I have listed the 25 best walks in the Lake District. The walks are a mixture of longer walks across some of the higher mountains and shorter ones taking in the beautiful lakeland scenery. If you complete all these 25 walks you will have a full understanding of this wonderful walking country.
The choice of the best walks in the Lake District is only of course my opinion. However these 25 walks are excellent but there are over 150 walks elsewhere on this website.
13.5 miles
A fine circuit between Keswick and Buttermere using Braithwaite as a base. The walk is enhanced by continuing along the narrow ridge of Hopegill head to Whiteside.
Full Walk Details
8.5 miles
I was surprised about how enjoyable and interesting this low level walk was. It crosses between the quiet valley of Kentmere and the more popular valley over Troutbeck returning over the old drovers road at Garburn Pass.
6.5 miles
A walk which takes you in to the heart of the Lake District without tackling the higher fells. The two tarns are idyllic in any conditions, mysterious in the cloud and picture perfect in the sun.
5 miles
My favourite valley in the Lake District is Dunnerdale. Quiet and unspoilt the valley is ringed with rocky lakeland knolls and hidden tarns and other delights. Explore at your leisure.
North of Helvellyn is a long wide and grassy ridge which offers some of the most perfect walking in the Lake District. Facing north as you walk the views of Blencathra and Skiddaw draw the eye.
3.5 miles
Hidden away on the west banks of Crummock Water lies Rannerdale and its associated hill Rannerdale Knotts. Rannerdale in June fills with bluebells and the stroll to the summit offers views that belie its height.
10 miles
The fells to the east of the Lake District offer some of the easiest walking (look at the Gray Crag ridge below) and the miles pass very quickly. High Street is included in the circuit of Hayeswater.
Black Combe takes a bit of getting too as it is perched on the south west peninsula of the Lake District. The views towards North Wales and Ireland on a summer evening are well worth seeing.
9 miles One Way
One way walks can be the most satisfying and this is a classic. Whether you go over Catbells or keep to the path which flanks the fell is your choice but both are excellent.
8 miles
To enjoy Buttermere walk round the lake and take to the rough slopes of Haystacks. The summit area is full of interest, rocky knolls and hidden tarns have charmed more than the guide book writer Alfred Wainwright.
7 miles
Not dissimilar to Haystacks the circuit of Place Fell includes a steep climb up to the rocky summit and a return along a lovely section of riverside walking. Place Fell is often seen but ignored which is a shame.
2 miles
A little gem with good views on the south shores of Windermere. It is often described as the walk those who cannot physically go higher revert to in their dotage in order to keep the memories alive. Nothing wrong with that!
7.5 miles
Ennerdale is difficult to get to. However on arrival the lake opens up and a lovely lakeside path undulates along the southern shore. The mountains beyond may entice you but there is no shame in this lakeside circuit.
A lakeland classic and must be included in any list of the best walks in the Lake District. However on the return do not go down Swirral Edge but carry on the ridge to Raise and down to Glenridding from there.
Probably the best picnic spot in the Lakes. Angletarn Pikes and tarns is set in a lovely bowl of typical lakeland scenery above Ullswater.
The mountains in the northern lakes tend to be smoother, grassier and easier to walk on than those further south. Newlands is a pretty valley and this combination makes for one of the best days walks in the Lake District.
5.5 miles
The scenery on Claiffe Heights is not typical lakes but very pleasant and varied. Beatrix Potter fell in love with the lakes here but whether she ever found the high point of Claiffe is debatable! It is not easy.
6 miles
I have had an affinity for Crummock Water ever since childhood when we used to swim and canoe on its waters. Mellbreak stands impressively overlooking its west banks and offers a lovely stretch of ridge walking.
Dramatic and legendary, the Pillar Round is tough. Arriving in Wasdale is always uplifting but rather than follow the crowds on the slog up Scafell Pike turn left and enjoy the wonderful scenery and mountains around Mosedale.
An idyllic tarn lies nestled between some vertically challenged rocky fells to the south end of Coniston. Explore the area and find your own perfect spot.
9.5 miles
I often quote Crinkle Crags as my favourite mountain to walk along in the Lake District. Its rocky ridge offers some excellent scrambling and, combined with Bowfell, offers a memorable day’s walking.
8.5 miles One Way
Take the steamer to Howtown and return along the rocky shores of Ullswater. The path is rough in places and in places climbs from the lake making it a tougher walk than most lowland walks. Add Hallin Fell to improve it further.
From the Duddon Valley climb past Seathwaite Tarn and on to the col below Coniston Old Man. Turn right on to the ridge of Dow Crag with its breathtaking views. End the day with a relaxed descent of the Walna Scar Road.
If you ever want to wild camp this is the place. Rarely visited because of its remoteness it typifies so much of what makes the lakes the best place to walk in England. Tumbling streams, rocky outcrops, hidden valleys and all surrounded by imposing mountains. Great.
My favourite and surely the best walk in the Lake District. The Hall’s Fell ridge is a perfect way to approach a perfect summit. Improve the walk further by heading over Mungrisedale in to the remote lands to the north before heading back along the Glenderamackin valley.
Enjoy the best walks in the Lake District.
Jonathan
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