5 Beautiful, Easy Lake District Walks You Should Explore
The Lake District has an unlimited number of truly stunning walks. So much so it’s often hard to know where to start!
It’s easy to stick to the same places you know and love, but there are probably so many more wonderful areas that you would enjoy, yet to be explored.
So here is a short list of some of my favourite easy* walks to give you some ideas of new places to explore or walks to go on next time you visit.
* I’m classing “easy” as either low level and/or not too strenuous for the times you don’t want to climb a mountain! And they are all manageable in under a few hours.
1. Buttermere
This is one of my all-time favourite easier walks in the Lake District, and a solid go-to for showing family and friends.
Buttermere is located in the North West of the Lake District and lends its name to the lake (“mere”), village and valley. The village is small and remote, but has parking and options for food and drink.
There is a circular path that goes around the lake itself which is about 5 miles. Depending on how long you stop to admire the views, this will usually take around a couple of hours. It is an incredibly picturesque area and shows its best beauty in the sunshine.
Top tip: don’t miss the home-made ice cream from the farm in the village, it’s superb!
Buttermere
2. Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge
A well-known route in the heart of the Lakes and a path I have taken too many times to count, being my doorstep walk during lockdown! In fact, this walk is the beginning part of my guided walk “Exploring Langdale”.
Elterwater is located in Langdale valley, one of the best walking hotspots in Lakeland. It is conveniently close for those based in the tourist town of Ambleside.
The walk follows Great Langdale Beck via a small parcel of woodland to Elterwater (the lake namesake of the village), where you have a cracking view across the water to the iconic Langdale Pikes. From here the scenery opens up as you follow the River Brathay to Skelwith Force, an impressive waterfall that marks the end of your walk. To walk back the way you came makes up a roughly 3 mile there and back, alternative head back a different way or even plan to hop on a bus!
Top tip: be wary that during or shortly after heavy rainfall, the path does flood at one point between the village and the lake.
Elterwater and Langdale Pikes
3. Latrigg
Want to summit a small Lake District fell with cracking views for limited effort? Latrigg is the walk for you!
Latrigg is a small fell near Keswick. It has stunning views over Keswick town, Derwent water and the surrounding hills. It offers real “bang for your buck” in terms of height to view ratio.
For the entry level option, there is a car park located high up the hill which can be used as a starting point, making an easy 1.5-2 mile circular walk from the car park and taking in the view point at the top. To challenge yourself a bit more, you can start in Keswick town centre and make it longer with more climb involved.
Top tip: the top of Latrigg is a lovely spot for a picnic when the Lake District weather allows!
View from Latrigg
4. Ullswater
Ullswater probably battles with Buttermere for the spot of my personal favourite lake in the Lake District.
The lake is the second biggest behind Windermere, but is widely regarded as more beautiful, and has the popular tourist villages of Pooley Bridge and Glenridding at each end.
There are plenty of walking options including the Ullswater way, a 20-mile loop around the entire lake! My favourite way to experience Ullswater is to hop on a steamer boat across the lake and walk back along it’s shores to your start point. Glenridding to Howtown and walking back is my go-to, but taking in Aira Force waterfall and back to Glenridding via the opposite shore is a close second!
Top tip: Book your steamer tickets in advance as they do fill up, especially in the busier seasons.
Ullswater
5. Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is a pretty little area, owned by the National Trust, that is actually man-made (or at least man-altered).
A “tarn” is a mountain lake, and is commonly used throughout the Lake District. This one is surrounded by trees and mountainous views.
With a car park on site and very accessible path that circles the tarn, this walk is very easy to follow and will generally take a couple of hours or so.
Top tip: It is possible to hire a Tramper mobility scooter at Tarn Hows, making access to this path and the beautiful area possible for those less physically able.
Tarn Hows
If you have any questions about any of these walks, please get in touch, I’ll happily advise as best I can! Happy walking 😊