View over Derwent Water looking towards Skiddaw in the Lake District in spring — View over Derwent Water looking towards Skiddaw in the Lake District | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

Walking in the Lake District

There's no better place to take to the mountains, paths or lakeshores than in the heart of the Lake District. From gentle ambles at Sizergh and Allan Bank, to more challenging hikes in Langdale, you’re guaranteed fantastic views and a walk to remember.

An elevated view of Lake Windermere towards Wray Castle on the walk from Ambleside to Townend and Troutbeck, Cumbria.

Trail

Ambleside to Troutbeck walk

From Ambleside go on a circular discovery walk through country lanes, woods and fields. Along the way enjoy views of Lake Windermere, visit Troutbeck village and Townend farmhouse, and climb up to Wansfell Pike for great views of the fells.

A walker takes a rest to look out across Crummock Water on a sunny spring day

Trail

Lanthwaite Wood and Crummock Water walk

Explore the hills and woodlands on the eastern side of Crummock Water on this circular walk near Buttermere, Lake District.

Autumn at Wray Castle, Lake District, Cumbria

Trail

Wray to Blelham Tarn circular walk

Discover fascinating stories from the past and enjoy some great views on a circular walk from Wray to Blelham Tarn that also takes in the Windermere shoreline.

View out over the countryside at Acorn Bank. There are sheep grazing in the parkland and hills in the distance.

Trail

Acorn Bank to Temple Sowerby walk

Enjoy a walk around this peaceful backwater to discover Acorn Bank’s surprising industrial heritage and wildlife by the river.

Two visitors and a dog in a forest beside Derwent Water, Lake District

Trail

Peace How walk from High Brandelhow jetty

From High Brandelhow jetty, follow this gentle walk to Peace How – a hill dedicated to providing tranquility after the First World War, with views to Derwent Water and Castle Crag.

A birds-eye view of Ullswater in Autumn at Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park, Cumbria

Trail

Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park trail

Explore Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park on a circular walk passing through woodland and open glades all accompanied with the roaring sounds from the waterfall in the gorge. Enjoy expansive views over Ullswater from the summit of Gowbarrow.

Views of fields and hills on the wider Sizergh Castle estate

Trail

Sizergh wildlife walk

Follow this route from Sizergh Castle for views of the Lakeland Fells, the Pennines and Morecambe Bay, as well as birds, butterflies, wildflowers and some unusual animals.

Sunny view of a white farmhouse building, a shepherd and grey Herdwick sheep in the yard, and mountains rising behind

Trail

Tom Gill to Tarn Hows walk

An exhilarating way to arrive at Tarn Hows, via a challenging but beautiful woodland climb alongside Tom Gill and its surging waterfalls.

Trail

Tarn Hows circular walk

Take in stunning views of the Lake District fells as you follow this easy, accessible route around a tree-lined tarn, with a Tramper mobility scooter available to borrow.

View of the Active Base and jetties from the lake, on an early morning in spring

Trail

Fell Foot circular heritage trail

Discover the history and heritage of Fell Foot in the Lake District on this circular walk, exploring historic boathouses, a modern Active Base, and 18th-century pleasure grounds and gardens.

View from the ground up to the towering canopy of several tall fir trees, some with square labels on their trunks

Trail

Ambleside Champion Tree Trail

Wander among some of England's tallest trees on this easy waymarked trail through Skelghyll Woods. With benches along the way, it's the perfect route for a picnic.

Trail

Windermere west shore walk

Enjoy a relaxing lakeshore walk through woodland and parkland on this linear trail, taking in views of the islands of Windermere and the Victorian Gothic Wray Castle

View down a rocky river, lined by stunted trees in autumn colours, with green Cumbrian fells rising in the background

Trail

Hartsop to Hayeswater Gill trail

Climb up to Hayeswater Reservoir from Hartsop village on a circular walk, following the beck and the history of the mills and mines it once served.

A Shetland pony in a field on the side of Arnside Knott

Trail

Arnside Knott circular walk

Admire countryside views over Cumbria and discover the sights and sounds of wildlife on this circular walk at Arnside Knott, renowned for its varied wildlife.

