Barry PhilipsThe Lake District is a dream destination for anyone who loves walking, mountains and spectacular natural scenery. From peaceful lakeside paths and woodland trails to challenging mountain ridges and England’s highest peak, the region offers some of the most rewarding hiking experiences in the United Kingdom.
Located in Cumbria in northwest England, the Lake District National Park is famous for its dramatic combination of mountains, lakes, valleys and picturesque countryside. Whether you are a complete beginner looking for a relatively easy walk or an experienced hiker searching for a demanding full-day adventure, there is a trail to suit you.
Some of the most popular routes include Catbells, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, the Old Man of Coniston, Buttermere and the Fairfield Horseshoe. Each offers a different experience, and choosing the right one depends on your fitness, hiking experience, available time and the type of scenery you want to enjoy.
In this guide, we explore the top hiking trails in the Lake District, including their difficulty, approximate distances, major attractions and who each route is best suited to.
Top Hiking Trails In Lake District
1. Catbells
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Approximate distance: 6–7 km for popular circuits
Best for: Beginners, families and first-time visitors
If you are looking for a classic Lake District hike that combines relatively manageable effort with spectacular scenery, Catbells is an excellent place to start.
Located close to Keswick, Catbells rises dramatically above Derwentwater. Although the fell is not among the highest in the Lake District, its position gives walkers impressive views across the lake and towards the surrounding mountains.
The ascent includes some steeper and rocky sections, but the route is considerably less demanding than major mountain hikes such as Scafell Pike or Helvellyn.
One of Catbells’ greatest advantages is its accessibility. You can experience the feeling of climbing a Lake District fell without committing to a difficult full-day mountain expedition.
It is particularly suitable for first-time visitors who want to experience one of the region’s iconic landscapes.
Why hike Catbells? The combination of a manageable climb, beautiful views and proximity to Keswick makes it one of the best introductory hikes in the Lake District.
2. Buttermere Circular Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Approximate distance: 7–8 km
Best for: Families, beginners, photographers and relaxed walkers
The Buttermere Circular Walk is one of the best choices for anyone who wants breathtaking Lake District scenery without a demanding mountain climb.
The route takes walkers around Buttermere, a beautiful lake surrounded by impressive mountains and steep valley walls.
Instead of focusing on reaching a summit, the attraction here is the landscape itself. The changing perspectives of the lake, mountains and surrounding countryside make the walk particularly enjoyable for photographers and nature lovers.
The relatively gentle nature of the route also makes it suitable for families and people who may not have extensive hiking experience.
For visitors who want to slow down and appreciate the Lake District rather than race towards a summit, Buttermere is an outstanding option.
Why hike Buttermere? It offers spectacular mountain-and-lake scenery while remaining accessible to a wide range of walkers.
3. Scafell Pike
Difficulty: Challenging
Approximate distance: 8–10 km depending on the route
Best for: Experienced hikers and serious mountain walkers
For hikers who want to conquer one of England’s most famous mountains, Scafell Pike should be near the top of the list.
At 978 metres, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. Reaching its summit is therefore a significant achievement, but the hike should not be underestimated.
Popular routes can involve steep climbs, loose and rocky terrain and difficult navigation, particularly when weather conditions deteriorate.
The mountain’s elevation also means conditions can be very different from those in the valleys. Rain, wind, cloud, cold temperatures and poor visibility can make the experience substantially more difficult.
The reward, however, is an unforgettable mountain adventure and the satisfaction of standing on the highest point in England.
Scafell Pike is best approached with appropriate preparation, suitable equipment and an understanding of mountain safety.
Why hike Scafell Pike? It combines the challenge of England’s highest mountain with the sense of achievement that comes from completing one of Britain’s most famous hikes.
4. Helvellyn via Striding Edge
Difficulty: Hard to challenging
Approximate distance: 12–13 km depending on the route
Best for: Experienced hikers and confident scramblers
Few Lake District walks are as exciting as Helvellyn via Striding Edge.
Helvellyn is one of the highest mountains in England, but what makes this route especially famous is the dramatic approach along Striding Edge.
Striding Edge is a narrow mountain ridge with significant exposure in places. The route involves scrambling and requires hikers to be comfortable with steep drops, rocky terrain and changing mountain conditions.
For experienced hikers, the ridge provides an exhilarating sense of adventure accompanied by magnificent views across the surrounding fells.
Many hikers complete the route as a circular walk, ascending via Striding Edge and descending through Swirral Edge.
