Lake District Hikes

There are countless options for outdoor exploration among the Lake District’s towering peaks, gentle slopes, and picturesque bodies of water.

The Lakes are a delight to explore because of the availability of precise maps, well-marked routes, and several adventure centres, not to mention the fact that they are home to England’s highest peak and breath-taking scenery for as far as the eye can see.

There is an almost dizzying number of hiking paths, fells, and summits to explore, regardless of your level of hiking experience. With this list of the top Lake District hikes, we’ve done our best to provide you with a suitable place to begin your explorations of this beautiful region.

Keep reading to find the best Lake District hiking trails…

Aira Force Waterfall

Penrith

Aira Force Waterfall has been attracting visitors for over 300 years and with good reason! This glorious, 65-foot waterfall is nestled within a Victorian park owned by the National Trust and is truly a sight to behold.
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Image Credits: David Purchase - CC BY-SA 2.0

Beacon Fell

Beacon Fell
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 8EL

Beacon Fell is an 836-foot fell settled in the southern area of the Lake District National Park. It makes for a beautiful hike, with the Beacon Tarn and views over Water Yeat and Coniston Water.
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Binsey Loop

Wigton
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
CA13 9SX

Binsey lies on the western edge of the Lake District, apart from the other fells. Because of its location, it is often overlooked but a trip to Binsey is more than worthwhile due to its panoramic views of Solway Firth, Dumfries & Galloway, and the Isle of Man in the distance. Binsey Loop is a moderately difficult walk, suitable for older children.
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Blencathra (Saddleback)

Keswick
Lake District National Park
Cumbria
England
CA12 4SU

Blencathra sits next to Skiddaw to the north-east of Keswick in the northern fells of the Lake District. It has six separate tops and multiple ways to ascend that vary from easy to extremely steep. Families with older children will love this easy route, at just under five miles it can be done in two hours.
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Image Credits: Andrew Bowden - CC BY-SA 2.0

Brandelhow Bay

Keswick
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
CA12 5UG

Combine a woodland stroll with a walk along the shore of Derwentwater on the Brandelhow Bay walk. The walk is 2.5 miles long and will take around two hours with young children. The path is mostly even but there are some rocky sections where an all-terrain pushchair would be required.
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Buttermere to Bleaberry Tarn & Dodd (Buttermere)

Cockermouth
Cumbria
England
United KIngdom
CA13 9XA

Walk this popular route and take in views of Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water. You’ll also scramble across fells and stroll through woodland on this three-mile walk that takes around three to four hours with children.
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Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castle Lane
Keswick
Lake District
England
CA12 4RN

0370 333 1181

Castlerigg is one of Britain’s earliest stone circles, raised in around 3000 BC during the Neolithic Period. With a dramatic location and panoramic views of the Helvellyn and High Seat mountains, it’s also one of the most spectacular.
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Castlerigg Stone Circle, Tewet Tarn and Low Rigg

Castle Ln
Keswick
Lake District
England
CA12 4RN

Start at this impressive Neolithic stone circle set against the backdrop of the Helvellyn and High Seat mountains before walking to a secluded tarn. Finally, you’ll reach a fell with impressive views from its relatively low height. This walk is suitable for children aged five and above and takes around two to three hours.
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Catbells

Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5TU
OS grid: NY244199

One of the most popular fells in the Lake District, boasting breathtaking views of Derwent Water and the neighbouring mountains.
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Image Credits: A S Morton – CC BY 2.0

Clougha Pike

Clougha Pike
Lancaster
England
LA2 9EQ

Clougha Pike is a hill in the forest of Bowland near Lancaster. The hill appears dome-shaped from some angles and has a series of cloughs in its flanks from others, giving it its name. Clougha Pike can be reached from many directions and features an ordnance survey trig point and a wind shelter at its summit.
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