An area of craggy fells, expansive lakes and chocolate box market towns spread over 912 square miles, the Lake District is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations.
With England’s tallest peak, Scafell Pike, and deepest lake, Wastwater, the Lake District also sets the record for being Britain’s largest National Park. Welcoming almost 16 million visitors per year, tourists flocking to the area to take in some of the country’s best views and most beautiful settings. There are hikes for all abilities, with dramatic fells that offer breathtaking views after a heart-pounding climb, or lakeside paths with a pub at the end for a more peaceful meander.
Though the National Park authority offers free guided walking tours, chances are that visitors will want to take their own time to sample some of the area’s vast array of self-guided walks – and there are plenty to choose from.
Looking for inspiration? Here’s our selection of some of the best walks in the Lake District and a hotel to rest your feet before or after a ramble across the park.
Best walks in the Lake District 2025
1. Ash Landing and Claife Heights
One of the Lake District’s most well-known lakes, Windermere is an enormously popular place to visit due to its myriad water-based activities and walking options. This route is one such walk: a seven-and-a-half-mile hike along the less-developed western edge of the lake. Starting at Ash Landing, the walk heads north and finishes at Wray Castle, a mock gothic castle built in the 1800s.
While the loop back to Ash Landing is optional, the walk will take you through Claife Woods and across several hills and steep inclines over roughly four to five hours. Low Blind How and High Blind How are good places for picturesque views of Windermere, while Claife Heights itself also provides views of local rivers and rugged terrain.
For a stay at a romantic location on the shores of Windermere and modern, stylish rooms, Storrs Hall is the perfect place to stay to appreciate stellar lake views.
Read more: The best Lake District hotels, with lakeside views, spas and Michelin stars
2. Buttermere to Rannerdale walk
A shorter and more leisurely trail, the three-and-a-half-mile route between Buttermere and Rannerdale climbs to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts, with excellent views over the surrounding land. Starting in the National Trust car park in Buttermere, the route should take around two hours.
A particularly scenic walk, it offers views of the “Secret Valley” of Rannerdale (also a popular bluebell walk) and Buttermere Valley, as well as lakes such as Loweswater and Crummock Water.
While this area does not have a wealth of hotels, Buttermere Court Hotel is clean and comfortable. Less than a mile from the centre, the hotel has its own restaurant and bar area.
Read more: The best towns and villages to visit in the Lake District
3. Aira Force and the Gowbarrow trail
Probably the Lake District’s best-known waterfalls, Aira Force is a popular tourist spot that attracts visitors for the dramatic scenery and rocky terrain that surrounds its 65ft drop. This route takes you from the waterfall to the peak of Gowbarrow Fell throughout four-and-a-half miles. Upon arrival, you can enjoy views of Helvellyn, Place Fell, Bannerdale and even the Pennines.
Along the route, you’ll also find great views of Ullswater and a pleasant section through Gowbarrow Park to Lyulph’s Tower, a private hunting lodge built in the 18th century. When circling back towards Aira Force, you can also visit the Aira Force arboretum, with specimen trees dating back to 1846.
On the shores of Ullswater in nearby Glenridding, The Inn on the Lake has spectacular views over the lake and the surrounding area. This vast country house offers elegant interiors, restaurants and afternoon tea experiences.
Read more: Best budget-friendly hotels in the Lake District for an affordable trip
4. Helvellyn from Thirlmere
Although more of a challenging hike than a leisurely stroll, the journey to the summit of Helvellyn is worth it for the views alone. There are more difficult and longer trails, with the route from Thirlmere being the “shortest” (some would say easiest) option at four-and-a-half miles and three-and-a-half hours (though the circular route can be up to nine miles). For the least arduous option, head up to the summit via the Helvellyn Gill path and return the same way. The circular route travels over Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon, down the Raise Beck valley (and its falls) and over to Dunmail Raise, returning via a path.
Whichever route you take, the first views will be those of Thirlmere itself, while the Skiddaw range will become visible as you ascend. Upon completion, you can boast that you’ve summited one of the highest points in England.
For a market town experience in between your various walking adventures, the Inn on the Square in Keswick provides a relaxing stay overlooking the town’s market square, just 10 minutes from Thirlmere.