This is not a route to attempt casually. Weather conditions are particularly important, and inexperienced walkers should consider choosing a less technical route to Helvellyn.
Why hike Helvellyn via Striding Edge? It delivers one of the most thrilling combinations of ridge walking, scrambling and mountain scenery in the Lake District.
5. Old Man of Coniston
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Approximate distance: 8–11 km depending on the route
Best for: Intermediate and experienced hikers
The Old Man of Coniston is one of the most recognisable mountains in the southern Lake District.
Standing above Coniston, the mountain offers impressive views across Coniston Water and the surrounding landscape. The area also has a fascinating industrial history connected to its former mining and quarrying activities.
Several routes lead towards the summit, allowing hikers to choose between shorter and more extensive adventures.
The climb can be strenuous, particularly on steeper sections, but the combination of mountain scenery and historical features makes the experience especially rewarding.
It is an excellent choice for hikers who have completed easier Lake District walks and want to progress to a more substantial mountain hike.
Why hike the Old Man of Coniston? You get a rewarding summit, dramatic scenery and an opportunity to explore the Lake District’s industrial heritage in one adventure.
6. Langdale Pikes
Difficulty: Hard
Approximate distance: 10–12 km depending on the route
Best for: Experienced hikers
The Langdale Pikes are among the most distinctive mountains in the Lake District.
Their dramatic profile makes them instantly recognisable, while the surrounding Langdale Valley creates a spectacular setting for a mountain adventure.
The route involves steep sections and rocky terrain, making it significantly more challenging than accessible walks such as Catbells or Buttermere.
However, the effort is rewarded with impressive views across Langdale and the surrounding mountains.
This is a particularly good option for experienced hikers who want a challenging mountain day without necessarily tackling England’s highest peak.
Why hike the Langdale Pikes? Their distinctive peaks, rugged terrain and spectacular valley scenery provide a quintessential Lake District mountain experience.
7. Fairfield Horseshoe
Difficulty: Hard
Approximate distance: 15–17 km
Best for: Experienced hikers and full-day walkers
If you enjoy long mountain circuits rather than simply climbing one peak, the Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the Lake District’s classic hiking routes.
The circular route begins around Ambleside and travels around the Fairfield mountain group, passing several summits along the way.
The major attraction is the variety. Rather than walking up one mountain and returning by the same path, you spend much of the day moving through a changing mountain landscape.
The route requires good fitness because of its length, elevation gain and demanding terrain. It is best suited to hikers who are comfortable spending several hours in the mountains.
Proper navigation, weather awareness and adequate food and water are particularly important.
Why hike the Fairfield Horseshoe? It is an excellent full-day adventure for hikers who want multiple summits and constantly changing views.
8. Kentmere Horseshoe
Difficulty: Hard
Approximate distance: Around 18–19 km
Best for: Experienced fell walkers
The Kentmere Horseshoe is one of the Lake District’s best options for experienced hikers looking for a serious full-day challenge.
The route circles the Kentmere Valley and crosses a series of impressive fells. Its substantial distance and elevation gain make it considerably more demanding than short scenic routes.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Kentmere Horseshoe is its sense of progression. The landscape changes continually as you move from one summit and ridge to another.
Because of the route’s length, hikers should allow plenty of time and pay attention to daylight hours, weather forecasts and navigation.
This is a trail for people who already have some mountain-walking experience and are looking to challenge themselves further.
Why hike the Kentmere Horseshoe? It provides an immersive day in the Lake District mountains, combining multiple summits, ridges and spectacular valley views.
9. Skiddaw
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Best for: Experienced walkers and summit seekers
Skiddaw is one of the Lake District’s major mountains and a prominent landmark above Keswick.
The mountain is particularly appealing to visitors staying in or around Keswick because of its accessibility from the northern Lake District.
Unlike the famous Striding Edge route on Helvellyn, Skiddaw is generally associated more with sustained climbing than technical scrambling.
The long ascent requires good stamina, but hikers who reach higher ground are rewarded with extensive views across the surrounding fells and northern Lake District.
For someone who wants to tackle a major Lake District mountain but does not specifically want an exposed ridge, Skiddaw can be an excellent choice.
Why hike Skiddaw? It offers a serious mountain challenge and extensive views without requiring the technical ridge walking associated with Striding Edge.
10. Loughrigg Fell
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Intermediate walkers and visitors based around Ambleside
Loughrigg Fell is a versatile walking destination near Ambleside.
