If there’s one thing that the Lake District is known for, apart from its lakes and mountains, is the wonderful walking trails that meander across its landscape!
So, if you’re heading here for your next holiday and hoping to spend most of your time rambling across the countryside, then you’ve come to the right place with this ultimate guide to the most beautiful walks in the Lake District.
From the banks of Lake Windermere to the Old Man of Coniston, keep scrolling to uncover all the beautiful walks in the Lake District waiting for you to embark on…
Skip Ahead to:
• Ambleside
• Bowness
• Keswick
• Coniston
• Pooley Bridge
Walks from Ambleside
1. Stockghyll Force and Wansfell via Ambleside
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 5.1km
Avg. Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Elevation (gain): 416m
Kicking off this list of the most beautiful walks in the Lake District is the route from Ambleside to the impressive Stock Ghyll Force waterfall, found on the edge of Wansfell Pike on the outskirts of the town.
Starting at the Miller Bridge Town Centre car park, you’ll first make your way north through the town along Rothay Rd/Church St, before turning left onto Market Place, where you’ll continue northwards before taking the next right onto Stock Ghyll Lane.
As you walk along Stock Ghyll Lane, you’ll come across an entrance to your left with a signpost labelled “This way to the waterfalls”, which you’ll turn onto and continue along through the woods. From here, it’s a pretty direct path up to Wansfell Pike and the waterfall (1), where you can stop off and marvel at this natural wonder that draws in thousands of visitors every year.
Then, once you’re ready to return, simply follow the path back the way you came, which will return you to the town centre and the car park where you began this popular Lake District walking trail.
2. Loughrigg Fell Circular
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 12.1km
Avg. Time: 3 hours
Elevation (gain): 566m
Considered one of the best walks in the Lake District, taking walkers in the opposite direction to the Wansfell route, the Loughrigg Fell Circular offers stunning views of the town, Lake Windermere and beyond.
To begin, start by parking up on the side of Upper Loughrigg Road near the footbridge to Rothay Park (1). When you’re ready to go, start by heading north along the road before turning left onto the signposted footpath (2). From here, you’ll continue along the path for around one-and-a-half kilometres before reaching the view over Loughrigg Tarn (3).
After stopping off to enjoy the view, continue along the path for around 1.5 kilometres in a clockwise direction before reaching the edge of Loughrigg Tarn (4), one of William Wordsworth’s favourite places to visit, which can also make for a great place to rest and relax whilst taking in the views.
From here, turn right and head up to the path near the farmhouses, where you’ll turn left and continue around the base of Loughrigg Fell in a clockwise direction before joining onto the road.
On this part of the trail, you’ll pass by Intake Wood on your right and continue along the road until you come to the junction with Red Bank. Here, you’ll see the entrance to a footpath on your right, which you’ll hop onto and follow through the wooded area.
Once you’re out of the woods (no pun intended), you’ll reach a fork in the path. Here, take the path on the right and start the final ascent towards the summit of Loughrigg Fell (5), which is around a kilometre in length. After taking in the impeccable views of the surrounding area, continue back down the way you came and turn right at the junction, continuing to follow the path around the fell in a clockwise direction.
Around a kilometre from here, you’ll reach the banks of Rydal Water, where you have the option to make a detour up to Rydal Cave, one of the area’s most popular natural landmarks. From here, continue along the riverside path past Steps End Wood and the Pelter Bridge Car Park on your right before reaching the junction with Under Loughrigg.
Here, turn right onto the road and continue for around two kilometres before reaching the junction where you first began this walking route (2). To finish, simply continue southwards along Under Loughrigg for a couple of minutes before reaching the layby where you first started.
3. Ambleside and Troutbeck Walk
Difficulty: Medium/Hard
Length: 12.2km
Avg. Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Elevation (gain): 583m
Covering the entire area of hills that lie east of the town and Lake Windermere, the Ambleside and Troutbeck Route is a fantastic Lake District walk that’s moderate in difficulty and perfect to embark on during a sunny afternoon.
To begin, start by parking up at the Miller Bridge Town Centre Car Park. From here, turn left and then right onto the path through Rothay Park that’ll bring you onto Vicarage Road, where you’ll turn right and follow the road past Ambleside Primary School on your left.
At the top of the road, cross over onto The Slack before taking the cut-through onto Cheapside and Stock Ghyll Lane, which you’ll follow until you see the signpost for Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall on your left. Here, follow the signpost onto the path which will bring you to the famous waterfall.
