Top 10 Best Lake District Hikes of 2024
The Lake District, nestled in the picturesque northwest region of England, is a haven for hiking enthusiasts. With its stunning landscapes, serene lakes, and rugged fells, the Lake District offers a plethora of hiking opportunities for all skill levels. Here’s why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular destination for walkers and hikers.
The Allure of the Lake District
The Lake District’s charm lies in its natural beauty. The craggy peaks, sheep-strewn valleys, dry stone walls, and glistening lakes of the Fells are best seen on foot. Thanks to the beautiful lakes, impressive mountains, gushing waterfalls, and charming villages, the Lake District attracts millions of visitors every year from all over the globe.
Variety of Trails
The Lake District offers hundreds of paths to explore, ranging from gentle strolls around glistening lakes to hardy hikes high up in the Fells. Lakeland writer Alfred Wainwright documented routes up 214 mountains, ranging from the diminutive 290-metre Castle Crag to Scafell Pike at 978 metres. This variety ensures that there’s a trail for every hiker, regardless of their skill level.
Accessibility and Facilities
The Lake District is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its accessibility and excellent facilities for hikers. There are numerous guided walks available, led by volunteers who are passionate about the Lake District. These guides share intriguing stories about the places you pass through, making the hike even more enjoyable.
In this guide
When i set out to create a top 10 list of the best hikes in the Lake District, it was no easy feat, due to several reasons:
Variety of Trails: The Lake District offers a vast array of hikes, each with its unique charm. From gentle strolls around glistening lakes to hardy hikes high up in the Fells, the variety makes it difficult to narrow down to just 10.
Differing Skill Levels: Hikes in the Lake District cater to a wide range of skill levels. Some trails are suitable for beginners, while others are more suited for experienced hikers. Ranking them can be subjective as it depends on the hiker’s skill level.
Scenic Diversity: Each trail offers different scenic views, from breathtaking lakes to towering peaks. The preference for these views can vary greatly among individuals, making it hard to create a universally agreed-upon list.
Length and Difficulty: The length and difficulty of the hikes can vary significantly. Some hikes are short and easy, while others are long and challenging. This diversity makes it tough to compare and rank the hikes.
Seasonal Variations: The experience of hiking can change with the seasons. A trail that is spectacular in spring might not offer the same experience in winter. This seasonal variation adds another layer of complexity to selecting the hikes.
Personal Preferences: Personal preferences play a significant role. Some hikers might prefer serene lake walks, while others might enjoy challenging mountain climbs. These preferences can greatly influence the ranking of the hikes.
Given all of this, I’ve selected a variety of routes to suit all levels, from beginner to more experienced in difficulty. Some of these walks are located in mountainous terrain, others more moderate, with easier going trails.
Plus…I’ve included a few useful tips on how to plan your visit to the Lake District.
Please note that with very changeable weather conditions in the Lake District, you should always be prepared before you venture out.
Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head
Distance: 7.8 miles / 12.6km
Elevation Gain: 3,436 feet / 1,047m
Difficulty: Moderate
Scafell Pike is a must-do hike for its status as the highest peak in England, its breathtaking scenery, and sense of achievement. It’s simply an unforgettable experience that truly celebrates the beauty and majesty of the Lake District landscape.
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, standing at an elevation of 978 meters (3,209 feet) above sea level. The mountain is part of the Scafell massif, an inactive volcano, and is one of the Southern Fells.
Hiking Routes There are several popular walking routes leading to the summit of Scafell Pike, each offering a distinct experience. The shortest route, spanning less than 3 miles, can be completed in just 2-3 hours, while the longest requires an entire day of hiking. The reward for reaching the summit is twofold: awe-inspiring panoramic views of massive boulders, craggy flanks, and immense ravines, and the satisfaction of reaching the country’s highest point.
Please note that the routes marked are indicative especially when the trails head over rocky summits and ledges. None are easy, with each involving at least 900 metres of ascent in rugged mountain terrain. Yet all offer a different experience and the satisfaction of ascending the highest mountain in England.