Although it is much less intimidating than some of the Lake District’s major mountains, the fell offers excellent elevated views across the surrounding lakes and valleys.
There are numerous paths and possible circuits, meaning walkers can adapt their outing according to their available time and ability.
Loughrigg is particularly useful for visitors who want something more challenging than a simple lakeside stroll but do not want to commit to a demanding mountain expedition.
Its proximity to Ambleside also makes it convenient for visitors who want to combine hiking with exploring one of the area’s popular towns.
Why hike Loughrigg Fell? It provides beautiful elevated scenery, route flexibility and a satisfying hill-walking experience without the demands of England’s highest peaks.
11. Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Approximate distance: Around 6 km
Best for: Families, beginners and nature lovers
Not every great Lake District hike needs to involve a mountain summit.
The Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park walk is ideal for people who prefer waterfalls, woodland and peaceful countryside.
Aira Force is one of the region’s best-known waterfalls, while the surrounding woodland provides a completely different atmosphere from the exposed terrain of the high fells.
The route offers a mixture of natural scenery and gentle hill walking, making it a strong option for families and beginners.
It is also an attractive choice for visitors who want to experience the Lake District without spending an entire day on a challenging mountain route.
Why hike Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park? The combination of waterfall scenery, woodland and accessible countryside makes it an excellent relaxed walking experience.
12. Buttermere, Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Approximate distance: 9 km or more depending on the route
Best for: Intermediate and experienced hikers
For hikers who love the scenery around Buttermere but want more of a challenge, extending the journey towards Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike is an excellent option.
This type of route combines the peaceful beauty of the lake with more rugged mountain terrain.
As you gain height, the views become broader and the walking becomes more demanding. The contrast between the calm waters of Buttermere and the surrounding high fells is one of the major attractions.
It is a good progression for hikers who have already completed easier routes and want to introduce more elevation and challenging terrain into their Lake District adventures.
Why hike this route? It combines one of the Lake District’s most beautiful lakes with rewarding mountain scenery and a greater physical challenge.
13. Derwentwater Circular Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate distance: Around 17 km for a complete circuit
Best for: Long-distance walkers and scenic hikers
The Derwentwater Circular Walk is perfect for people who enjoy long walks but do not necessarily want to climb a major mountain.
The route travels around Derwentwater near Keswick, offering constantly changing views of the lake, woodland and surrounding mountains.
The full circuit requires considerably more endurance than shorter walks, but the relatively low emphasis on steep mountain climbing makes it a different kind of challenge.
It can also be particularly enjoyable for walkers who prefer to maintain a steady pace while taking in scenery rather than repeatedly tackling steep ascents.
Why hike Derwentwater? It offers an immersive lake-and-mountain experience and is one of the best choices for a long scenic walk in the northern Lake District.
14. Gummer’s How
Difficulty: Easy
Approximate distance: Around 6 km
Best for: Beginners, families and casual walkers
Gummer’s How is a good choice for people who want to experience elevated Lake District scenery without undertaking a demanding mountain hike.
The route provides beautiful views over the surrounding landscape while remaining relatively manageable.
It is particularly suitable for beginners who are building confidence before progressing to longer or steeper routes.
The walk can also be a good option for visitors with limited time who still want to experience the countryside.
Why hike Gummer’s How? It provides rewarding views with relatively modest physical demands, making it an excellent introductory walk.
Best Hiking Trails in the Lake District for Beginners
If you are new to hiking, choosing an appropriate first trail is important.
A route that is too difficult can turn an enjoyable holiday experience into an exhausting or potentially dangerous day.
Catbells is one of the strongest choices because it offers a genuine fell-walking experience without the difficulty of England’s highest mountains.
Buttermere Circular is another excellent option if scenery is more important to you than reaching a summit.
Gummer’s How and Aira Force are also worth considering for shorter and less demanding outings.
Once you become comfortable with these routes, you can gradually progress to longer and steeper hikes.
Best Lake District Hikes for Experienced Walkers
Experienced hikers have far more options.
Scafell Pike is the obvious choice for anyone who wants to climb England’s highest mountain.
For those looking for adventure and exposure, Helvellyn via Striding Edge offers one of the most memorable routes in the region.
The Fairfield Horseshoe and Kentmere Horseshoe are excellent choices for hikers who prefer long mountain circuits with multiple summits.
Meanwhile, Langdale Pikes, Skiddaw and the Old Man of Coniston provide additional challenging mountain experiences.
