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.
Top 10 Lake District Walks
1. Buttermere Lakeshore Walk
Grade - Easy. 5 Miles/2 hours/Buttermere
2. Scafell Pike
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.
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.
3. Ullswater and Place Fell
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.
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.
4. Catbells
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.
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.
5. Helvellyn
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.
6. Wansfell Pike
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.
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.
7. Skiddaw
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.
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.
8. Grasmere Loop and the Old Coffin Trail
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.
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.
9. Underloughrigg and Rydal Mount
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.
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.
10. The Old Man of Coniston
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.