After taking the detour and returning to the footpath, continue on the route towards the summit of Wansfell Pike, where you’ll get to take in the fantastic views of the town below and the impressive Lake Windermere.
From here, continue along the descending path before reaching the junction with the main road, where you’ll take a right and continue along the road towards The Old Post Office Tea Room, an excellent place to stop off for a quick drink and a bite to eat.
If you’ve got time to take a short detour, we’d highly recommend heading slightly further down the road to Townend Farm, a fantastic 400-year old farmhouse that’s been well preserved and protected by the National Trust.
When you’re ready to continue with the walk, head back towards the café and take a left up onto Robin Lane, which you’ll continue following in a clockwise direction towards Jenkyn’s Crag (5).
To finish, continue along the path, which turns into Skelghyll Lane as you get closer towards Ambleside. At the bottom of the road, turn right at the junction onto Old Lake Road, continue north and take the next right at the junction with Lake Road. Then, take the immediate left onto Kelsick Road, the following left onto Rothay Road and a final right-turn into the car park where you first began.
4. Bowness-on-Windermere Circular
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 9km
Avg. Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Elevation (gain): 230m
Taking walkers from the banks of England’s largest lake to the impressive foothills that straddle the eastern edge of the town of Bowness, this circular Lake District walk is a fantastic route that’s best enjoyed on a clear and dry day.
To begin, start by parking up at Glebe Road car park, which can be found just opposite The Ship Inn. Exiting the car park onto Glebe Road, take a right and continue around the corner past the visitor centre and onto the Promenade, where you’ll take a left.
From here, continue northwards up to Royal Square before taking a right onto Crag Brow and the next immediate right onto Helm Road. At the top of the road, you’ll arrive at Biskey Howe, a where you’ll get to take in the stunning views of Bowness and Lake Windermere.
When you’re ready to continue, carry on following Helm Road before taking a right onto the footpath before the cut-through to Annisgarth Avenue. After passing through the wooded area and along the edge of the open fields you’ll arrive at the junction with Lickbarrow Road. If you look right, you’ll see a signpost on the opposite side of the road, where you’ll need to hop over the stone wall or through the red gate and continue through the fields.
Once you’re out of the fields and reach the junction with the paved footpath, take a right and continue along the trail (Dales Way) until you reach the junction with the main road, where you’ll make a right turn.
Staying on the right hand side of the road, continue for a few minutes until you see a turn-off to the right, marked with a large blue sign for “Low Cleabarrow”. Turn up this road and continue onto the Dales Way before reaching the junction with Lickbarrow Road. At the junction, simply cross over and pass through the next gate, following the footpath that runs alongside the fenced-off field to the right.
From here, you can either continue all the way along the Dales Way, bringing you back to the town at Brantfell Road. Alternatively, if you’ve got the time, you can follow the route southwards around Brant Fell and Post Knott (5) before reaching Brantfell Road.
From here, simply follow the road back into the town, which will eventually bring you to the junction with Lake Road. Here, take a final left and head back along the Promenade to the pub and car park where you started.
Discover more fantastic walks around Windermere with our handy guide.
5. Bowness and Beatrix Potter Circular
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 16.1km
Avg. Time: 4 hours
Elevation (gain): 523m
Arguably one of the most unique walks in the Lake District is the Bowness and Beatrix Potter Circular, the only route on this guide to feature a ferry ride!
To begin, exit the car park onto Fallbarrow Road and take a left. At the fork in the road with New Hall Bank in front of you, take the road to the left (Lowside), passing by the quaint cottages of Robinson Place before taking a right onto Church Street once you reach the old church.
Then, at the junction with Lake Road, take another right and follow the road along the Promenade. Then, instead of turning right onto Glebe Road, continue and join onto Rectory Road, which will take you southwards past the cemetery on your left before reaching the B5285. Here, you’ll find Dan’s Shack, a quaint café where you can grab a coffee before boarding the ferry, as well as a block of public toilets to make use of if needed.
Then, simply head up to the Bowness Nab ferry terminal and hop on the next available boat to Far Sawrey on the other side of the lake. The journey takes around 10 minutes and costs just £1.10 per person for a one-way ticket. Whilst prices are correct at the time of writing (February 2025), it’s worth checking here first just in case times, prices or availability has changed.
Once you reach the other side of the lake, make you way towards the main road (B5285), where you’ll continue following it around to the left and proceed southwards. After following the curve in the road, you’ll see a separate footpath ahead of you marked with a National Trust signpost, which you’ll hop onto and continue this Lake District walk along the banks of Lake Windermere.