The commemorative plaque at the 4 oak trees at Brandelhow with views of Derwent Water

Trail

Octavia Hill walk at Brandelhow Park, Derwent Water

Enjoy a relaxing amble through parkland at Brandelhow and along the quiet side of Derwent Water, following in the footsteps of National Trust co-founder Octavia Hill.

A pink sunrise over Crummock water with a cluster of three trees in the foreground

Trail

The valley of cinders walk

Enjoy views of Crummock Water and the surrounding countryside on this trail, while discovering an array of medieval archaeological sites in the Lake District.

A walking path leading to Troutbeck village, Cumbria, with a stone wall on one side and fields and hills beyond.

Trail

Wansfell from Troutbeck walk

A challenging circular trail along old tracks and fields to the craggy top of Wansfell, with outstanding views over Windermere and Ambleside.

A castle lit by dramatic autumn light to the right of the frame with mountains behind and a tree to the left

Trail

Wray to Latterbarrow circular walk

Starting and finishing at the castle at Wray, this route through fields and woodland offers rewarding Lakes views without the big fell climb.

Children looking out at the views of Derwent Water and Borrowdale from the top of Castle Crag

Trail

Castle Crag from Seatoller trail: the scenic route

If you'd like to climb Castle Crag in a more civilised way, try this walk that also provides great views across the valley.

A view of Alcock Tarn, Grasmere, in summer

Trail

Alcock Tarn walk

From Grasmere, the village made famous by Wordsworth, walk up to Alcock Tarn for a picnic and beautiful views over the fells and lakes, on this rewarding circular walk.

Walker looking down over a green valley with a stream and stone path

Trail

Stickle Tarn trail

Take on a challenging but rewarding walk up Stickle Ghyll to the tarn above, surrounded by high fells, waterfalls and rockpools.

A couple take coffee break on some rocks with Ashness bridge in the background on a sunny day.

Trail

Walla Crag to Ashness Bridge walk

This walk takes you through the timeless beauty of the Borrowdale landscape and up to magnificent viewpoints which are spectacular in every season.

Bright blue skies over rolling green hills with a few darker green trees dotted across the landscape and scattered farm buildings nestling in the clefts of the hills.

Trail

Townend and Troutbeck Valley walk

A 4-mile circular walk through classic Lake District scenery from Brockhole near Lake Windermere, through Troutbeck Valley to Townend, a 17th-century farmhouse.

With miles of routes through parkland, woodlands and along lakeshore, you're guaranteed to find a walk that both you and your dog will love.

A group of visitors chatting outside Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore, Cumbria

Trail

Claife Viewing Station to Wray Castle trail

This gently undulating track along the west shore of Windermere is suitable for cyclists and runners of of all ages and abilities.

Trail

Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park trail

Explore Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park on a circular walk passing through woodland and open glades all accompanied with the roaring sounds from the waterfall in the gorge. Enjoy expansive views over Ullswater from the summit of Gowbarrow.

Two people walking on a footpath with a dog

Article

Things to do at Allan Bank and Grasmere

With rugged 19th century woodland grounds, formal lawns, an art gallery and surrounding countryside and lakes to explore, there’s plenty to see and do at Allan Bank and Grasmere.

Trail

Fell Foot circular heritage trail

Discover the history and heritage of Fell Foot in the Lake District on this circular walk, exploring historic boathouses, a modern Active Base, and 18th-century pleasure grounds and gardens.

Trail

Tarn Hows circular walk

Take in stunning views of the Lake District fells as you follow this easy, accessible route around a tree-lined tarn, with a Tramper mobility scooter available to borrow.

A group of people wearing winter outdoor gear walk past conifer trees, with snowcapped mountains behind

Trail

Blea Tarn trail

Surround yourself with views of the Langdale Pikes and other Lake District fells, without the tough climb, as you explore tranquil Blea Tarn on this easy, well-made trail.

Trail

Walla Crag to Ashness Bridge walk

This walk takes you through the timeless beauty of the Borrowdale landscape and up to magnificent viewpoints which are spectacular in every season.