Highlights: England’s highest peak, stunning views of surrounding fells
Route: The route starts at Wasdale Head and heads up to Lingmell Col before ascending the steep slope to the summit.
Terrain: Rocky and challenging, with some scree sections.
Views: Panoramic views of the Lake District fells and valleys.
Why Scafell Pike is so popular…
Shortest and Easiest Route: This route is the shortest and most direct ascent to Scafell Pike, making it the easiest of all the choices. It’s uphill almost the entire way, covering only 3.5 miles (6m) each way
Part of the Three Peaks Challenge: This route is the usual three peaks route up Scafell Pike, making it a must-do for those taking on this challenge.
Beautiful Scenery: Despite its popularity, it’s still an interesting ascent to England’s highest mountain. The route offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of massive boulders, craggy flanks, and immense ravines.
Sense of Achievement: The satisfaction of reaching the country’s highest point is a significant draw for hikers.
Facilities: There are facilities such as a pub and toilets at Wasdale Head, and a campsite and catering van at Wastwater, adding to the convenience of this route.
2. Helvellyn via Striding Edge
Distance: 7.5 miles / 12km
Elevation Gain: 2,831 feet / 863m
Difficulty: Hard
Helvellyn is one of the most recognisable and sought after mountains in the Lake District located between Thirlmere and Ullswater Lakes. At 950m in elevation, it is the highest peak in the Helvellyn range. Flanking the summit to the southeast is Striding Edge and to the northeast is Swirral Edge. There is a small lake situated between these two ridges called Red Tarn.
Striding Edge Striding Edge is one of England’s most iconic Grade 1 scrambles. This adrenalin-filled route feels like a knife-edge clamber up the ridge. For maximum exposure, you can take the direct line up over the top of Striding Edge. The ridge is easy to begin with, and if you test yourself on it here, you’ll be more mentally prepared for the harder sections further on. Alternatively, there is a slightly lower route on the right-hand side which is less challenging and a little more shielded.
Swirral Edge Swirral Edge is generally considered simpler than Striding Edge but is still testing, especially when it’s wet, with significant drops on the left into Brown Cove. After this, retrace your steps back down Mires Beck to Glenridding village.
This Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge hiking trail is a 13km (8 miles) long circular route. Depending on your speed, how long it takes to walk along Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, and how long you’re spending on top of Helvellyn, this route could take between 5 to 7 hours to complete.
Please note that this trail is not ideal for beginners and should only be attempted by those with the appropriate skills and some mountain scrambling experience. These ridges are very technical, narrow, and steep with sudden drops on both sides.
Highlights: Iconic ridge walk, thrilling scrambles, panoramic views
Route: Begins at Glenridding and takes the challenging Striding Edge ridge up to Helvellyn’s summit.
Terrain: Narrow ridges with steep drops, requiring good weather and scrambling experience.
Views: Overlooks Thirlmere, Ullswater, and Red Tarn.
Why Helvellyn Via Striding Edge is so popular…
Iconic Route: Striding Edge is a narrow ridge that rises and falls with steep drops on either side. It tests the nerves, but the rewards are an adventure with breathtaking views.
Scrambling Experience: This particular trail involves some Grade 1 scrambling, both on Striding Edge, and then on Swirral Edge, which adds an element of fun and challenge to the hike
Bucket-List Destination: At 950m, Helvellyn is the third-highest peak in the Lake District. Climbing it is on many walkers’ bucket-lists
Stunning Views: As you climb higher, the landscape becomes more magnificent, and the views get better and better
Accessibility: Its central location within the Lake District and easy accessibility make Helvellyn a popular choice for hill walkers
Variety of Routes: If you don’t fancy taking on Striding Edge, don’t worry…there are a variety of alternative routes available to reach Helvellyn summit, as you can see here on OS Maps.