Continue along the path until you reach the junction with the road, taking a right and the next left back onto the B5285. From here, take another right and the immediate left to join back onto the footpath. Taking you across the edge of the hills, you’ll eventually come out onto a main road where you’ll see a car park to your right, as well as the Cuckoo Brow Inn that makes for a wonderful place to stop off for a drink and a bite to eat.
When you’re ready to continue, exit the pub, take a left and then the next immediate right down the signposted lane. From here, continue down the hill past the quaint cottages and farm buildings. On your right, you’ll see the impressive St Peters Church come into view, as well as a white-painted cottage to the left –
Here, you’ll need to head through the gate next to the cottage and follow the path around the back of the houses and towards Wilfin Beck, which you’ll follow until you join back onto the B5285.
Once you do, simply continue following the road westward for a few minutes before reaching the famous Hill Top house, a National Trust property that was once the quaint home of Beatrix Potter. If you have the time, we’d highly recommend stopping off here to go for a wander around the house before carrying on with your Lake District walk!
When you’re ready, continue by following Stones Lane opposite the house, which will take you up into the hills past Moss Eccles Tarn and Scale Head. Then, once you reach the junction with the cycle path, take a left and continue towards Claife Heights and High Pate Crag (1).
After passing Scale Ivy and Station Scar Wood, you’ll eventually return to the ferry, where you can hop back over to Bowness and follow the same route back to where you first began.
6. Bowness, Hawkshead and Ambleside Walk
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 43.6km
Avg. Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Elevation (gain): 1193m
Arguably one of the most challenging Lake District walks, the Bowness, Hawkshead and Ambleside walk covers the entire circumference of Lake Windermere and takes a full day to complete. So, unless you set off super early, we’d recommend setting aside two days for this challenging route!
For this walk, we’d recommend starting by parking up at the Glebe Road Car Park next to the Promenade. From here, exit the car park and follow the road around to the junction with the A592, where you’ll take a right.
From here, you’ll simply stick to the course of the A592 as you head southwards, passing through Storrs and Fell Foot before reaching a roundabout next to Newby Bridge. At the roundabout, you’ll take a right turn onto the A590 before taking another right turn to cross over Newby Bridge.
Once you’re over the bridge and in front of The Swan Hotel, turn left and follow the road around to the right, signposted for the “Lakeside Hotel” and “Chocolate Factory”. From here, simply continue following the course of the road northwards. Once you reach the Lakeside Hotel & Spa, which will appear on your right, you could always take the right turning to Lakeside and stop off at the Lakes Aquarium.
Continuing on from the Lakeside Hotel and Spa, carry on following the main road northwards, taking you through the villages of Graythwaite and Hawkshead as you go. Following the B5286 all the way up to the River Brathay, you’ll eventually cross over the bridge and take a right, where the road becomes the A593. Then, after crossing over the Rothay Bridge and taking a left turn, you’ll find yourselves in the lovely town of Ambleside.
Here, you can either take a break and enjoy some of the many fantastic shops, pubs, cafés or restaurants here before continuing this Lake District walk. To do so, you’ll need to head over to Lake Road (A591) and follow it southwards out of the town.
Following the road, you’ll pass through the village of Troutbeck Bridge before arriving at the junction with Rayrigg Road (A592). Here, take a right turn and simply follow the road until you arrive back at the Bowness Promenade where you started.
For more fantastic walking trails around this lovely town, check out our guide covering the best Windermere walks »
7. Keswick & Latrigg Circular
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 9.2km
Avg. Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Elevation (gain): 336m
Perfect for both beginners and experienced walkers, the Keswick & Latrigg Circular is a firm favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. For this route, we’d highly recommend going on a clear and sunny day to take advantage of the unforgettable views of the town and Derwentwater from the top of Latrigg Fell.
First, start by parking up at the Keswick Car Park behind the town’s leisure centre before making your way northwards along Briar Rigg. Then, turn right up Spooneygreen Lane and continue following the path through Latrigg Woods.
Following a zig-zag in the pathway, you’ll quickly make the ascent towards the top of the fell (1), where you’ll get to take in the fantastic views of the town and lake. After stopping to admire the views, continue along the top of the fell eastwards before descending towards the banks of the River Greta.
Once you’ve reached the riverside, follow the path westwards back towards Keswick, which will take you over the Low Pearson’s Bridge and below the bypass before bringing you back to the leisure centre and car park where you began.
