10 of the best walks in the Lake District this spring /

England’s Lake District is home to a number of breathtaking walks just waiting to be explored. And sometimes it can be a little intimidating, especially for first-time visitors who are less familiar with the area, because there is so much to choose from. From leisurely lakeside walks to more challenging mountain hikes, there is so much natural beauty to discover in this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luckily, the outdoor experts at GO Outdoors have put together a list of their 10 favorite walks in the Lake District, covering a mix of difficulty levels, over different terrain and over varying distances. Here are their suggestions:

Gruffalo’s Child Trail, Whinlatter Forest – suitable for all levels

The Gruffalo’s Child Trail is a delightful and family-friendly walk located in the enchanting Whinlatter Forest Park in the Lake District. Inspired by Julia Donaldson’s beloved children’s book, this gentle path winds its way through ancient woodlands and offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages.

Tarn Hows, near Hawkshead

The Tarn Hows walk in the Lake District offers a serene and accessible journey through some of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes. This “Miles without Stiles” trail is suitable for hikers of all levels, including those with mobility issues or strollers. The circular path loops around the picturesque Tarn Hows, a pristine body of water surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Along the way, hikers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Langdale Pikes.

• Figure: Simple
• Ground: Forest, open, lake
• Distance: 2.85 km | About. Time: 0:50

You can download the route for this walk here.

Derwentwater Lakeshore route, near Keswick

The Derwentwater Lakeshore Route in the Lake District offers a beautiful and accessible walk along the tranquil shores of Derwentwater, one of the region’s best-loved lakes. This “Kilometers Without Styles” route is specially designed for walkers of all levels, including those with mobility issues or pushing strollers. Along the route, walkers can pause to admire iconic landmarks such as Friar’s Crag and Ashness Jetty.

• Figure: Simple
• Ground: Forest, open, lake
• Distance: 8.35 km | About. Time: 2:20 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Broughton Railway, Broughton

With its flat terrain and well-maintained surface, the Broughton Railway walk provides a tranquil and accessible outdoor experience that can be enjoyed by all. It’s a lovely walk along a former railway line, now converted into a picturesque footpath, and another ‘Miles without Stiles’ route.

• Figure: Simple
• Ground: Open
• Distance: 4.75 km | About. Time: 1:20 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Coniston Hall on the Lake, Coniston

This fascinating route, which can also be explored by bike, combines historical intrigue with breathtaking natural beauty. The walk starts at Coniston Water and takes walkers along the shores of the lake, with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and woodlands. One of the highlights of the route is the grounds of Coniston Hall, a majestic 16th-century mansion steeped in history.

• Figure: Simple
• Ground: Open, forest, lake
• Distance: 5.05 km | About. Time: 1:20 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head, near Braithwaite

For walkers who have already done some winter skills training, GO Outdoors recommends exploring Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head. The entire route takes at least four hours, so make sure you pack a picnic along the way. They have discovered that hungry hikers are not always happy hikers. Look out for the waterfalls and waterfalls that look beautiful during the winter months.

• Figure: Difficult
• Ground: Open, mountain
• Distance: 12.70 km | About. Time: 4:40 am

You can download the route for this walk here.

Walla Crag and the Great Forest, near Derwentwater

For novice walkers, Walla Crag and the Great Wood offer the perfect combination of breathtaking views and clear routes. This walk is considerably shorter than the Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head route and only takes an hour and a half, giving you plenty of time to explore more of the beautiful Lake District. As with the route above, the terrain is very rugged and requires basic map reading skills to navigate.

• Figure: Simple
• Ground: Forest, opened
• Distance: 4.65 km | About. Time: 1:40 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Helvellyn Gill Path, near Thirlmere

Make your way around the Helvellyn Gill Path to the top of the mountain and experience breathtaking views of the Lake District. We found this fairly difficult to walk to be popular with dog owners – be warned though; it takes between five and six hours, so make sure your dog is in top condition.

• Figure: Difficult
• Ground: Mountain, opened
• Distance: 7.15 km | About. Time: 3:00 am

You can download the route for this walk here.

Latrigg walk via Keswick

Travel six miles over Keswick’s personal fall, Latrigg, and experience some truly breathtaking scenery. With steep slopes along the way, we recommend this route for more experienced hikers. Starting at Moot Hall, Keswick and climbing 1,000 feet, it should take you around three hours to complete – anything less and we salute you as a champion fall walker.

• Figure: Moderate
• Ground: Mountain, opened
• Distance: 8.95 km | About. Time: 2:55 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Ullock Pike, Skiddaw and Little Man, near Keswick

Starting at the Ravenstone Hotel and finishing at Latrigg Car Park, this difficult walk is a must for adventure seekers, combining steep climbs with sharp descents as you ascend and descend England’s fourth highest mountain and over six of the infamous highlands from the Lake District.

• Figure: Difficult
• Ground: Mountain, opened
• Distance: 10.35 km | About. Time: 4:15 hours (one way)

You can download the route for this walk here.

Becky Johnson

Becky Johnson is director of Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. offers luxury riverside holiday accommodation, perfectly situated between two of Britain’s most beautiful national parks: the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to increase your profile, please contact us.