the car park turning left along the main road, then turn left into Stoney Lane and at the end of Stoney Lane walk along the tarred footpath past the playing fields to Miller Bridge
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Orrest Head, near Windermere
This walk starts opposite the Windermere Tourist Information Centre. Cross over the road (A591)
turning to the left looking for the signpost for the footpath to Orrest Head.
Follow the signpost up the road continuing to the right of the fork uphill
Grade: 4 Approximate length: 3 Miles
Walk name: Bowness Circular Walk, near Bowness
Opposite St Martin's church in Bowness is Kendal Road, as you get onto Kendal Road there is a steep hill on your left called Brantfell Road
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Brant Fell, near Bowness
Opposite St Martin's church in Bowness is Kendal Road, as you get onto Kendal Road there is a steep hill on your left called Brantfell Road
Grade: 4 Approximate length: 2 Miles
Walk name: Skiddaw, near Keswick
Drive north from Keswick on the A591 towards Carlisle, after passing the roundabout, take the first road to the right up to the foot of the hill looking for a road on the right signposted for Skiddaw
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 8 Miles
Walk name: Lonscale Crags, near Keswick
Drive north from Keswick on the A591 towards Carlisle, after passing the roundabout, take the first road to the right up to the foot of the hill looking for a road on the right signposted for Skiddaw
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Latrigg, near Keswick
Drive north from Keswick on the A591 towards Carlisle, after passing the roundabout, take the first road to the right up to the foot of the hill looking for a road on the right signposted for Skiddaw
Grade: 4 Approximate length: 3 Miles
Walk name: Brundholme Wood, near Keswick
From Station Street in Keswick continue along Station Road, over the river Greta, keeping right at the junction with Fitz Park on the right
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 6 Miles
Walk name: Castlerigg Stone Circle, near Keswick
From the centre of Keswick head for the railway bridge, after passing under the bridge turn right up a flight of steps onto the old railway line
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Castlehead Wood, near Keswick
Starting at the Tourist Information Centre in Keswick, head south down St John's Street for about half a mile, turn right at Springs Road
Grade: 4 Approximate length: 2 Miles
Walk name: Derwent Water and Walla Crag, near Keswick
This walk begins at the car park at Lake Road in Keswick. Walk past the jetties through the wooded area to Friar's Crag turning right, crossing a grassy area ahead
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 6 Miles
Walk name: Thirlmere, near Keswick
Drive south from Keswick along the A591 towards Ambleside. After about 7 miles at the top of the long hill in front of you there are car parks on both sides of the road, park in the right hand one if there is room (this one overlooks Thirlmere)
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 5 Miles
Walk name: Grisedale Pike, near Keswick
Drive west from Keswick along the A66 towards Cockermouth, after two miles turn left into the B5292 for Braithwaite
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 8 Miles
Walk name: Keswick to Newlands Beck, near Keswick
Walking in a westerly direction from the centre of Keswick along the main road, turn left after crossing Greta Bridge onto a tarred track signposted Portinscale
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 8 Miles
Walk name: Cat Bells and Derwent Water, near Keswick
Drive from Keswick on the A66 to Portinscale, pass through the village along the road signposted for Grange
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 6 Miles
Walk name: Rosthwaite Watendlath and Stonethwaite, near Keswick
Drive south of Keswick along the B5289 for Borrowdale, for about 6 miles, turn into the village and park in the car park
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 6 Miles
Walk name: Rosthwaite, near Keswick
Drive along the B5289 from Keswick to Borrowdale, turn into the village turning right to the car park
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Seatoller, near Keswick
Drive south from Keswick along the B5289 for approximately 7 miles to Borrowdale, park in the village
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 3 Miles
Walk name: Glaramara, near Keswick
Drive south from Keswick along the B5289 towards Borrowdale for approximately 7 miles to the foot of Honister Pass at the village of Seatoller
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 10 Miles
Walk name: Grey Knotts, near Keswick
Drive approximately ten miles along the B5289 from Keswick towards Buttermere, up Honister Pass and park in the car park by the Youth Hostel
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Hay Stacks, near Buttermere
This walk starts from the car park at Gatesgarth Farm at the eastern end of Buttermere. Walk away from the lake along the public road until you reach the sign for the public footpath on the right hand side of the road, follow this footpath into the valley of Warnscale Bottom, which is engulfed by high peaks and rock faces.