Read our walking guide to Latrigg Fell to help you plan your next visit!
8. Keswick and Walla Crag Circular
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 8.2km
Avg. Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Elevation (gain): 345m
Taking walkers along the banks of Derwentwater and across the edge of the ancient Borrowdale Forest, the Keswick and Walla Crag Circular is a popular yet moderately challenging Lake District walk that offers unparalleled views of the surrounding area.
To begin, start by parking up at Central Car Park in Keswick town centre before making your way down Lake Road towards the jetty. After passing the jetty and reaching the bottom of Lake Road, continue southwards onto the adjoining pathway, which will lead you through a handful of fields towards the Ruskin Monument.
From here, continue southwards along the lakeside towards the Hundred Year Stone before reaching the junction with the B5289 at Calfclose Bay. Once at the layby, look to your right and head towards the bus stop sign on the opposite side of the road. Here, you’ll see a gap in the stone wall, which you’ll pass through and follow the path in a counterclockwise direction.
Continuing along the path around the edge of the forest, you’ll eventually come to the Walla Crag checkpoint (1), where you can stop off and take in the views. Then, once you’re ready to continue, carry on following the Walla Crag Trail northwards towards Castlerigg Farm.
At the end of the trail, follow the road for a few minutes before taking the next left turning onto another footpath, bringing you westward back towards Keswick. Following the course of Brockle Beck, you’ll eventually come out onto Spring Road, which you’ll simply continue following until you reach the junction with Ambleside Road.
At the junction, take a left and head back into the town, turning left onto the High Street, right onto The Seams, left onto Derwent Street and through the final cut-through back onto Heads Road. Here, you’ll be just a stone’s throw away from the car park where you first started.
9. Keswick to Threlkeld
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 6km
Avg. Time: 1 hours 30 minutes
Elevation (gain): 140m
Looking for a nice and easy Lake District walk? Then the Keswick to Threlkeld is a fantastic route to consider taking! Perfect for walkers of all experience levels, this route will take you across the foot of Latrigg Fell and along the banks of the River Greta.
Start by parking up at the Keswick Car Park behind the town’s leisure centre and hop onto the cycle track, marked as Regional Route 71. From here, simply continue following the route, which will eventually wind its way to the side of the A66. As the path is completely separated from the road, simply continue following it up the hill, which is signposted for “Threlkeld”.
From here, you’ll be on the final kilometre-long stretch to Threlkeld, which finishes right outside the fantastic Horse & Farrier pub, a great Lake District pub to stop off for a drink and a bite to eat before following the same route back to Keswick.
10. Coniston Short Round
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 10.3km
Avg. Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Elevation (gain): 738m
Despite its name, the Coniston Short Round walk is anything but! So, if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, then taking on this tricky Lake District walk is a great idea to consider.
Starting off at Walna Scar Car Park on the outskirts of the village, you’ll begin by taking a left out of the car park and following the route of Walna Scar Road in a clockwise direction for around four kilometres, at which point you’ll need to turn right up towards Blind Tarn and Brown Pike (1).
From here, simply continue heading northwards, passing Buck Pike (2) and Dow Crag (3) as you go. After passing the third checkpoint, the path will start to bear right, which will start to take you onto the tricky ascent towards The Old Man of Coniston, one of the most well-known peaks in the national park.
Once you’ve had a chance to stop off and admire the views, you’ll begin the descent back towards the starting point, taking you past Low Water as you go. From here, simply keep following the path back down the hill before reaching the car park where you started.
11. Coniston Waterfall to The Old Man of Coniston
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 7.7km
Avg. Time: 6 hours
Elevation (gain): 699m
Despite following a relatively straightforward route, the Coniston Waterfall/Old Man of Coniston walk takes hikers on a steep ascent to one of the Lake District’s most iconic peaks, making it a challenging route that’s better suited to experienced walkers as opposed to beginners.
For this route, start by parking up on the layby on the lane behind the Ruskin Museum before heading around the leftward bend in the road towards Coniston Waterfall (1), which is just over half a kilometre away.
At the waterfall, cross over the ancient bridge and continue along the field footpath westward. From here, simply continue walking along the path, making your ascent towards Low Water.
At the lake, the path will take a left turning and gets much steeper as you start climbing towards the Old Man (2). On this part of the route, we’d highly recommend taking extra caution with your footing, as this stretch can get quite tricky on cold and wet days.