Find the Helvellyn Via Striding Edge hike digital route here from OS Maps
3. The Old Man of Coniston
Distance: 8.46km / 7.53 miles
Elevation Gain: 750.53m / 2,462 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking down from the Old Man of Coniston towards Levers Water
The Old Man of Coniston is a fell located in the Furness Fells of the Lake District in Cumbria, England. It stands as the highest point of the historic county of Lancashire, reaching a height of approximately 802.42 meters (2,632.62 feet).
This fell is situated to the west of the village of Coniston and the lake, Coniston Water. It is one of the higher fells in the Lake District and is known for its breathtaking views of Coniston Water, Morecambe Bay, and much of the southern Lake District.
The Old Man of Coniston is one of my favourite of all Lake District walks, due to its rugged beauty, magnificent views, and historical significance.
Highlights: Historic copper mines, sweeping vistas of Coniston Water
Route: There are two primary routes:
Low Water Route: Heading north from Walna Scar, this path is steep but picturesque. It lacks flat ground, and demands continuous effort
Goat’s Water Route: Heading west from Walna Scar, this longer, flatter option is popular with dog walkers, being more gentler both on ascent and descent.
Terrain: Well-trodden paths with some steep sections.
Views: Coniston Water, surrounding peaks, and on clear days, the Isle of Man.
Alfred Wainwright, in his book “A Pictorial Guide to the Lakland Fells,” eloquently describes the Old Man: “His tears are shed quietly into Low Water and Goats Water, two splendid tarns, whence, in due course…find their way into Coniston’s lake, and there bathe his ancient feet.”
Why The Old Man of Coniston is so popular…
Natural Beauty and Historical Intrigue: The hike offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making it a unique experience
Variety of Routes: There are multiple walking routes to the summit, each offering a different experience. The circular hike is a favourite for its comprehensive experience of the landscape
Challenging Terrain: At 2,633 feet (803 meters), Coniston Old Man is one of the higher fells in the Lake District. The terrain is challenging, testing the endurance of hikers
Mining History: The paths leading to the summit are steeped in mining history, adding a unique element to the Coniston Fells adventure
Picturesque Views: The hike offers stunning views of tarns, valleys, and the landscape of the Lake District
Accessibility: The hike is suited to those with intermediate hiking proficiency. With proper preparation, most people of average fitness can hike the Old Man
Find the Old Man of Coniston hike digital route here from OS Maps
4. Catbells (from Hawes End)
Distance: 8.46km / 5.3 miles
Elevation gain: 629.39m / 2,064 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate
Photo (Copyright) Holly Brega, taken from The Outdoor Guide
Catbells is a gem of a hike, that captivates both seasoned adventurers and beginners alike. With its epic vistas as you ascend along the ridge line, and relatively short duration, Catbells delivers all the beauty of a longer hike, making it ideal for those seeking a half-day adventure.
The trail starts at Hawes End and quickly opens out to a clear footpath up to Catbells summit. The path is well formed and easy to follow, offering great views as it zig-zags up to the ridge. Just before the ridge is a small scramble which can be mitigated by following the path to the left.
Once above this small scramble, you’ll see the ridgeline. Take your time to soak up the panoramic views which get better and better as you head towards the summit. With the lake and fells surrounding this beautiful ridge, it’s easy to see why this is a Lakeland favourite.
Highlights: Family-friendly, excellent views of Derwentwater
Route: Begins at Hawse End, ascending Catbells with a gentle ridge walk.
Terrain: Family-friendly with some minor scrambles.
Views: Derwentwater, Keswick, and Skiddaw.
Why the Catbells hike is so popular…
Stunning Views: The hike offers panoramic views over Keswick, Derwent Water, and Skiddaw
Accessible Adventure: The hike is one of the more accessible fell walks in the Lake District, making it a favorite among visitors. It’s suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels
Short Duration: The walk is a great choice for a half-day adventure
Challenging Terrain: Despite its accessibility, the hike includes some steep sections and a short rocky patch that require a reasonable head for heights
Natural Beauty: The route takes you past forests and through the beautiful English countryside
Proximity to Keswick: Its location close to the busy town of Keswick makes it easily accessible
5. Fairfield Horseshoe
Distance: 16km / 10 miles
Elevation Gain: 996m / 3,267 feet
Difficulty: Advanced
Photo (Copyright) The Outdoor Guide
The Fairfield Horseshoe is a classic circular mountain hike that starts and finishes in Ambleside. This hike offers some stunning panoramic views of the surrounding fells and lakes, including Windermere and Grasmere.