Here you will have two choices, take the footpath on the left of Warnscale Beck, which climbs gradually across a slope with small trees
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 6 Miles
Walk name: Buttermere, near Buttermere
Park in Buttermere village and locate the Bridge Hotel near Mill Beck, then find the signpost for the entrance to Syke Farm, walk through the farm, through the gate at the far end of the buildings along the footpath ahead of you
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 5 Miles
Walk name: Nether How and Mill Beck, near Buttermere
Park in the village of Buttermere and locate the Bridge Hotel. Go down the road next to the hotel keeping to the right hand side of the Fish Hotel
Grade: 4 Approximate length: 2 Miles
Walk name: Crummock Water, near Buttermere
Drive west from Keswick on A66 towards Cockermouth, take the B5292 through Braithwaite Village over Whinlatter Pass to Lorton Vale, follow the signs for Buttermere along the B5289 for two miles and at the junction continue straight for Loweswater for about a mile and park in the Lanthwaite Wood car park.
Leave the car park through the gate and follow the footpath through the wooded area next to the river
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 9 Miles
Walk name: Loweswater, near Buttermere
Drive west from Keswick on A66 towards Cockermouth, take the B5292 through Braithwaite Village over Whinlatter Pass to Lorton Vale, follow the signs for Buttermere along the B5289 for two miles and at the junction continue straight for Loweswater for about three miles to a car park on the left of the road at the end of Loweswater.
From the far end of the car park go through the gate, signposted for public footpath
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Kentmere to Longsleddale, near Windermere
Follow the A591 from Windermere and turn left into Staveley, follow this road until you reach an intersection on the left leading to Kentmere
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 6 Miles
Walk name: Kentmere, near Windermere
Follow the A591 from Windermere and turn left into Staveley, follow this road until you reach an intersection on the left leading to Kentmere
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 5 Miles
Walk name: Tarn Hows, near Hawkshead
Drive along the A593 from Ambleside towards Coniston, about a mile along this road turn left onto the B5286 for Hawkshead for about three miles, then turn right onto the B5285 for Coniston
Grade: 3/4 Approximate length: 2/5 Miles
Walk name: Tarn Hows to Coniston, near Hawkshead
Drive along the A593 from Ambleside towards Coniston, about a mile along this road turn left onto the B5286 for Hawkshead for about three miles, then turn right onto the B5285 for Coniston
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 5 Miles
Walk name: Coniston Mines, near Coniston
This walk starts in the centre of Coniston. Walk up the road next to the Co-op for approximately a mile until you reach the sign for Coppermines Youth Hostel
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: The Old Man of Coniston, near Coniston
This walk starts in the centre of Coniston. Walk up the road next to the Co-op until the road ends and the track goes left next to Church Beck, looking for the bridge over the river, cross over and turn right.
This footpath now climbs uphill away from the river to a junction with another footpath, turn right here and continue climbing
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Beacon Tarn, near Coniston
Drive south from Coniston towards Torver along the A593, then turn left on the A5084, after two miles Brown Howe car park is on the left
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 5 Miles
Walk name: Dodgson Wood to High Nibthwaite, near Coniston
Drive along the B5285 eastwards from Coniston, then take the first right down the eastern edge of the lake
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Pooley Bridge Ullswater and High Street, near Ullswater
Starting from Pooley Bridge Village in the car park next to the River Eamont, at the edge of the car park there is a footpath down to the lake, follow this for a short distance until you reach a three way junction, take the far right footpath.