Then, at the top of The Old Man of Coniston, you’ll get to enjoy the impeccable views of the national park before heading back down the same path to where you first started.
12. The Coniston Coppermines
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 8.9km
Avg. Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Elevation (gain): 444m
If you’re looking for a moderately-challenging walk with a decent climb, then the Coniston Coppermines route is a brilliant Lake District walk to consider embarking on!
For this route, we recommend parking up at the Ruskin Avenue Car Park in the heart of the village, taking a left out of the car park, a right turn onto Yewdale Road and the next immediate left onto the lane behind the Ruskin Museum.
Heading up the lane, follow the bend around to the left before taking a right turn onto the rural path, marked with a wooden signpost. Here, you’ll start to make a steep ascent up the hill, so make sure to be extra careful on this stretch in wet and/or muddy conditions!
Passing by the historic Coniston Copper Mine, continue following the path westward until you reach Levers Water (2), which makes for a great place to stop off for a break and admire the views across the lake.
Continuing from here, you’ll take two left turns and start heading back in the direction you came from, but on a separate path. Here, continue southwards across the ridge, which will take you to Walna Scar Car Park. Here, cross over and continue along the path ahead of you, continuing in a southward direction.
Then, after following the path for just under half a kilometre, take the path on the left that runs alongside the field and start heading eastward back towards the village. At the end of the path, you’ll arrive at the main road and The Ship pub, a great place to stop off for a bite to eat after a challenging hike!
Then, once you’re ready to go, simply head back into Coniston along the main road (A593) back to where you started to complete the walk.
13. Pooley Bridge and Arthur’s Pike Circular
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 12.9km
Avg. Time: 4 hours
Elevation (gain): 508m
Taking walkers up into the hills to witness the stunning views of Ullswater and the village of Pooley Bridge, the Arthur’s Pike Circular is a moderately challenging route that’s best enjoyed on a clear and dry day. Due to the steepness of some stretches on this route, we’d recommend taking extra care if conditions are wet and/or muddy.
To begin, start by parking up at Waterfoot Car Park before crossing the bridge over the River Eamont into the village. After crossing the bridge, continue along the main road through Pooley Bridge before turning right at the 1863 Restaurant.
Following the High Street/Roe Head Lane, you’ll then come to a fork in the road, where you’ll take the one on the right (as opposed to the left, which is signposted for a holiday park).
From here, simply continue along Roe Head Lane until you meet the gate and footpath, which you’ll continue along southwards until turning right at the next path and continue southwards.
In around half a kilometre, you’ll reach The Cockpit Stone Circle, where you’ll follow the path around the bend to the right and start heading westward. After ignoring the next right turning and following the leftward bend in the path, take the right turning at the next fork.
The route will then take you on a circular, counterclockwise route towards Arthur’s Pike (1), where you can stop off and take in your surroundings before heading northwards to rejoin the path at the previously-mentioned fork.
From here, simply follow the route you initially took to get back to the village and the car park where you began.
14. Pooley Bridge Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4km
Avg. Time: 1 hour
Elevation (gain): 81m
If you’re after a nice and easy walk from Pooley Bridge, then the Pooley Bridge Circular is the beautiful Lake District walk for you!
Starting at Eusemere Car Park, you’ll begin by exiting the car park at its southern end on the road to your right, heading towards Lakeland Boat Hire. From here, simply follow the path along the banks of Ullswater southwards until you reach the Waterside House campsite.
Exiting the campsite onto the main road, take a left and start heading northwards in the direction you came from. Continue until you reach the 4-way junction, where you’ll take a left onto the High Street and follow the road back through the village to the car park where you started.
15. Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.3km
Avg. Time: 30 minutes
Elevation (gain): 34m
To finish this guide on the best Lake District walks is another super-easy Pooley Bridge route, taking walkers along the banks of Ullswater to Gale Bay.
Similar to the last route, start by parking up at Eusemere Car Park before heading southwards along the lakeside path, passing the Lakeland Boat Hire building as you go.
Then, after a kilometre, you will have reached the edge of Gale Bay (1), where you can turn back the way you came to finish the walk.
As well as these brilliant Lake District walks, we’ve also got a full guide covering all the must-visit places in the Lake District, if you’re looking for even more ideas and inspiration. Not only that, but for the brave and adventurous of you looking for more ways to spend your time here, be sure to take a look at our Lake District wild swimming guide as well! Browse the full collection of lodges in the Lake District to help you plan your next visit!