The 12th-century church in the hamlet of Isel, Cumbria

Trail

Wordsworth House countryside walk

A scenic walk through the quiet countryside of the North Lakes starting from Wordsworth House in Cockermouth – birthplace and childhood home of the poet William Wordsworth.

View of the tarn and surrounding fells at the hamlet of Watendlath on a clear day

Trail

Rosthwaite Round, fells, tarn and beck walk

Along this favourite walk that takes you to a Borrowdale gem, the hamlet of Watendlath, you'll discover oak woodland, two tarns (mountain ponds) and stunning Lakeland views.

A bumblebee visits the bright yellow gorse flowers on the Whitehaven Coast in spring.

Trail

Whitehaven colourful coastal walk

Experience wild, secluded beaches on this dramatic cliff-top walk at Whitehaven's historic 17th-century harbour, passing the town’s industrial archaeology to join Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path.

Two visitors wearing outdoor clothing enjoy a hike in nature at Seatoller in the Lake District.

Trail

Seatoller, Styhead Tarn and Grains Gill walk

An invigorating circular walk takes you from Seathwaite into the heart of the Lakeland fells, with peaceful tarns to picnic by and views of Great End and Great Gable.

View of the rocky summit of Pillar, a mountain in Wasdale in the Western Lake District

Trail

Pillar trail from Wasdale Head

Few places in the Lake District have views to compete with those from the Pillar summit, but this route there involves a ascent of over 800m so a high level of fitness required.

View of Wastwater and Scafell Pike from the top of Middle Fell on a clear day in spring.

Trail

Greendale and Middle Fell walk

Enjoy a quieter walk from Wasdale into the Western Fells, exploring above Wastwater on a circular route to Greendale Tarn and the summit of Middle Fell.

Walkers setting out from Seatoller car park in Borrowdale, Lake District

Article

Planning your visit to the Lake District

Find the tools, tips and guidance to help you make the most out of your trip to the Lake District and help us to look after it.

A man sitting on the back of his car in a car park to put his walking boots on to go for a walk in Borrowdale, Cumbria

Article

Countryside car parks in the Lake District

Here is a list of the National Trust’s car parks in the Lake District, including some of the smaller and more secluded sites.

Walkers stopping for a photograph above Hollow Stones on Scafell Pike in Wasdale, Cumbria

Activity

Climbing Scafell Pike

Find out more about how to prepare for climbing Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain peak, and follow safety procedures.

Visitors walk a dog across the leafy ground of a park in autumn

Article

Visiting the Lake District with your dog

Here's how to get the most out of a visit to the Lake District with your dog, while protecting the countryside and keeping livestock and wildlife safe.

People inside a tent at night at Wasdale Head campsite, Cumbria

Article

Wild camping in the Lake District

Find out more about wild camping in the Lake District, whether it's right for you and how to do it legally, safely and responsibly.

Walking in the gardens at Quarry Bank, Cheshire

Walking in Cheshire and Greater Manchester

From stepping back in time on a stroll at Alderley Edge to wandering through moorland at Lyme, these are some of the best walks in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Visitor walking on Jack Scout's clifftop with sea views at Arnside and Silverdale, Lancashire

Walking in Liverpool and Lancashire

There's plenty to explore on foot in Liverpool and Lancashire. From countryside and woodland, to Liverpool city centre, find the perfect walk for all abilities.

Family with dog walk on Marsden Moor in the summer

Walking in Yorkshire

Discover some of the best walks in Yorkshire, from rugged Pennine beauty spots, views over the coast to parkland and meadows perfect for a family stroll. Most are dog friendly and many can be enjoyed as part of your day out to the nearest National Trust property.

Two walkers in waterproof jackets pause to look out to sea with binoculars from a grassy cliff top path on a sunny autumnal day.

Walking in the North East

From a trek through the largest area of ancient woodland in Northumberland to a walk in the footsteps of the Romans along Hadrian's Wall, there are some amazing places to walk in the North East.

Two Herdwick sheep sitting in the grass with Wastwater and the surrounding mountains in the background on a spring day

Discover more in the Lake District

Home of Beatrix Potter, dramatic landscapes and fascinating history.

Explore the Lake District