The best walks and hikes in Lake District

Imagine hiking the Buttermere loop, a moderate trail that takes you around the tranquil waters of Buttermere Lake. This 4.9-mile (7.8 km) hike, with a gentle 205 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain, offers continuous views of the surrounding fells reflected in the water. You can expect to complete the route in about 2 hours and 3 minutes, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere as you pass through open fields and the quiet Burtness Wood. The path offers a chance to see iconic peaks like Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike from a different perspective. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in the Lake District's natural beauty without strenuous climbing.

The village of Buttermere is your ideal starting point for this circular hike, offering convenient parking options, as well as places to grab a meal or a drink before or after your adventure. Be prepared for varied terrain; some sections of the trail can be rocky or muddy, especially if it has rained recently, so make sure you wear appropriate footwear. If you plan to go through the Hassness Tunnel, consider bringing a torch, as it can be quite dark and damp inside. Starting earlier in the day often provides the best conditions and fewer crowds.

This route stands out for its unique blend of lakeside serenity and dramatic mountain backdrops, making it a favorite in the Lake District National Park. As you follow the path, you will experience the distinct character of Burtness Wood and the intriguing Hassness Tunnel, which adds an element of adventure to your journey. The continuous views of the water reflecting the fells create a memorable visual experience that sets this loop apart from other trails in the region.

Embark on the Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding, a classic and challenging hike in the Lake District National Park. This difficult route covers 8.1 miles (13.1 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2673 feet (815 metres), typically taking around 5 hours and 9 minutes to complete. You will navigate varied and demanding terrain, including a Grade 1 scramble along the narrow, rocky Striding Edge, which features sections like "The Chimney" and offers spine-tingling exposure. After reaching Helvellyn's summit, the descent follows Swirral Edge, another steep and rocky ridge requiring hands-on scrambling.

This hike requires very good fitness, sure-footedness, and mountain walking experience. It is not recommended for beginners or those with a significant fear of heights, especially in adverse weather conditions. The exposure on the ridges can be particularly dangerous in wet, icy, snowy, or high-wind conditions. Always check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain conditions.

This loop is renowned for its legendary ridge walking, offering an adventurous challenge with two of the Lake District's most famous arêtes. From Helvellyn's summit, England's third-highest peak, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Ullswater, Red Tarn, and the surrounding fells. On clear days, you might even see as far as the hills of south-west Scotland. This iconic route is one of the most popular and well-loved hikes in the UK.

The Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside offers a challenging circular hike through the Lake District National Park, renowned for its incredible panoramic views. This difficult route covers 11.0 miles (17.7 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2918 feet (889 metres), typically taking around 6 hours and 1 minutes to complete. You will encounter varied terrain, from grassy paths and rocky climbs to some scrambles, all while enjoying expansive vistas of Lake Windermere, Rydal Water, and Grasmere, with the dramatic crags of Fairfield's northern side adding to the visual appeal.

Planning your visit requires a good level of fitness and experience, as this is considered a full-day mountain walk. Be prepared for potentially boggy sections, especially on the east side of the horseshoe, and steep, tricky descents. While paths are generally well-defined, navigation can be challenging on Fairfield's broad summit, particularly in poor visibility, so carrying a compass and knowing how to use it is essential to stay on track.

This trail is celebrated as a classic fell walk, offering one of the most satisfying circular routes in the region. It allows you to 'bag' numerous Wainwright peaks, including Fairfield, Hart Crag, and Dove Crag, all in one outing. The route also features a long dry stone wall on its eastern side, which aids navigation, and passes historical sites like Rydal Mount, once home to William Wordsworth, adding a cultural layer to your adventure.

Embark on a moderate hike around Derwent Water from Keswick, a journey that covers 10.7 miles (17.3 km) with an elevation gain of 856 feet (261 metres). This loop typically takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete. You will find varied terrain, including well-maintained gravel paths, boardwalks through marshy areas, and sections winding through ancient woodlands. As you walk, you will enjoy expansive views of Derwent Water, its islands, and the surrounding fells, with the dramatic backdrop of Cat Bells often in sight.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the route is easily accessible from Keswick. The path is largely waymarked, making navigation simple. If you wish to shorten your walk, you can combine sections of the trail with a trip on the Keswick Launch boat service, which has multiple landing stages around the lake. Buses also serve various points, offering additional flexibility for your day out. The trail's newly constructed bridges and raised paths mean it is often viable even in wetter conditions.

This trail is notable for offering some of the Lake District's most iconic views, such as those from Friar's Crag, which famously inspired writer John Ruskin. The route provides a wide range of experiences, from gentle lakeside strolls to options for more challenging fell climbs if you choose to extend your adventure. Along the way, you will encounter interesting features like the Chinese Bridge and several jetties, passing through areas rich in flora and wildlife cared for by the National Trust.