8 Best Lake District Walks

Are you keen to discover the best Lake District walks?

From Cat Bells to Wordsworth’s House, we’re sharing our favourite routes around the Lake District:

Discover Cat Bells

Cat Bells is a 451-metre high fell in the Lake District. Located near Keswick, it sits on the Western Shore of Derwentwater and is easily identifiable by its unusual shape.

There are many walking routes within Cat Bells, with different paths suitable for a range of ages, making it an idyllic location for families.

When you hike to the top, you’ll be treated to an array of stunning views that look out over Derwentwater. If you’re an experienced walker, you can then walk along the ridge in a horseshoe walk, finishing in the Newlands Valley.

Explore Lingmoor Fell Circuit

The Lingmoor Fell is a circular walk through the heart of the Lake District. It’s a steep climb offering spectacular views of the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and the Coniston Fells.

The Lingmoor Fell stands at 469 metres high and is covered in heather, which is where it gets its name; the Old Norse word for heather is ‘Lyng’. The heather flowers in August and September, but this walk is spectacular in every season.

Climb Castle Crag

Castle Crag lies in the North Western Fells of the Lake District. It used to be an ancient hill fort, but in more recent years was given to the National Trust as a WW1 memorial in honour of the Borrowdale men who fought in the war.

The summit lends itself to stunning views of Borrowdale and the River Derwent, providing a scenic route for your Lake District adventure.

Best Lake District Walks: Duddon Valley

Situated in Cumbria, Duddon Valley is home to the River Duddon, which flows through the valley, and finishes up in the Irish Sea near Broughton-in-Furness.

There is evidence of Neolithic settlements in Duddon Valley, with the remains of a stone circle residing at Swinside Farm. Its rich history and incredible views make it one of the best Lake District walks and is definitely worth visiting.

Explore Orrest Head

Windermere to Orrest Head is a delightful short walk, perfect for beginners or families. It takes around 30 minutes to complete.

Looping through St Catherine’s Wood and High Hay Wood, the walk then takes you back to the start, but not before showcasing its magnificent views across the southern lakes.

Best Lake District Walks: St Sunday Crag

Part of the Fairfield group in the Eastern Fells, St Sunday Crag has a distinctive round shape, a silhouette against the Patterdale skyline.

The summit of St Sunday Crag is fairly level and provides spectacular views of the Lake District. Beginning in Patterdale, St Sunday Crag is a popular walking route for both locals and tourists.

Best Lake District Walks: Discover Grasmere

Grasmere is a beloved tourist destination in Cumbria and was once home to the prominent poet, William Wordsworth.

One of the best Lake District walks starts at his childhood home in Cockermouth and lasts for 8 miles. You can even visit his house between March and October, before embarking on your hike.

Take a detour through St Allsaints – the church where Wordsworth was baptised – and ramble through the Hamlet of Isel where you’ll discover a beautiful 12th-century church.

Explore Blencathra

Blencathra is also known as Saddleback and is a northern hill in the Lake District. It has six fell tops, the highest of which reaches 2,848 feet.

A challenging yet rewarding hike, the steep hill provides stunning scenery of Keswick and Derwentwater. It usually takes around 4 hours to complete, with several variations  to choose from.

Often regarded as one of the best Lake District walks, Blencathra has a nerve-wracking ‘knife-edge’ ridge – which requires a steady foot and careful manoeuvering. It lasts for a couple of hundred metres and is not, perhaps, one for the faint hearted.

Best Lake District Walks: Where to Stay

The Windermere Hotel is perfectly placed for all your walking adventures. Sitting in the heart of Windermere, you’ll have easy access to all the best Lake District walks.

The hotel is pet-friendly, so you can take your furry friend on all your rambling escapades. The Orrest Head Lodge is a restaurant that forms part of the hotel and overlooks the lakes. The menu offers a range of dishes, including pasta and pizza, for you to indulge in after a hard day of walking.

To book your stay, please contact a member of the team.