Best trails in Lake District National Park
Lake District National Park, a World Heritage Site, was the second national park established in the UK and is the most popular with over 16 million visitors per year. The park is known for its rugged fell mountains, including Scafell Pike, England's highest peak, historic literary associations, such as William Wordsworth, and glacial ribbon lakes, with Windermere the largest.
Top trails
1
(5308)
•Hard
•5.3 mi
This is a popular route up Scafell Pike for those wanting to bag the National Three Peaks, with this summit the highest mountain in England at an elevation of 978 meters above sea level. Be prepared for a real adventure and to have an amazing experience with incredible views to reward your efforts.
This path should not be underestimated as it requires a very steep and sustained ascent along a combination of rocky steps and very loose gravel where a good level of fitness and very careful...
2
(2279)
•Moderate
•4.6 mi
•Est. 1h 54m
This is a lovely, family friendly trail taking in great views on a clear day as you make your way round the lake. With sweeping mountains on all ends, this is a very atmospheric route with picturesque paths and sights.
Some sections of the trail can be rough and muddy as well as a stretch along the road where care needs to be taken. Appropriate footwear is required. The trail also takes in the historic church in Buttermere and the Hasness Tunnel, a narrow rock-cut passage to allow access...
3
(3709)
•Moderate
•3.2 mi
•Est. 1h 35m
Starting in White Moss Common car park (fee required), the trail heads over the River Rothay and through the woods to the open hillside, climbing to Rydal Cave, a man-made cave which is the result of slate quarrying.
The route then descends via Steps End Wood and the edge of Rydal Water, returning back to the start beside the lake. Enjoy the beautiful views over the countryside and lake and keep an eye out for wildlife
Take care along the rougher sections of this trail, especially in...
4
(2860)
•Hard
•9.2 mi
This is a very challenging and strenuous trail taking you to the summit of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, with an elevation of 978 meters (3200 feet) above sea level. The trail can be hard to follow particularly in periods of low visibility, so good navigation skills are required.
The route climbs from Seathwaite to Styhead Tarn and Styhead Pass to join the Corridor Route to Lingmell Col. This is a very exposed, narrow, rocky, and rough path which will require very careful...
5
(3368)
•Moderate
•4.3 mi
•Est. 2h 37m
Starting from the Aira Force National Trust car park, this circular trail takes in the waterfalls and cascades, the summit of Gowbarrow Fell, and great views of the surrounding hills and Ullswater. After enjoying beautiful views of the waterfall with its 65ft drop, head out of the forest, up into the hills, and to the top of Gowbarrow Fell where you can take a break and look out over the surrounding fells and Ullswater on clear day. The trail then continues along the path down the hillside,...
6
(3626)
•Moderate
•4.4 mi
This trail takes in a spectacular and popular circular around Hawes End, Cat Bells, and Derwent Water where your efforts will be rewarded with great views on a clear day. Parking cars on busy days can be very difficult so be prepared to find alternatives or come early to avoid disappointment. Please do not obstruct through traffic and entrances along the narrow lanes.
Ascending from Hawes requires many steep steps and a scramble to the top some of which can be are very icy and slippery on...
7
(3856)
•Moderate
•9.5 mi
•Est. 3h 55m
Please note: as of January 2022 there is flood damage along this trail curtailing the loop or requiring a detour via Grange at the southern end of the circular. Please check local conditions before heading out and come prepared for a possibly longer day out.
There can surely be no other more satisfying trail in the Lake District that offers so much, with no height gained, is a decent length, and occupies a whole day than a circuit of Derwent Water. This circular is in a clockwise direction...
8
(2315)
•Hard
•5.9 mi
The Old Man of Coniston has a curious name. “Old Man” is derived from “Alt Maen” meaning “High Stone”, and Coniston comes from the Old Norse “Konigs Tun” or King’s Farm. The mountain has seen extensive copper and slate mining for eight hundred years, and the remains of abandoned mines and tips are a feature of the north-east slopes. There are also several flocks of sheep that are grazed on the mountain as well as a remains of mining activities which can be hazardous, so please keep dogs under...
9
(2535)
•Hard
•4.4 mi
This trail starts at Swirls car park (pay and display) near Thirlmere Reservoir and climbs to the summit of Helvellyn, the highest peak in the Helvellyn Range, and the third highest peak in the Lake District. From the summit there are stunning views of Red Tarn, the scrambles of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, the villages of Glenridding and Patterdale, and the wider Lake District mountains.
