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Best trails in Lake District National Park

Best trails in Lake District National Park

4.5(272,055 reviews)

·

England
: 
#1 of 10 national parks

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Lake District National Park, a World Heritage Site, was the second national park established in the UK and is the most popular with over 16 million visitors per year. The park is known for its rugged fell mountains, including Scafell Pike, England's highest peak, historic literary associations, such as William Wordsworth, and glacial ribbon lakes, with Windermere the largest.

Top trails

1
#1 - Scafell Pike from Wasdale Campsite
4.7(5554)
•Hard
•5.3 mi
This is a popular route up Scafell Pike for those wanting to bag the National Three Peaks, with this summit the highest mountain in England at an elevation of 978 meters above sea level. Be prepared for a real adventure and to have an amazing experience with incredible views to reward your efforts. This path should not be underestimated as it requires a very steep and sustained ascent along a combination of rocky steps and very loose gravel where a good level of fitness and very careful...
2
#2 - Buttermere Circular
4.8(2412)
•Moderate
•4.6 mi
•Est. 1h 54m
This is a lovely, family friendly trail taking in great views on a clear day as you make your way round the lake. With sweeping mountains on all ends, this is a very atmospheric route with picturesque paths and sights. Some sections of the trail can be rough and muddy as well as a stretch along the road where care needs to be taken. Appropriate footwear is required. The trail also takes in the historic church in Buttermere and the Hasness Tunnel, a narrow rock-cut passage to allow access...
3
#3 - Rydal Water and Cave Circular
4.7(3864)
•Moderate
•3.2 mi
•Est. 1h 35m
Starting in White Moss Common car park (fee required), the trail heads over the River Rothay and through the woods to the open hillside, climbing to Rydal Cave, a man-made cave which is the result of slate quarrying. The route then descends via Steps End Wood and the edge of Rydal Water, returning back to the start beside the lake. Enjoy the beautiful views over the countryside and lake and keep an eye out for wildlife Take care along the rougher sections of this trail, especially in...
4
#4 - Scafell Pike from Seathwaite Circular
4.7(3000)
•Hard
•9.2 mi
This is a very challenging and strenuous trail taking you to the summit of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, with an elevation of 978 meters (3200 feet) above sea level. The trail can be hard to follow particularly in periods of low visibility, so good navigation skills are required. The route climbs from Seathwaite to Styhead Tarn and Styhead Pass to join the Corridor Route to Lingmell Col. This is a very exposed, narrow, rocky, and rough path which will require very careful...
5
#5 - Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Circular
4.8(3486)
•Moderate
•4.3 mi
•Est. 2h 37m
Starting from the Aira Force National Trust car park, this circular trail takes in the waterfalls and cascades, the summit of Gowbarrow Fell, and great views of the surrounding hills and Ullswater. After enjoying beautiful views of the waterfall with its 65ft drop, head out of the forest, up into the hills, and to the top of Gowbarrow Fell where you can take a break and look out over the surrounding fells and Ullswater on clear day. The trail then continues along the path down the hillside,...
6
#6 - Hawes End, Cat Bells, and Derwent Circular
4.8(3765)
•Moderate
•4.4 mi
This trail takes in a spectacular and popular circular around Hawes End, Cat Bells, and Derwent Water where your efforts will be rewarded with great views on a clear day. Parking cars on busy days can be very difficult so be prepared to find alternatives or come early to avoid disappointment. Please do not obstruct through traffic and entrances along the narrow lanes. Ascending from Hawes requires many steep steps and a scramble to the top some of which can be are very icy and slippery on...
7
#7 - Derwent Water Circular
4.7(3999)
•Moderate
•9.5 mi
•Est. 3h 55m
Please note: as of January 2022 there is flood damage along this trail curtailing the loop or requiring a detour via Grange at the southern end of the circular. Please check local conditions before heading out and come prepared for a possibly longer day out. There can surely be no other more satisfying trail in the Lake District that offers so much, with no height gained, is a decent length, and occupies a whole day than a circuit of Derwent Water. This circular is in a clockwise direction...
8
#8 - Old Man of Coniston and Brim Fell Circular
4.8(2427)
•Hard
•5.9 mi
The Old Man of Coniston has a curious name. “Old Man” is derived from “Alt Maen” meaning “High Stone”, and Coniston comes from the Old Norse “Konigs Tun” or King’s Farm. The mountain has seen extensive copper and slate mining for eight hundred years, and the remains of abandoned mines and tips are a feature of the north-east slopes. There are also several flocks of sheep that are grazed on the mountain as well as a remains of mining activities which can be hazardous, so please keep dogs under...
9
#9 - Helvellyn
4.7(2602)
•Hard
•4.4 mi
This trail starts at Swirls car park (pay and display) near Thirlmere Reservoir and climbs to the summit of Helvellyn, the highest peak in the Helvellyn Range, and the third highest peak in the Lake District. From the summit there are stunning views of Red Tarn, the scrambles of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, the villages of Glenridding and Patterdale, and the wider Lake District mountains. This route starts with a long and sustained climb with stone steps and rocky sections. A real test...
10
#10 - Loughrigg Fell Circular
4.7(1858)
•Moderate
•7.5 mi
Enjoy this beautiful trail around Loughrigg Fell, with its amazing views as you make your way round the slopes, past the tarn, and up to the summit. This route is therefore best attempted on a calm and clear day to make the most of this vantage point. This route is a combination of rougher paths, stone steps, and paved roads as you make your way round. Starting along the road beside the River Rothay and through Miller Row, the bridleway is joined and the path climbs into the hills, over...
Showing results 1–10 of 1,853
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in Lake District National Park