As the lake comes into view, there is another split in the footpath, from this point you should head to the gate behind the small building on the shore, beyond the gate is a boat house, follow the footpath along the shoreline up to the campsite at Waterside turning left just before the house which will bring you to a public road.
Turn right onto the road for about half a mile until you reach the driveway signposted Cross Dormont, as you get nearer the buildings there is a footpath sign to the right
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 6 Miles
Walk name: Aira Force, near Ullswater
Aira Force is located on the A592, about halfway between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. Park in the car park at Aira Force and walk towards the back of the car park onto the footpath with the river on your right.
The footpath heads to the right through a gate in a wall over a little river, then splits, carry straight on dropping down over another bridge and up the steps on the other side and continue until you reach another split by a giant conifer
Grade: 4 Approximate length: 2 Miles
Walk name: Gowbarrow Fell, near Ullswater
Aira Force is located on the A592, about halfway between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. Park in the car park at Aira Force and walk towards the back of the car park onto the footpath with the river on your right.
The footpath heads to the right through a gate in a wall over a little river, then splits, carry straight on dropping down over another bridge and up the steps on the other side and continue until you reach another split by a giant conifer
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Dowthwaitehead, near Ullswater
This walk starts from Dockray, to reach Dockray from Ullswater drive along the A5091 for about a mile and find the car park
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 5 Miles
Walk name: Glenridding, near Ullswater
Park in the car park at Glenridding next to the Tourist Information Centre. Begin this walk by walking along Greenside Road which is next to Glenridding Beck
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Lantys Tarn, near Ullswater
Park in the car park at Glenridding, walk back to the main road and turn right over the beck looking for the road signposted Mires Beck
Grade: 4 Approximate length: 3 Miles
Walk name: Angle Tarn, near Ullswater
Park in the car park at the top end of the village of Hartsop. From the back of the car park follow the footpath signposted for Hayeswater
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Fusedale and Martindale, near Ullswater
Park in the car park on the right hand side of the road opposite the church just after Howtown, which is just 4 miles drive south of Pooley Bridge
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Heltondale, near Ullswater
Drive south from Penrith on the A6 until you reach the B5320, then take the first left onto the road for Haweswater until you reach Helton Village
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Mardale Loop, near Haweswater
Find parking in the main car park at the head of Haweswater. At the end of the road there is a junction of footpaths, take the footpath signposted Bampton, the footpath quickly drops down to a footbridge over Mardale Beck, cross the footbridge and turn right, then continue to the area of conifer trees and turn left, keeping the trees to your right
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 8 Miles
Walk name: Wet Sleddale, near Haweswater
About a mile south of Shap on the A6 turn right onto a minor road, which is signposted Wet Sleddale. Stay on this road for just over a mile until you reach a car park at the end of the dam
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Red Pike and Scoat Fell, near Wast_Water
On the northern side of Wast Water park in Overbeck car park, which is located at the foot of Overbeck
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 9 Miles
Walk name: Wast Water and Illgill Head, near Wast_Water
You can park in the National Trust car park at the nothern end of Wast Water, beyond the car park cross Lingmell Gill and follow the bridleway signs to Eskdale, carry on across the side of the hill with the stone wall on your right.
As you reach the watershed turn right along the remains of a broken down wall across the side of Illgill Head, keep walking beyond the peak along the ridge, cross the summit of Whin Rigg and drop down on the other side
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 10 Miles
Walk name: Nether Wasdale, near Wast_Water
Park in the village of Nether Wasdale, which is just three miles to the east of Gosforth. Walk along the road through the village in the direction of Wast Water
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 5 Miles
Walk name: Ravenglass, near Ravenglass
Park in the village car park, the footpath starts at the back of the car park crossing a railway line and station and continues for a short distance until it meets a rough road, turn right for about half a mile, passing the ruins of Walls Castle, continue along this rough road until just before a house there is a junction marked by yellow arrows, follow the path signposted Newtown Cottage.
