Take to the hills this August with these ten fantastic walking routes in the Lake District National Park, ranging from flat strolls through the countryside to rugged hikes up England's highest mountains. We've also listed a selection of some of the best pubs for each area, offering food, drink and accommodation.
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Grade - Easy. 5 Miles/2 hours/Buttermere
Lake Buttermere in the northwestern area of the Lake District National Park offers a peaceful and easy walking route around its shores amidst classic lakeland scenery of mountains and deciduous trees.
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 Grade - Difficult. 7 miles/5 hours/Wasdale Head
At 3209ft, Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain, and every year thousands of walkers set out to conquer this impressive peak. Despite its lofty height, this strenuous route
is achievable as long as you're fit, properly equipped and prepared for
a steep slog.
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 Grade - Moderate. 9.5 miles/4hours/Howtown
This route aims to avoid the
crowds, who often trek from Glennridding to Howtown, and instead explores the quieter region around Place Fell
and Patterdale. An Ullswater Steamer trip is to be
highly recommended - you could incorporate this into your walk.
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 Grade - Difficult. 3.5 miles/3 hours/Hawes End
The miniature mountain of Catbells (1481 ft) packs an impressive punch considering its modest height and is well known as one of the most family friendly Lakeland summits. Once you're at the top you'll be treated to a stupendous outlook accross Derwent Water.
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 Grade -
Difficult. 8 miles/6 to 7 hours/Patterdale
Helvellyn is the second highest mountain in England after Scafell Pike
and offers arguably a slightly easier though no less dramatic walk.
The classic Helvellyn route is the ridge scramble along Striding Edge,
which can be a challenge even for experienced walkers.
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 Grade - Moderate. 6 miles/4 hours/Ambleside
Most people start their exploration of the Lakes from the south and ambleside is an easy and popular starting point. This hike takes in the waterfalls of Stock Ghyll Force, Wansfell Pike, Troutbeck and fantastic views over Lake Windermere from Jenkin's Crag.
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 Grade - Difficult. 8 miles/4 to 5 hours/Keswick
Cumbria has four mountains over 3000 ft high - Scafell Pike, Sca Fell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw (3054ft), which dominates Keswick's northern skyline. This is a fairly challenging ascent - it's a long trek to the top, but the track is clearly defined and the drops are not too scary.
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 Grade - Easy. 3.5 miles/2 hours/Grasmere
Grasmere can be crowded in summer, but is handy for shops and amenities. This popular lakeside trail tracks the shores of Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water, before making an easy loop back behind Rydal Mount to St Oswald's Church in the village.
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 Grade -
Easy. 2.5 miles/2 hours/Ambleside
If you are looking for a flat gentle stroll through typical Lakeland
countryside, then this walk is
ideal. This is part of a route Dorothy Wordsworth once used to follow to Ambleside, and you can still spot a few
places she mentions in her journals.
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 Grade -
Difficult. 6.5 miles/4 hours/Coniston
It isn't the highest mountain in the Lakes, but the Old Man of Coniston (2276 ft) is
still a formiddable challenge, and presents an impressive sight with
its rounded rocky peaks and tapering sides, hunkering above Coniston
like a benevolent giant.
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