Lake District Walks
The majestic mountains (or 'fells') are one of the top attractions in the Lake District. They offer stunning views and a range of difficulties, from leisurely family strolls to challenging scrambles along jagged ridges. Here we've picked out 65 of our favourite fell walks for you to explore.
Safety on the Fells
The mountains can be dangerous. Weather changes quickly. Be prepared before you set out.
- Plan Your Route: Choose a walk that matches your fitness and experience. Check the weather forecast specifically for the mountains (e.g., MWIS).
- Tell Someone: Let someone know your route and what time you expect to be back.
- Wear the Right Gear: Wear sturdy walking boots with good grip. Pack waterproof layers, a hat, and gloves, even on a sunny day.
- Navigate Properly: Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. A fully charged phone with a GPS app is a good backup, but don't rely on it.
- Pack Essentials: Take plenty of food and water, a torch (headtorch is best), a first-aid kit, and an emergency whistle and survival bag.
- In an Emergency: If you are lost or injured, dial 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
Essential OS Maps
A physical map and compass are essential for safety and navigation in the fells. These are the four Ordnance Survey Explorer maps that cover the entire Lake District National Park.
Family Friendly Fell Walks
Brandelhow Bay
1.5 - 2 Hours
Fell Side Mine
2 Hours
Rannerdale to Buttermere
3 Hours
Dodd Wood
2.5-3.5 Hours
Hayeswater from Hartsop
2-2.5 Hours
Scale Hill and Crummock Water Loop
2 Hours
Aira Force Loop
1-1.5 Hours
Castle Crag
2-3 Hours
White Moss, Rydal Water & Caves to Grasmere
2-3 Hours
Aira Force to Glenridding with Steamer Return
3 Hours
Tarn Hows Circuit
1-2 Hours
Keswick Lakeside Round
1-2 Hours
Ennerdale Water and Smithy Beck Falls
1-2 Hours
Orrest Head and Lake Windermere
1 - 1.5 Hours
Dodd Wood & St Bega's Church
1 to 3 Hours
Easedale Tarn
2.5 - 3.5 Hours
Binsey Loop
Under 1 Hour
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Tewet Tarn, and Low Rigg
3 Hours
Tilberthwaite, Hodge Close, Cathedral Cavern & Slater Bridge
3 - 4 Hours
Little Town to Little Dale
2 Hours
Great Wood, Walla Crag Via Cat Gill & Falcon Crag
2.5 - 3.5 Hours
The Borrowdale Yews & Stockley Bridge
1.5 - 2 Hours
Buttermere to Bleaberry Tarn & Dodd (Buttermere)
3 - 4 Hours
Haweswater to Small Water Tarn
2 - 2.5 Hours
Brockhole Visitor Centre & Townend National Trust
2 - 3 Hours
Hesket Newmarket to Caldbeck
2 - 3 Hours
Thirlmere & Fisherplace Gill
1.5 - 2 Hours
Grasmere to Alcock Tarn
2 - 3 Hours
Rosthwaite to Scale Close Coppice
1 - 2 Hours
Dog Friendly Fell Walks
Barrow and Stile End, Braithwaite
2 - 3 Hours
Heughscar & the Cockpit from Pooley Bridge
2.5 - 3.5 Hours
Wastwater & Low Wood
1 - 2 Hours
Elterwater & Skelwith Bridge
1.5 - 2.5 Hours
Skelghyll Woods & Jenkin Crag
1.5 - 2 Hours
Glenridding to Lanty's Tarn
1.5 - 2 Hours
Borrowdale Loop: Bowder Stone & River Derwent
2.5 - 3.5 Hours
La'al Ratty & Stanley Force, Eskdale
1.5 - 2 Hours
Harrop Tarn (Thirlmere)
1.5 - 2 Hours