Top Picks in Lake District National Park

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Trail reviews for Lake District National Park

241,061 trailgoers Busiest in August
Hannah Sinclair
Sep 6, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat views

We had a wonderful walk , our first time to the Lake District and our first trail. The views was beautiful and the weather was perfect. Steep going up but the paths was wide so it was okay, we saw lots of goats and lovely hikers, as well as lots new sight seeings of mountains. And 3 waterfalls on our route back . We feel very rewarded and ready for a big dinner!

Conditions: Muddy, Well maintained
Old Man of Coniston, Brim Fell and Swirl How Circular
Patrick Fabian
Sep 5, 2025•Hiking

Hike review split in two….i turned off AllTrails by mistake…….Fantastic hike, glorious Lake District scenery, rows of stone field walls, sheep munching grass, greenery everywhere….well marked, easy to navigate….made it to the top of LoughFell, which was slippery coming down because a rain squall passed through….but by the time I got town to the shore of Lake Grasmere, sun was out and I took a dip. (Bracing)…then Charles around the lake to have lunch in Grasmere……..end part one.

Grasmere to Ambleside
Hannah Weston
Sep 4, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkGreat views

This was an absolutely beautiful trail, the best I’ve done. Amazing views. I took a couple of detours, one to the Lodore falls, which was well worth the extra few steps. The end of the trail takes you away from the lake and back into Keswick, so not as picturesque but still pleasant. It was market day when I got to Keswick, so I got a few more steps in looking round the stalls before heading back to my car. Definitely worth doing if you’re in the Lake District!

Parking: Paid
Derwent Water Circular
Abbey Winter
Sep 2, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

The most beautiful walk we’ve ever done! Amazingly flat walk for the Lake District but can get crowded

Buttermere Circular
Sharon Bryson-Walsh
Aug 25, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Fantastic trail, the path through the waterfalls seemed quite magical but the dry weather does affect the water flow so some were just a trickles but still a tranquil place to spend some time in the forest. Beautiful well maintained trail around the tarn and lakeside with super views of the Lake District fells. Benches available around the tarn to just sit, contemplate watch the wild life. Lots of birds and wild flowers with an abundance of bees, damsel flies and butterflies visiting. Super tranquil National Trust place to visit. Great little coffee shack to start or finish your walk. Fantastic choice for a short walk for all ages.

Conditions: Great!, Wildflowers, Well maintained
Tarn Hows and Rose Castle Plantation Circular
Kate Fletcher
Aug 24, 2025•Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

Really quiet location as it’s outside the busy areas of the Lake District, the views are incredible. It’s a steep climb but absolutely worth it.

Parking: Free
Binsey and West Crag
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Lake District National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lake District National Park is Scafell Pike from Wasdale Campsite, which has a 4.7 star rating from 5,554 reviews. This trail is 5.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 3,028 ft.

What is the longest trail in Lake District National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lake District National Park is Coast To Coast Walk. This trail is estimated to be 208.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Lake District National Park?

There are 1,853 trails in Lake District National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 272,055 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Lake District National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Lake District National Park has you covered. Coast To Coast Walk boasts the most elevation gain with 33,910 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Coast to Coast Walk (Complete): St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay, which will get you 33,254 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Lake District National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 214 camping trails in Lake District National Park and the most popular is Buttermere and Haystacks Circular with an average 4.8 star rating from 991 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Lake District National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 1025 running trails in Lake District National Park and the most popular is Buttermere Circular with an average 4.8 star rating from 2,412 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Lake District National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 223 biking trails in Lake District National Park and the most popular is Ambleside and Rydal Water Circular (Via the Coffin Route) with an average 4.7 star rating from 1,198 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with cliffs in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with historical monuments in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with ponds in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with huts in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with rivers in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with bays in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with springs in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with caves in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with castles in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with lakes in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with dams in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Lake District National Park?

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Lake District National Park?

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