Favourite Mountains
and Walks

Lake District Mountains & Walks

Putting your best foot forward

From a favourite Wainwright to a recommendation from the Ramblers, our curated list brings together some classic walks, some easy, some harder which we know you will enjoy. Remember to always take a map and know how to use it, let someone know where you are going, and be prepared for all weathers.

Lake District Haystacks

Towering over the Buttermere Valley, of all the fells in the Lakes District, Haystacks was Alfred Wainwright’s favourite and as such, a good place to start. Climb it from Buttermere or Honister Pass and you’ll be rewarded with views into the Ennerdale Valley and beyond.

Skiddaw

“On a clear day the views from the top are absolutely spectacular. You can see a majority of the other mountains and peaks plus the beautiful landscape and scenery in the surrounding valleys.” Domdomdomdom_13, TripAdvisor

Helvellyn

Voted Britain’s favourite walk in a 2017 ITV viewer’s poll. There are many routes up the fell and while all are strenuous, try the ones Wainwright recommends, the Western Approaches from Thirlmere, in The Eastern Fells.

Catbells

Voted Britain’s’ 4th favourite walk in a 2017 ITV viewer’s poll. “This Lake District mountain is small compared to its neighbours, yet what it lacks in height it makes up for in accessibility, views and atmosphere.” Countryfile Magazine. The walk up starts south of Portinscale and it is best to travel there by bus or by boat from Keswick. The ridge walk can take you right along to Grange and Seatoller in the Borrowdale Valley.

The John Dalton Way

The John Dalton Way is a 45km route commemorating the local lad who went on to discover atomic theory. He was born in the hamlet of Eaglesfield in 1766. The walk takes you through the lovely villages and countryside between Cockermouth and the coast and is highly recommended.

Castle Crag, Borrowdale

“Was described by the famed fell walker and writer Alfred Wainwright as being in the “finest square mile in Lakeland” and it’s not difficult to see why. You’ll climb Castle Crag, the site of a hill fort some 2,000 years ago, which, though small in stature, offers some of the finest views you will ever see.” National Trust.

Circuit of Buttermere

Voted Britain’s 7th favourite mountain walk in a 2017 ITV viewers poll. “Buttermere Valley is a beautiful area of woodland, farms, rugged fells and best of all, three stunning lakes linked together. Our walk takes you around Buttermere lake, undoubtedly one of the best lakeside walks in Britain.” The Ramblers

Seathwaite to Styhead

“It’s unusual to see bridges designated as Grade I listed ‘buildings’, but Stockley Bridge near Seathwaite is such a rare specimen that it’s been given that protection.” National Trust

Dodd Wood

“A delightful place for dog-walking. It is situated on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake and has lots of trails and viewing points to take in some breathtaking scenery. It’s also a popular place for viewing Ospreys.” The Tranquil Otter

Corpse Road, Loweswater

“Loweswater is a really pretty little lake and the woodlands which surround it are home to a number of red squirrels.“ National Trust

Walla Crag, Borrowdale

“The walk passes through Cockshot Wood and Castlehead wood to Castle Head, a fantastic viewpoint and believed to be the site of an Iron Age hill-fort.”
Sally’s Cottages

Buttermere to Rannerdale

“The trees at the southern tip of Buttermere, known as The Sentinels, are said to be the most photographed in the country. Crummock Water is fed by Scale Force, the highest falls in the Lake District, and has a pretty pebbly beach at its northern tip which is a great place for a picnic and a swim in the summer, National Trust.

Holme Wood, Loweswater

“Holme Wood lies not far from the Lake District National Park boundary and sits on the shores of one of its most idyllic lakes – explore this special corner of Britain with a four-mile walk.”
Countryfile Magazine

Friar's Crag Stargazing

“A view described by John Ruskin as one of the three most beautiful scenes in Europe, Friar’s Crag is a promontory jutting into Derwent Water looking out towards Derwent Isle and the surrounding scenery.” National Trust

Lanthwaite Wood

This ancient wood is now looked after by the National Trust. Walk along the main path from the road, or follow along by the banks of the River Cocker. We challenge you not to be taken aback at the view of Crummock Water at the end of the walk (there’s a seat so you can enjoy it all the more).

Keep going round the top end of the lake for a circular walk round, remembering to turn back towards the road at the pumping station or the beach by Melbreak.

Latrigg

A small but perfectly formed fell which commands fabulous views of Keswick. Latrigg just proves that size isn’t everything and you don’t have to be Ray Mears to enjoy the Lakes. The path is also good for those with limited mobility. Approach from the car park at the end of the road at Underscar, or from Threlkeld.