The Lake District, England’s largest national park, is home to some of the country’s most scenic and diverse hiking routes. With its combination of picturesque towns, sprawling lakes, and rugged mountains, it offers hikes for all skill levels.
Whether you’re a family looking for an easy day out, a hiker seeking moderate challenges, or an experienced adventurer craving the steep ascents of the fells, the Lake District has something for everyone.
Here’s a breakdown of the best trails by the region’s most popular towns, offering options for all levels of hikers. Have a destination in mind? Click on the town below to jump to the nearby trails.
Keswick
Family-Friendly: Friar’s Crag
- Distance: 2 miles / 3.2 km
- Duration: 30 mins
Located just a short walk from the center of Keswick, Friar’s Crag offers stunning views over Derwentwater, making it an ideal family-friendly walk. The path is well-marked and flat, perfect for those with children or anyone seeking a leisurely stroll. The walk ends at a viewpoint with a bench, offering panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
Moderate: Walla Crag
- Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
- Duration: 2.5 hours
For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, Walla Crag is a popular moderate hike starting from Keswick. The trail takes you through woodland and fields before ascending to the summit, offering panoramic views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. The climb is steady but manageable, making it a rewarding hike for most fitness levels.
Strenuous: Skiddaw
- Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km
- Duration: 5 hours
For seasoned hikers, Skiddaw is a must. As one of the highest peaks in the Lake District, this strenuous hike offers jaw-dropping views from the summit over the entire region. Starting from Keswick, the trail involves a continuous ascent and requires good fitness and endurance. On clear days, you can even see as far as Scotland.
Ambleside
A couple of hikers and their dog admiring the view on the descent to Ambleside from Fairfield PikeFamily-Friendly: Rydal Water and Caves
- Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km
- Duration: 45 mins
This gentle circular walk from Ambleside is perfect for families and offers beautiful views of Rydal Water. Along the way, you’ll discover Rydal Cave, a large cavern that children will love to explore. The path is easy to follow and includes serene lakeside sections, ideal for a picnic or leisurely stroll. The route is relatively flat, making it accessible for all abilities.
Moderate: Loughrigg Fell
- Distance: 5 miles / 8 km
- Duration: 2.5 hours
Loughrigg Fell is a moderate hike that offers sweeping views of Windermere, Grasmere, and the surrounding fells. This circular route begins from Ambleside and takes you through scenic woodlands and open fell tops. The summit is relatively low compared to some of the higher peaks, but the panoramic views are still breathtaking, especially for those new to fell walking.
Strenuous: Fairfield Horseshoe
- Distance: 11 miles / 18 km
- Duration: 6.5 hours
The Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the Lake District’s most famous circular walks and a real test for experienced hikers. Starting in Ambleside, this route takes you up steep ascents, along ridgelines, and over multiple summits, including Fairfield, the highest peak in the circuit. The walk offers stunning views of the lakes and surrounding fells, but it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Kendal
Family-Friendly: Scout Scar
- Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km
- Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
Just outside Kendal, Scout Scar offers a gentle, family-friendly walk with stunning views over the Lyth Valley. This short circular route takes you through fields and along a limestone ridge, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. The path is flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.
Moderate: Kendal Castle Walk
- Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
- Duration: 2 hours
This moderate hike is perfect for history enthusiasts as it takes you up to the ruins of Kendal Castle. The circular route begins in the town center and climbs gently through fields and woodlands to the castle. From here, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Kendal and the surrounding countryside.
Strenuous: Whitbarrow Scar
Looking up Whitbarrow Scar- Distance: 8 miles / 12.8 km
- Duration: 5.5 hours
For those seeking a more challenging hike near Kendal, Whitbarrow Scar offers a rugged and scenic route. The trail takes you along limestone pavements, through woodland, and up to the summit of Whitbarrow Scar, offering stunning views across the Lake District and Morecambe Bay. The steep ascent makes this a more challenging walk, but it’s well worth the effort for the views at the top.
Grasmere
Family-Friendly: Grasmere Lake Circuit
- Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km
- Duration: 1 hour 45 mins
The Grasmere Lake Circuit is a beautiful, easy trail that loops around the lake, offering gentle terrain suitable for families. Along the way, you’ll pass picturesque views of the lake and surrounding hills, with plenty of spots to stop for a picnic. It’s a great option for those looking for a relaxing day out in the heart of the Lake District.
Moderate: Helm Crag
- Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
- Duration: 2.5 hours
Helm Crag is one of the most recognisable peaks in the Lake District, often referred to as the “Lion and the Lamb.” The hike starts in Grasmere village and involves a steep but short climb to the summit. The views from the top are outstanding, especially considering the relatively low elevation.
Strenuous: The Coledale Round
- Distance: 10 miles / 16 km
- Duration: 6.5 hours
For experienced hikers, The Coledale Round is a challenging route that starts in Grasmere and takes you over multiple peaks, including Grisedale Pike and Crag Hill. This strenuous hike involves steep ascents and descents, but the stunning views over the fells and lakes make it an unforgettable experience.
Coniston
Family-Friendly: Tarn Hows
- Distance: 2 miles / 3.2 km
- Duration: 45 mins
Tarn Hows is one of the Lake District’s most beautiful and accessible walks, perfect for families. The circular route takes you around a picturesque tarn surrounded by woodlands and rolling hills. The path is flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Moderate: Old Man of Coniston
- Distance: 5 miles / 8 km
- Duration: 2.5 hours
Old Man of Coniston is one of the most iconic peaks in the Lake District. The trail starts in the village of Coniston and takes you up a steady climb to the summit, offering spectacular views over Coniston Water and the surrounding fells. The route is well-marked but requires a moderate level of fitness.
Strenuous: The Coniston Fells
A view of Goat’s Water below Dove Crag- Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km
- Duration: 5.5 hours
The Coniston Fells offer a more challenging hike for seasoned walkers. This circular route takes you over several peaks, including Coniston Old Man, Brim Fell, and Swirl How. The walk involves steep climbs and ridges, but the panoramic views from the top make it one of the best hiking experiences in the Lake District.
Whether you’re in Keswick, Ambleside, Kendal, or Grasmere, the Lake District offers an endless variety of hiking trails for all ages and abilities. Be sure to check the weather and come prepared, as conditions can change quickly, even in summer. Explore these beautiful routes and experience the stunning landscapes that the Lake District has to offer.
