Best hikes in the Lake District
Out & About
Many tourists come to the Lake District for its breathtaking views and to hike around the peaks and lakes. When the weather gets better, visitors can truly make the most of the outdoor activities and views. This is why we’ve put together a list of best hikes in the Lake District to enjoy!
Family Friendly Hikes in the Lake District
With many different types of visitors coming to the Lake District, it’s important to know your fitness level. Because of its popularity among families, the first bunch of hikes we recommend are family friendly so that even little ones can enjoy them!
- Woodland Walks at Skelwith Fold
Starting off with trails from our caravan park Skelwith Fold, we have plenty of easy to walk paths for all levels of fitness that will take you and your little ones around some beautiful woodland and scenic viewpoints. On these walks, visitors can stumble upon the local wildlife, including deers, red squirrels and badgers. We are working on adding more nature trails with exciting activities for kids, so keep your eyes peeled on our socials or website for more news! - One-hour walks around Skelwith
For families looking for an easy hike in the evening, we have two stunning one-hour walks starting from Skelwith Fold. We recommend wearing appropriate gear, like a light waterproof/windproof jacket – depending on weather conditions, as well as hiking shoes or walking boots. You can find both hikes on Google Maps, or on our Skelwith Fold Advantage Club App. Alternatively, you can purchase a physical map at our reception. - Waterhead & Ambleside Walk
For families looking for longer and slightly more challenging hikes, we recommend Waterhead & Ambleside Walk. This hike is 6.5miles long, and usually takes around 3 and a half hours to complete. What makes this path great is that it’s mostly on dry and hard surface, and it goes past many shops for refreshments. If you’re getting tired or it’s getting late, you can catch a bus back to Skelwith. This hike will take you through woodlands, Ambleside Roman Fort and around Ambleside and Waterhead, where you can make the most of Lake Windermere! We have added this walk to Google Maps. - Other family friendly hikes available on our app and website are:
Wray Castle, Blelham Tarn & Outgate Walk
Loughrigg Tarn Walk
Hawkshead via the Drunken Duck & Outgate Walk.
One-day walks for experienced hikers
For more experienced hikers looking for best hikes in the Lake District, we also have many recommendations.
- Skelwith to the Landgales Walk
This stunning circular walk to Little Langdale, Blea Tarn, Great Langdale, Chapel Stile, Elterwater & Skelwith Bridge will keep you busy for the whole day! It’s a great one-day trip that provides hikers with views of mountain, tarns and waterfalls! Please beware that steep drops are present alongside the path. - Black Crag, Tarn Hows & Little Langdale
This is another one-day walk perfect for confident hikers. This hike provides welcome surprises and picturesque landscapes that will make you feel as if you were in a postcard.
Hardest Hikes with Elevation
For visitors looking for the the hardest hikes in the Lake District, with the most stunning views, we have you covered!
- Stickle Tarn Trail
This route in almost 4miles- long, it presents many difficulties, including elevation and uneven terrain. This steep hike will make you go all the way up to Stickle Tarn, where you can sit down and enjoy the stunning views of Great Landgale. This will a be a dramatic hike you will never forget. - Gatesgarth, Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks
This loop is almost 10k long, and it’s one of the most popular routes in the Lake District. It is very well travelled, especially from April to September, making it very suitable hike around the Lakes during the warmer months. It sure is challenging, it’s also considered one of the most rewarding routes! Please note that the path downhill may be slightly treacherous, so we recommend extra care. - Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike is another well-travelled route. This hike has the most elevation gain, taking you straight to the highest peak of the district. Expect a steep path, waterfalls, and finally postcard like views the very top – especially on a sunny day. There are many paths that will take you up to the top, so please choose the one most suitable for your fitness level.
Wheelchair and pram friendly trails
We couldn’t forget about visitors with mobility issues or prams, so we have included the best accessible hikes in the Lake District:
- Buttermere Lakeshore
This pleasant 1.6km route is perfect for visitors with wheelchairs or pushchairs. Please note, this path is not paved, however it doesn’t have steep gradients. Make the most of the lovely views and local wildlife. - Brothers Water
This 3.75km long route takes you along the shores of Brothers Water, and with little gradient, it’s suitable for many wheelchair or mobility scooter users. - And others varying in length and difficulty, such as Monk Coniston, Windermere’s Western Shore, Broughton Railway and Bowness to Cockshott Point.
And more hikes!
We hope you will have a Lake District staycation filled with adventures and memories you’ll never forget. Many of the routes we have suggested are dog friendly, with well-behaved furry friends on a lead.
If you’re looking for a caravan park in the Lake District, Skelwith Fold is a tranquil holiday park secluded in the beautiful woodlands near Ambleside and Lake Windermere. We have a variety of accommodation, from glamping pods to luxurious cottages, and we welcome visitors coming with touring and motorhomes. We recommend downloading our Skelwith Fold Advantage Club and sign up to become Skelwith Fold Advantage Club Members to get 10% off many activities and restaurants!