Continue along this footpath for a short distance crossing over a small beck with a cottage in the distance
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 5 Miles
Walk name: Muncaster Fell, near Ravenglass
Drive along the A595 for about two miles east of Ravenglass. After you have crossed the River Esk take the first left and follow this minor road for about three miles and turn left at the T junction to Eskdale Green
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 8 Miles
Walk name: Eel Tarn and Burnmoor, near Eskdale
Find parking in the Dalegarth Station, about a mile outside of Boot in Eskdale. From the car park walk up to the top of the village until you reach the bridge over Whillan Beck
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 5 Miles
Walk name: Jubilee Bridge and Eskdale, near Eskdale
Park in the small car park near the flood plains of the River Esk, you can reach this car park from the Hardknott Pass
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Rothay Park, near Ambleside
This walk starts in the main car park at the north west end of Ambleside. Disabled parking spaces are available and are close to the entrance and toilets
Grade: 4 Approximate length: 1 Miles
Walk name: Great How, near Grasmere
Take the A591 from Grasmere towards Keswick up over Dunmail Raise and down the other side, with Thirlmere Reservoir on your left, continue along this road until you see the signs on the right for St John's in the Vale - ignore this and continue for another quarter of a mile and turn at the next left signed "Public Road round Lake"
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 2 Miles
Walk name: Skiddaw from Southerndale, near Keswick
This walk starts at High Side, which is not far from the village of Bassenthwaite, park beside the road - look for the signpost which points into the lower fields of Skiddaw
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 8 Miles
Walk name: Fell Side and High Pike, near Caldbeck
This walk starts from Fell Side, which is a tiny village on a minor road near Caldbeck. Parking is available near Fellside Farm
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Great Scar Fell, near Caldbeck
This walk starts at the bridge in Longlands, which is between the villages of Bassenthwaite and Caldbeck
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 8 Miles
Walk name: Carrock Fell, near Caldbeck
Drive along the road from Mosedale to Hesket Newmarket crossing the ford at Carrock Beck there are parking spaces next to the road on the other side of the beck
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 6 Miles
Walk name: Glenderaterra, near Keswick
This walk starts from Keswick in Brundholme Road turning right into Spooney Green Lane, cross the bridge which takes you over the A66 and passing a farmhouse
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 9 Miles
Walk name: Wansfell, near Ambleside
This walk starts behind the Market Hall on Stockghyll Lane in Ambleside. Start walking up this tarmac road and you will notice Stockghyll Force in the woods on the left until the track passes through a gate and becomes unsurfaced
Grade: 3 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Coffin Trail Route, near Ambleside
Park in the car park in Ambleside and head north out of the village towards Keswick along the A591 keeping on the left hand pavement
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 4 Miles
Walk name: Broughton Moor, near Coniston
This walk starts from Broughton Moor car park which can be accessed via the A593 from Torver and after approximately one mile turn right up the steep winding lane
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 2 Miles
Walk name: Hampsfell to Cartmel Priory, near Grange-over-Sands
The start of the walk is on a minor road off the B5271 near Lindale. There is a signpost on this road pointing to Hampsfield which indicates that there is no through road
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 7 Miles
Walk name: Humphrey Head, near Grange-over-Sands
This walk begins at the kissing gate at the entrance to the Field Centre, walk up the drive until you reach the gate into the Field Centre where you will find a sign indicating the direction the footpath takes along the headland.
Cross the grass with limestone outcrops for approximately 1 mile to Humphrey Head point, which offers excellent scenic panoramic views of Morecambe Bay
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 2 Miles
Walk name: Stock Ghyll Circular Walk, near Ambleside
This walk starts from the car park on the A591 opposite Old Lake road. Walk to the top of Old Lake Road then turn left into Blue Hill Road continuing between the houses until the road levels out
Grade: 2 Approximate length: 3 Miles
Walk name: Rydal Park Circular Walk, near Ambleside
Follow the A591 from Ambleside and just before the hamlet of Rydal turn left over Pelter Bridge to park your car
Grade: 1 Approximate length: 2 Miles
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