This route starts with a long and sustained climb with stone steps and rocky sections. A real test...
10
(1814)
•Moderate
•7.5 mi
Enjoy this beautiful trail around Loughrigg Fell, with its amazing views as you make your way round the slopes, past the tarn, and up to the summit. This route is therefore best attempted on a calm and clear day to make the most of this vantage point.
This route is a combination of rougher paths, stone steps, and paved roads as you make your way round. Starting along the road beside the River Rothay and through Miller Row, the bridleway is joined and the path climbs into the hills, over...
Showing results 1–10 of 1,847
Trail reviews for Lake District National Park
Such a stunning walk and a real hidden gem! Was very quiet and some of the most stunning views I have ever seen in the Lake District. Took my dog and was absolutely fine, some live stock but not the whole route. We went to the bottom of the waterfall by taking a path to the bottom instead of the top (just after the last bridge follow the stream, as another reviewer kindly advised!) Such clear water. Maybe one of my new favourite walks. Also excellent local pub when you get back to your car who do a great fish and chips!!
Some of the best views i have seen in the lake district, quite a busy trail but to be expected in august
Helvellyn
First stage of the ascent is quite steep, with scrambles for the majority of the way up and some muddy sections. In good weather you can do this in trainers however would advise to wear correct gear, hiking boots and take water and a waterproof. The second stage is steps, relatively easy. At the top is one of the best views in the Lake District, I can guarantee phots just don’t do it justice. The circle route back down is easy walking with lovely views too, again quite rocky so be careful under foot.
Raven Crag and Sippling Crag Circular
The Old Man is probably one of the busier fells to climb in the Lake District, it gets quieter as soon as you head to the other parts of the trail. We did the trail anti-clockwise starting with the Old Man. This will give you a steeper climb but easier decent. The fog and wind can come over very quickly at the top, so bring layers. The paths are generally quite wide so this is one of the easier routes we have done in the lakes. Lovely views the whole way.
Dow Crag, Brim Fell and Coniston Old Man Circular
This is a fabulous loop with plenty of jaw dropping views out over the Lake District as well as a final stretch up a series of waterfalls. There are some slick scrambles and a few muddy patches, but for the majority of the loop the trail is well maintained.
Gowbarrow Fell from Dockray
A lovely walk easily done by car or bus. Good paths and some minor steep sections but nothing requiring scrambling or anything. Generally good for dogs. There are some sheep but it’s the Lake District! Would do this walk again.
Keswick and Glenderaterra Beck Circular
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Lake District National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lake District National Park is Scafell Pike from Wasdale Campsite, which has a 4.7 star rating from 5,308 reviews. This trail is 5.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 3,028 ft.
What is the longest trail in Lake District National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lake District National Park is Coast To Coast Walk. This trail is estimated to be 208.3 mi long.
How many trails are in Lake District National Park?
There are 1,847 trails in Lake District National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 262,632 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Lake District National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Lake District National Park has you covered. Coast To Coast Walk boasts the most elevation gain with 33,910 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Coast to Coast Walk (Complete): St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay, which will get you 33,254 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Lake District National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 210 camping trails in Lake District National Park and the most popular is Buttermere and Haystacks Circular with an average 4.8 star rating from 968 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Lake District National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 1034 running trails in Lake District National Park and the most popular is Buttermere Circular with an average 4.8 star rating from 2,279 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Lake District National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 229 biking trails in Lake District National Park and the most popular is Ambleside and Rydal Water Circular (Via the Coffin Route) with an average 4.7 star rating from 1,167 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 1463 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Lake District National Park, including Scafell Pike from Wasdale Campsite, Scafell Pike from Seathwaite Circular, Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Circular, Hawes End, Cat Bells, and Derwent Circular, and Old Man of Coniston and Brim Fell Circular.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 365 trails with waterfalls in Lake District National Park, including Scafell Pike from Seathwaite Circular, Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Circular, Stockghyll Force and Wansfell via Ambleside, Skelwith Force, Colwith Force and Cathedral Quarry Circular, and Aira Force Circular.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 788 trails with cliffs in Lake District National Park, including Scafell Pike from Seathwaite Circular, Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Circular, Old Man of Coniston and Brim Fell Circular, Helvellyn, and Fairfield Horseshoe via Stone Arthur.
