The GO Guide to Lake District walking routes
Throughout this blog we take you through 10 great walks in the Lake District. With walks that tackle any experience level, and even some for the kids, there’s something for everyone!
There are two options of map; OS Explorer has a scale of 1:25 000 and OS Landranger has a scale of 1:50 000. OS Explorer is more zoomed in and offers greater detail and information, but the OS Landranger covers a greater area.
If you’re planning you’re own route, but you’re not sure which map you need, then check out our Ordnance Survey online map finder here!
1. Gruffalo’s Child Trail (suitable for all abilities)
A walk in the countryside can seem a daunting prospect for youngsters, particularly if the weather is cold and wet. The Gruffalo’s Child Trail however offers the perfect opportunity for your little ones to discover the beauty of nature in a fun and educational way – they’ll soon see why you love the outdoors so much! Follow the trail through Grizedale Forest and complete Gruffalo themed activities along the way. Pick up a free activity sheet from the Visitor Centre or buy a Gruffalo activity pack to add to your experience along the trail.
2. Tarn Hows, Lake District, England (Miles without stiles route)
If you don’t want to be huffing and puffing your way around the Lakes, opt for the more relaxing Tarn Hows, which offers an accessible route for all, whether you’ve got a pushchair in tow or one of your party is wheelchair-bound. We love that there’s plenty of stunning scenery and rest stops along the way so you can take it as easy as necessary.
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Woodland, Open, Lake
- Distance: 2.85 km | Approx. Time: 0:50 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL07: English Lakes – South-eastern area / OS Landranger 90: Penrith & Keswick
You can download the route for this walk here.
3. Derwentwater Lakeshore Route, Lake District, England (Miles without stiles route)
This five mile walk starts at Hawse End and follows the woodland trail along the Derwentwater shoreline, offering spectacular views of the lake along the way. If like us, you enjoy just stopping every now and again to admire the view, there is a number of picnic benches ideally positioned to allow you to do just that while you get your breath back.
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Woodland, Open, Lake
- Distance: 8.35 km | Approx. Time: 2:20 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL04: English Lakes – North-western area / OS Landranger 90: Penrith & Keswick
You can download the route for this walk here.
4. Broughton Railway, Lake District, England (Miles without stiles route)
This relaxing, gentle walk along the old and disused Broughton railway line is a must for all nature lovers, allowing you to get stuck in without too much difficulty. The route can be accessed from two locations: Wilson Park and Mireside, depending on whether or not you require wheelchair accessible paths.
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open
- Distance: 4.75 km | Approx. Time: 1:20 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL06: English Lakes – South-western area / OS Landranger 96: Barrow-in-Furness & South Lakeland
You can download the route for this walk here.
5. Coniston Hall on The Lake, Lake District, England
Offering breath taking views of the marina and the chance to discover the grounds of Coniston Hall, we recommended this gentle stroll for those with pushchairs and wheelchair users – it’s even suitable to explore by bike due to the easy bridleway terrain.
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Open, Woodland, Lake
- Distance: 5.05 km | Approx. Time: 1:20 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL06: English Lakes – South-western area / OS Landranger 96: Barrow-in-Furness & South Lakeland
You can download the route for this walk here.
6. Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head, Lake District, England
For walkers with some winter skills training, we recommend exploring Grisedale Pike and Hopegill head. The whole route will take you a minimum of four hours so be sure to take a picnic along with you for en-route – we’ve found that hungry walkers are not always happy walkers. Look out for the cascades and waterfalls which look stunning during the winter months.
- Grade: Difficult
- Terrain: Open, Mountain
- Distance: 12.70 km | Approx. Time: 4:40 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL04: English Lakes – North-western area / OS Landranger 90: Penrith & Keswick
You can downlaod the route for this walk here.
7. Walla Crag and the Great Wood, Lake District, England
For walking newbies, Walla Crag and the Great Wood offers the perfect combination of stunning views and manageable routes. Considerably shorter than the Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head route, this walk should only take around an hour and a half to complete, leaving you with plenty of time to discover more of the beautiful Lake District. Similarly to the route above, the terrain is very rough and will require basic map reading skills to navigate.
- Grade: Easy
- Terrain: Woodland, Open
- Distance: 4.65 km | Approx. Time: 1:40 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL04: English Lakes – North-western area / OS Landranger 90: Penrith & Keswick
You can download the route for this walk here.
8. Helvellyn Gill Path, Lake District, England
Wind your way around the Helvellyn Gill Path right to the top of the mountain to experience breath taking views of the Lake District. We found this moderately difficult walk to be popular with dog owners – be warned though; it will take between five and six hours to complete so be sure your dog is in peak fitness.
- Grade: Difficult
- Terrain: Mountain, Open
- Distance: 7.15 km | Approx. Time: 3:00 hours
Maps to purchase for this route: OS Explorer OL05: English Lakes – North-eastern area / OS Landranger 90: Penrith & Keswick
You can download the route for this walk here.
9. Latrigg Walk via Keswick, Lake District, England
Journey the six miles over Keswick’s personal fell, Latrigg to experience some truly stunning scenery. With steep inclines along the way, we recommend this route for more experienced walkers. Starting from Moot Hall, Keswick and climbing 1,000 feet, it should take you around three hours to complete – any less and we salute you as champion fell walker.
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Mountain, Open
- Distance: 8.95 km | Approx. Time: 2:55 hours
Maps to purhcase for this route: OS Explorer OL04: English Lakes – North-western area / OS Landranger 90: Penrith & Keswick
You can download the route for this walk here.
10. Ullock Pike, Skiddaw, and Little Man, Lake District, England
Starting at Ravenstone Hotel and finishing at Latrigg Car Park, this difficult walk is a must for adventure seekers, combining steep climbs with sharp descents as you make your way up and down England’s 4th highest mountain and across six of the Lake District’s infamous fells – we could hardly catch our breath when we heard about this fantastic walk.
- Grade: Difficult
- Terrain: Mountain, Open
- Distance: 10.35 km | Approx. Time: 4:15 hours (one-way)
Maps to purhcase for this route: OS Explorer OL04: English Lakes – North-western area / OS Landranger 90: Penrith & Keswick
You can downlaod the route for this walk here.
Before heading off for a walk in the Lakes, it’s especially important to check the weather forecast. Don’t leave yourself open to risk and danger – instead, use Weatherline to stay informed of any expected change in weather throughout the day.
Make sure you have everything you need for your walking trip! Here at Go Outdoors we stock plenty of clothing and equipment for walking and hiking.
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