Read more: Best spa hotels in the Lake District for outdoor saunas and forest views
5. Whitehaven colourful coastal walk
The Lake District may not be renowned for its beaches, but it has some unexpected delights along its coastline. This route explores exactly that, with seven miles of trail starting at Whitehaven’s 17th-century harbour area. To begin with, you’ll investigate the area’s long history – including an old coal mine and a medieval priory – before heading along the cliffs of St Bees Head.
Natural highlights of this rugged coastal walk include Barrowmouth Bay, Fleswick Bay and Saltom Bay, as well as views over the Irish Sea (and the chance to spot wildlife, flora and fauna, including jellyfish and different marine mammals).
For a stay just outside of Whitehaven, just seven minutes away from Whitehaven by train, check into Moresby Hall situated in the village of Moresby. Built around 1602, the Grade I listed building has its own large grounds, a restaurant and a walled garden.
Read more: Best family-friendly hotels in the Lake District for water sports and outdoor trails
6. Old Man of Coniston
This walk begins in the centre of Coniston, a picturesque former mining village that sits on the tip of Coniston Water, a five-mile-long lake where visitors can take a trip on a 19th-century steam yacht gondola.
The six-mile route, which takes between four and five hours, passes some of the village’s mining remains and the Coppermines Valley before reaching the Old Man itself (the highest point of the county of Lancashire), where you can take in views of Low Water Tarn and the Langdale Pikes. On the way down, be sure to enjoy the views of Dow Crag and Goat’s Water.
Located right next to Coniston Water, The Coniston Inn has lawns running all the way to the shores to go with its exceptional mountain views. Many of its cosy rooms have views of both, while the restaurant and terrace are an excellent option for an evening drink.
7. The Corridor Route, Scafell Pike
As England’s highest peak (standing at 978m) and a member of the Three Peaks, it’s no surprise that Scafell Pike attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Corridor Route is one of the most scenic trails, though its nine-mile length will be enough to put off some would-be conquerors. The loop begins and ends in a hamlet named Seathwaite, taking roughly six-and-a-half hours to complete, and offering some of the best views in the region.
The walk takes you through rugged, craggy valleys and along small streams until you reach Styhead Tarn. Some parts after this will require using your hands to traverse the small ravines on the route, but you’ll soon join the path with other walkers (usually coming from Wasdale) to reach the summit. Along with the palpable sense of achievement, you’ll receive views of Derwentwater and Skiddaw, plus the chance for a wild swim at Ruddy Gill.
The immediate area has a dearth of places to stay, but the Royal Oak Hotel sits in nearby Rosthwaite, just seven minutes away from Seathwaite by car (and just three miles from Derwentwater).
8. Audio Walking Trails
If you want to dig a little deeper into the history of the land you are crossing, the Lake District National Park has created a three-part audio walking series, exploring how humans have shaped the landscape. The first audio trail is called ‘Dig Dig Dig’ and is an hour-long 5km route from Grasmere to Greenhead, taking you high up into the hills and on steep gradients, exploring the geological gems of the land. The second audio trail, named ‘Feel the Force’, is also a 5km route taking around an hour that will lead you to Easedale Tarn and to the remains of a medieval water mill which sits along Easedale Beck. The final trail, ‘Hearts of the Oak’, explores woodland paths and the remains of a water mill in Low Wood.
An MP3 audio file, a downloadable route guide and a map can all be found on the Lake District National Park’s website.
If you are starting with the ‘Dig Dig Dig’ trail in Grasmere, the Forest Side hotel has rooms that combine its Victorian country house features with a sleek modern design. The star of the show is the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, which will provide hungry walkers with a four- or eight-course menu showcasing Cumbrian produce.
9. West Windermere Way
The West Windermere Way combines strolls along the Windermere lakeside and through quiet woodland areas on this 6 km-long route. Starting at Newby Bridge, there are several points of interest to enjoy along the way, including the last surviving working bobbin mill, Stott Park Bobbin Mill, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite heritage railway (which operates steam trains), as well as the opportunity to see pipistrelle bats darting around at dusk.
If you are looking for a place to get the maximum amount of rest in before heading out on the West Windermere Way, The Swan in Newbury Bridge is the place to check in. With an expansive spa complete with a steam room and an indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, this hotel will deliver on peace and tranquillity.
Read more: The UK and Ireland’s best pilgrimage routes to walk this year