Are there any trails with historical monuments in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 94 trails with historical monuments in Lake District National Park, including Derwent Water Circular, Windermere Lake and Queen Adelaide's Hill Circular, Keswick and Walla Crag Circular, Derwent Water Round via Cat Bells, and Pooley Bridge and Arthur's Pike Circular.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 158 trails with scenic viewpoints in Lake District National Park, including Derwent Water Circular, Ambleside and Troutbeck Walk, Hodge Close Quarry and Cathedral Cavern, Walla Crag Circular, and Little Langdale and Elterwater.
Are there any trails with ponds in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 95 trails with ponds in Lake District National Park, including Windermere Lake and Queen Adelaide's Hill Circular, Stickle Tarn Trail, Bowness-on-Windermere and Queen Adelaide's Hill, Langdale Pikes: Pike of Stickle, Pavey Ark, and Harrison Stickle, and Stickle Tarn and Jack's Rake.
Are there any trails with huts in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 47 trails with huts in Lake District National Park, including Buttermere and Haystacks Circular, Gatesgarth, Fleetwith Pike, and Haystacks Circular, Haystacks and Innominate Tarn, St. Sunday Crag, Birks, and Arnison Crag, and Grasmere to Glenridding.
Are there any trails with rivers in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 602 trails with rivers in Lake District National Park, including Buttermere Circular, Rydal Water and Cave Circular, Scafell Pike from Seathwaite Circular, Derwent Water Circular, and Loughrigg Fell Circular.
Are there any trails with bays in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 191 trails with bays in Lake District National Park, including Hawes End, Cat Bells, and Derwent Circular, Derwent Water Circular, Catbells via Allerdale Ramble, Skelwith Force, Colwith Force and Cathedral Quarry Circular, and Brandlehow, Catbells, and Hause Gate Circular.
Are there any trails with springs in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 50 trails with springs in Lake District National Park, including The Coledale Horseshoe, Classic Coledale Circular, High Rigg Circular, Grisedale Pike, and Branstree, High Howes, and Selside Pike Circular.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 136 trails with archaeological sites in Lake District National Park, including Pooley Bridge and Arthur's Pike Circular, Waterhead, Ambleside, and Stockghyll Force, Castle Crag Circular, Ullswater Way, and Langdale Pikes: Pike of Stickle, Pavey Ark, and Harrison Stickle.
Are there any trails with caves in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with caves in Lake District National Park, including Dove Crag and the Priests Cave, Castle Crag and Millican Dalton's Caves Circular, Frith Wood and High Hows Wood, and Dove Crag via Caiston Glen.
Are there any trails with castles in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 55 trails with castles in Lake District National Park, including High Wray and Wray Castle Circular, Windermere Lake from Wray Castle to Ferry House, Pinstones Wood and Wray Castle, Hawkshead and Lake Windermere Circular, and Wray Castle to Blelham Tarn Circular.
Are there any trails with lakes in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 517 trails with lakes in Lake District National Park, including Buttermere Circular, Rydal Water and Cave Circular, Hawes End, Cat Bells, and Derwent Circular, Derwent Water Circular, and Loughrigg Fell Circular.
Are there any trails with dams in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 14 trails with dams in Lake District National Park, including Raven Crag and Great How, Helvellyn and Striding Edge Circular, Thirlmere Circular, Haweswater Reservoir Circular, and Great How Wood and Thirlmere Lake Circular.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 28 trails with historical ruins in Lake District National Park, including Elterwater, Skelwith Bridge, and Ambleside Circular, Brown Howe Wood and Beacon Tarn Circular, Nicholas Wood to Elterwater, Lake Bank, The Beacon and Slatestone Fell Circular, and The Eamont Way.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 36 trails with picnic areas in Lake District National Park, including Place Fell, Patterdale to Angle Tarn, Coast to Coast Walk Segment 4: Patterdale To Shap, Patterdale, Boredale Hause, and Ullswater Circular, and Rooking and Silver Point Circular.
Are there any trails with weather shelters in Lake District National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with weather shelters in Lake District National Park, including Scout Scar Circular, Scout Scar, Strickland and Helsington Circular, River Kent, Scout Scar and Counswick Fell Circular, and Kendal to Crook.