The concept of a horseshoe walk involves climbing a succession of peaks in a continuous circuit. Encircling the deep, south-facing U-shaped valley of Rydal, Fairfield Horseshoe comprises of 8 individual peaks. Their steep slopes on both sides create a distinct and identifiable appearance.
Highlights: Classic ridge walk, views of Ambleside and Rydal
Route: Starts in Ambleside, circling around the fells to create a horseshoe shape.
Terrain: A mix of rocky paths and grassy slopes.
Views: Windermere, Rydal Water, and Grasmere
Why the Fairfield Horseshoe hike is so popular…
Summit and Ridge views: The Fairfield Horseshoe’s summit commands views of shimmering lakes and dramatic peaks. As you ascend, the ridges unfold, punctuated by the 8 peaks.
Once on the main ridge, the vistas become even more spectacular. the Lake District’s beauty surrounds you, making this horseshoe a Lakeland favourite.
Challenges and Terrain: Whilst there are no exposed edges or technical difficulties, the Fairfield Horseshoe covers almost 1,000 metres of ascent. It’s a challenging walk, especially if you’re not accustomed to mountain hiking.
Anticlockwise Route:
To navigate the horseshoe efficiently, it’s best to walk it anticlockwise. Start from Ambleside and ascend the south-east ridge of Nab Scar.
The path zigzags up to the ridge, offering great views. Just before the ridge, a small scramble awaits, which can be mitigated by following the left path.
The main ridge provides fine high-level walking with minimal ascent and descent once you’ve gained its crests.
6. Langdale Pikes
Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 790m / 2591 feet
Difficulty: Advanced
Photo (Copyright) Visit Lake District Cumbria
The Langdale Pikes are some of the most recognizable peaks in the Lake District. They are known for their distinctive steep slopes and knobbly summits, which provide some of the best views in the Lakes.
The Pikes consist of five separate peaks:
Pavey Ark
Thunacar Knott
Pike of Stickle
Harrison Stickle
Loft Crag
These peaks dominate the northern side of Great Langdale. Despite not boasting any records, their rugged landscape offers a playground of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and wild swimming.
The most popular and best Langdale Pikes walking route is from New Dungeon Ghyll. The path rises steeply for an hour up to Stickle Tarn, a beautifully positioned lake sitting under the towering craggy face of Pavey Ark. The trail then winds its way around the steepest section of rock to arrive at the summit. The walk continues over the other four summits, which despite their rugged look from below, seem little more than tiny hillocks from the top.
The Langdale Pikes are a part of the Great Langdale, a picturesque valley nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park in northwest England1. The valley stretches from Skelwith Bridge near Ambleside in the east to the majestic peaks of Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell in the west
Highlights: Rugged terrain, picturesque Langdale Valley.
Route: Begins at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, ascending Pavey Ark via Jack’s Rake.
Terrain: Steep and rugged with some scrambling.
Views: Langdale Valley and across to Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.
Why the Langdale Pikes are so popular…
Distinctive Peaks: The hike includes four distinctive and impressive peaks, providing a challenging and exhilarating mountain experience.
Breathtaking Views: The hike offers stunning views of the Lake District’s landscapes, including glistening waterfalls, vast moorland, and craggy rock.
Outdoor Adventures: The hike offers a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, ghyll scrambling, and hiking.
Accessibility: The hike is easily accessible, with the most popular route starting from New Dungeon Ghyll.
Duration: The most popular Langdale Pikes circular walk typically takes between 4 – 6 hours to complete.