What to Pack for a Lake District Hike
The Lake District’s weather can change quickly, particularly at higher elevations. Being properly prepared is therefore essential.
Depending on the route and weather conditions, hikers should consider carrying:
- Waterproof hiking jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Warm layers
- Food and snacks
- Plenty of drinking water
- Map and compass
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Headtorch
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Hat and gloves
- Emergency shelter for longer mountain hikes
For challenging routes, preparation should go beyond simply checking the distance. Study the route, understand the elevation gain and check the expected mountain weather before setting out.
Lake District Hiking Safety Tips
The Lake District may look peaceful, but its mountains can present serious challenges.
Always check the weather before starting your walk, particularly when planning a high-level route. Conditions at the summit can be dramatically different from conditions in the valley.
Allow enough time to complete the walk before darkness. This is particularly important during autumn and winter when daylight hours are shorter.
If you are attempting a demanding route, make sure you understand navigation and carry appropriate equipment. A mobile phone should not be treated as your only navigation tool because battery life and signal availability can be unreliable.
Most importantly, know your limits.
If the weather becomes dangerous or you realise that a route is beyond your ability, turning back is the sensible decision.
How to Choose the Right Lake District Hiking Trail
The best hiking trail depends on several factors.
First, consider your fitness level. A six-kilometre walk with steep climbing can be more demanding than a longer route over relatively flat terrain.
Second, think about your hiking experience. Beginners should start with accessible routes before progressing to exposed ridges or challenging mountain summits.
Third, consider how much time you have. A short walk such as Gummer’s How or Catbells can fit into a half-day itinerary, while routes such as the Kentmere Horseshoe require a much larger commitment.
Finally, think about what you want to see.
If you love lakes, Buttermere and Derwentwater are excellent choices. If waterfalls appeal to you, consider Aira Force. If you want dramatic mountain scenery, Langdale Pikes and the Old Man of Coniston are worth considering. And if reaching a famous summit is your primary goal, Scafell Pike or Helvellyn may be the right choice.
Top Lake District Hiking Trails at a Glance
| Hiking Trail | Difficulty | Approx. Distance | Best For | Main Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catbells | Easy–Moderate | 6–7 km | Beginners | Derwentwater views |
| Buttermere Circular | Easy | 7–8 km | Families | Lake and mountain scenery |
| Scafell Pike | Challenging | 8–10 km | Experienced hikers | England’s highest mountain |
| Helvellyn via Striding Edge | Hard–Challenging | 12–13 km | Experienced hikers | Dramatic ridge walking |
| Old Man of Coniston | Moderate–Hard | 8–11 km | Intermediate hikers | Summit and historic landscape |
| Langdale Pikes | Hard | 10–12 km | Experienced hikers | Dramatic peaks |
| Fairfield Horseshoe | Hard | 15–17 km | Full-day hikers | Multiple summits |
| Kentmere Horseshoe | Hard | 18–19 km | Experienced fell walkers | Long mountain circuit |
| Skiddaw | Moderate–Hard | Varies | Summit seekers | Northern Lake District views |
| Loughrigg Fell | Moderate | Varies | Intermediate walkers | Flexible routes and views |
| Aira Force & Gowbarrow | Easy–Moderate | ~6 km | Families | Waterfall and woodland |
| Buttermere–Haystacks–Fleetwith Pike | Moderate–Hard | ~9 km+ | Intermediate hikers | Lake and mountain combination |
| Derwentwater Circular | Moderate | ~17 km | Long-distance walkers | Complete lake circuit |
| Gummer’s How | Easy | ~6 km | Beginners | Accessible hilltop views |
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Conclusion
The best hiking trails in the Lake District offer an incredible range of experiences, from peaceful lakeside walks to demanding mountain adventures.
For beginners and families, Catbells, Buttermere Circular, Gummer’s How and Aira Force provide accessible ways to experience the region’s natural beauty.
Intermediate hikers can progress to Loughrigg Fell, the Old Man of Coniston, Skiddaw and the Buttermere–Haystacks area, while experienced mountain walkers can take on the greater challenges of Scafell Pike, Helvellyn via Striding Edge, the Fairfield Horseshoe and the Kentmere Horseshoe.
The most important thing is to choose a route that matches your experience, fitness and the weather conditions on the day.
Whether your idea of a perfect hike is a peaceful walk beside a lake, a scenic hill climb or the satisfaction of standing on a major mountain summit, the Lake District has a trail waiting for you.