7. Haystacks
Distance: 7.32km / 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 597m / 1,958 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Photo (Copyright) taken from Trip Advisor
The Haystacks Walk is a gem of the Lake District, offering views across the rugged terrain of surrounding mountains, Buttermere, and the nearby Honister Pass. This hike, offers something for everyone, including for families with young children, but there are sections that require the use of hands for stability. If going with kids, you can do the walk in reverse and walk up to Haystacks and back the same way, which will help you to avoid the challenging bits.
The summit area of Haystacks is characterized by an array of rocky knolls, hidden tarns, and offers stupendous views
Highlights: Favourite of author Alfred Wainwright, Innominate Tarn.
Route: Starts at Gatesgarth, passing Buttermere Lake and ascending to Haystacks.
Terrain: Varied with rocky outcrops and small tarns.
Views: Buttermere, Crummock Water, and High Stile ridge.
Why the Haystacks hike is so popular…
Sensational Views: The hike offers sensational views across the rugged terrain of surrounding mountains, Buttermere, and the nearby Honister Pass. It also provides peaceful views over Buttermere and Crummock Water.
Varied Landscape: The trail is varied and fun, with a mix of gravel and some large smooth stones, which are a bit like paving. It also includes fun scrambly sections.
Short Detours: The hike has several short detours that lead to hidden bothies, secret infinity pools, and stunning mountain top tarns. You can check it out for yourself here on YouTube.
Historical Significance: Haystacks is known for its historical significance as it was the favourite fell of Alfred Wainwright, a famous British fellwalker, guidebook author and illustrator. His ashes were scattered here, adding to the fell’s popularity.
Accessibility and Duration: The hike is relatively short at approx. 4.5 miles (7km) circuit, and takes about 2.5/3.5 hours to complete. It starts from the Gatesgarth car park, making it easily accessible.
8. Blencathra and Skiddaw
Distance: 22.88km / 14.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,554m / 5,100 feet
Difficulty: Advanced
Photo (Copyright) Jonner Robinson, taken from AllTrails
The Blencathra and Skiddaw hike is a remarkable journey that stitches together two of the most recognisable peaks in the Lake District, potentially forming one of the best mountain routes in England.
Route Description The hike begins at Threlkeld, a walkers’ village nestled at the foot of Blencathra. From there, you follow a footpath northeast out of the village towards Gategill. You’ll notice the fine line up the mountain that is Hall’s Fell Ridge. After crossing a shallow ford, take the left-hand path. This track zigzags its way into the sky, gradually narrowing and forming rock bands. The ridge is fun, particularly in dry conditions.
The summit of Blencathra is at the very head of the ridge. From the summit, you can see the Dodds leading on towards Helvellyn1. To the southwest, Derwentwater is partially visible, and beyond that, the high stuff surrounding the Scafell massif way in the distance.
After savouring the moment at the summit, turn north. You’ll descend into the grassy col of Blencathra, passing a tiny tarn on your way1. Then, you’ll head very slightly east of north and descend into the grassy col of Blencathra, passing a tiny tarn on your way.
Next, you’ll head towards Skiddaw, the higher and larger of the two mountains. The route to Skiddaw is more scenic and meandering, taking you through the pleasant valley of the Glenderaterra Beck. The descent from Skiddaw is a bit more direct, allowing you to enjoy fabulous views south across Keswick and Derwent Water.
Why the Blencathra and Skiddaw hike is so popular…
Recognizable Peaks: Blencathra and Skiddaw are two of the most recognizable peaks in the Lake District, making the hike a must-do for many visitors.
Variety of Routes: The hike offers a variety of routes catering to different interests and abilities. For instance, Blencathra is known for its accommodating nature, with a way up for every interest and ability.
Stunning Views: The hike provides stunning views of the southern Lake District, including the Dodds leading on towards Helvellyn, and the high stuff surrounding the Scafell massif way in the distance. The descent from Skiddaw offers fabulous views south across Keswick and Derwent Water.
Quietness: The hike offers a sense of tranquility, especially in the far northern fells, which are often less crowded.
Unique Experience: The hike allows you to sample the ‘Back o’ Skiddaw’, a unique experience that is highly appreciated by hikers.
Challenging Ascent: The hike offers a challenging ascent, providing a sense of accomplishment for those who complete it
Natural Beauty: The hike takes you through the pleasant valley of the Glenderaterra Beck, adding to the scenic beauty of the route.
9. Great Gable (The Climbers’ Traverse)
Distance: 10.5km / 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1130m / 3,707 feet
Difficulty: Advanced
The Great Gable hike is a spectacular journey through the Lake District, offering stunning views and a challenging ascent. Its unique features and knockout views make it a must-visit for any hiking enthusiast exploring the Lake District.
Here’s a description of the hike:
Starting Point: The hike typically starts from either Wasdale Head or Seathwaite Farm in Borrowdale. The preferred route is from Wasdale on the Moses’ Trod path.
Ascent: The initial part of the hike is a steep grassy ascent, offering fantastic views of Wastwater almost immediately. The path then becomes stony and snakes left around the Western side of the fell.
Beck Head: The route plateaus out at Beck Head, where you will find a cairn, small tarns, and an incredible viewpoint of the surrounding area. From here, you can see into the Wastwater Valley and the Ennerdale Valley.
Summit: The final part of the hike is a scramble to the summit, traversing an almost vertical selection of rocks. The summit of Great Gable boasts both a summit cairn and Westmorland Cairn on the southern edge overlooking Wastwater. At the summit cairn, a War Memorial is embedded into the rocks.
Descent: The descent allows you to go up and over the summit before returning via the rocky and thrilling Climbers’ Traverse path.
Difficulty: The hike is considered moderate to difficult. It’s a steep ascent with rugged paths and a fair amount of scrambling.
Why the Great Gable hike is so popular…
Iconic Mountain: Great Gable is one of the most iconic mountains in the Lake District, offering a splendid array of terrains and jaw-dropping vistas
Variety of Routes: The mountain can be approached from many angles, with most paths being easy enough to navigate. There are ascents up Great Gable from all the surrounding valleys: Wasdale, Eskdale, Brotherdale, and even Buttermere
Spectacular Views: The hike offers unbeatable angles of Scafell Pike (England’s highest mountain), the famous rocky monolith of Napes Needle, and a viewpoint from Westmorland Cairn that was once voted the best in Britain
Convenient Location: The traditional starting point for the Great Gable ascent is Wasdale Head, providing clear paths and a quintessential Lake District atmosphere
Suitable for Various Skill Levels: While the hike involves some rugged paths and a fair amount of scrambling, it’s still suitable for various skill levels.
10. Buttermere to Rannerdale Knotts
Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 350m / 1,150 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Photo (Copyright) taken from AllTrails
The Buttermere to Rannerdale Knotts hike is a popular trail in the Lake District, offering stunning views and an easy to moderate challenge. Here’s a detailed description:
Route: The hike starts from Buttermere, heads over the farmlands, along the path beside Crummock Water, through Lanthwaite Wood and High Wood, past the farm fields, and up and over Rannerdale Knotts. The scenic circular route then returns via the shoreline of Crummock Water and Nether How woodland to the pretty little village of Buttermere.
Distance and Elevation: The trail is a 7.5-mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,150 ft.
Difficulty: Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 hours and 3 minutes to complete1.
Terrain: The climb includes a very steep and rocky path where great care is needed, especially in wetter and icy conditions as the terrain becomes slippery.
Views: The hike provides amazing views of Crummock Water, Lake Buttermere, and the surrounding peaks. Despite the lack of altitude and being one of the smaller and more rounded Cumbrian hills, the views from Rannerdale Knotts are excellent.
Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit this trail are April through September.
Parking: The best car park to use for visiting Rannerdale Knotts walk is the National Trust car park just north of Buttermere village, located on the B5289
Why the Buttermere to Rannerdale Knotts hike is so popular
Stunning Views: Despite being one of the smaller and more rounded Cumbrian fells, Rannerdale Knotts offers excellent views that far outweigh the effort needed to reach them. The route provides stunning views over three lakes and many high peaks.
Moderate Challenge: The hike is generally considered moderately challenging, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
Variety of Scenery: The hike takes you from Buttermere, along the lake shore, and up and over Rannerdale Knotts. This variety keeps the hike interesting and engaging.
Accessible Location: The hike starts near Buttermere, a location that is easily accessible and offers a quintessential Lake District atmosphere.
Seasonal Beauty: In spring, the area is known for its beautiful display of bluebells.
Find the Buttermere and Rannerdale Knotts hike here on OS Maps
Planning your Lake District hiking trip
If you’re thinking of heading to the Lake District, my advice would be to plan for enough time to take in the beauty and to enjoy some of the quirks and hidden gems this region has to offer.
Walking in the Lake District: The Lake District National Park has a diverse range of landscapes to choose from; from leisurely lakeside strolls, to grassy rolling hills, to rugged rocky mountains. Take the time to fully research the hikes you’re thinking of doing, making sure they match both your current level of fitness and experience.
Suggested walking kit: Please see my Guide to the Top Hiking Gear Essentials
Walking boots
Rucksack / Daypack
Waterproof jacket
Walking trousers (waterproof is best)
Walking poles
Mid-layers and Base layers
First Aid Kit: Include plasters, blister plasters, a small bandage, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and antihistamines.
Food and Supplies: Take some food and drink with you to keep you fuelled and hydrated all day.
Other Essentials: A portable charger, an extra layer of clothing, spare socks, and a torch for those walks back from the pub in the evening
Best Time of Year to Go Each season in the Lake District has its own beauty and charm. Summer (June to August) offers the best walking conditions. However, the Lake District is busier in the summer due to the UK school holidays, so consider visiting in May or September if you’d prefer fewer people on the trails.
Where to Stay There are several towns and villages to choose from in the Lake District. Some of the main towns include Ambleside, Keswick, Coniston, Bowness-on-Windemere, and Grasmere. Here are a few specific places to consider:
Lodore Falls: A waterfall in Cumbria, England, close to Derwentwater.
Rothay Manor Boutique Hotel: Located on the outskirts of Ambleside in the heart of the Lake District
The Borrowdale Gates: Set in 2 acres of tranquil wooded gardens
New Dungeon Ghyll - Langdale: Set in 6 acres of gardens
Wild camping: Is a unique way to experience the Lake District’s natural beauty. However, it’s important to note that wild camping is technically not permitted anywhere in the Lake District without prior permission from the landowner. The National Park Authority does not have the power to allow camping on private land and does not permit camping on the small amount of land that they own.
Alternatively, there are several campsites across the Lake District that offer a ‘wild’ camping experience with the convenience of facilities like toilets and fresh water. Some options include Eskdale Campsite, Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Wild In Style, and Burns Farm.
Mountain Safety
Walking in the UK mountains is an exhilarating experience, but it’s important to be aware of some of the risks involved. Some sections can be dangerous, with rough terrain, where you can be exposed to the elements, particularly due to the unpredictability of the UK weather! It’s always vital to check the latest weather forecasts and make sure you have suitable clothing and navigation tools. In winter, you’ll need to use Ice axes and crampons for walking in the snow and ice – making sure you have the required knowledge and skills to use them.
Useful Resources
Lake District Weatherline Forecast: Lakedistrictweatherline
Met Office Mountain Weather Forecast: metoffice.gov.uk
Mountain Weather Information Service: mwis.org.uk
Mountain Rescue: Call 999, ask for police, then mountain rescue
Skills courses: mountain-training.org
Conclusion
The Lake District is a paradise for walkers and hikers. Its stunning landscapes, variety of trails, and excellent facilities make it a popular destination for those who love the outdoors. So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, the Lake District has something to offer you.
Happy hiking!
Marc
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