Take on the top 5 Lake District walks
Planning a camping trip in the Lake District? Well, no matter what time of year you visit the region and national park, you’ll find that you're constantly surrounded by picturesque sceneries and breathtaking views. So, what better way to appreciate the outdoors than to explore it on foot?
This Lake District walking guide will give you an insight into everything you’ll need for walking through the national park, some of the best walking routes for beginners and experts, and our popular Club Sites nearby.
- Tarn Hows walking route
- Windermere to Townend walking route
- The Old Man of Coniston walking route
- Greendale and Middle Fell walking route
- Blencathra walking route
Starting our list is an easy walk in the Lake District that’s perfect for beginners. The Tarn Hows walking route will roughly take you over an hour, but you may need to carve out more time to stop and marvel at the stunning views. The great thing about this walk is your canine companion can tag along with you as the route is dog friendly.
Length: 2.9km
Difficulty: Easy
Campsites near Tarn Hows walking route: Bowness on Windermere Club Site.
An easy to moderate walk in the Lake District is Windermere to Townend. Alongside great views, you can also take a step back in time and explore the historical gems you’ll see along the way. This route is dog friendly and can take under two hours to complete.
Length: 6.4km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Campsites near Windermere to Townend walking route: Bowness on Windermere Club Site, Windermere Club Site and Kendal Club Site.
This walk starts off simple, but as it progresses, it becomes more challenging. It's a great walk for those with good stamina as it can last between 5 to 6 hours, and you’ll climb up a 792m high mountain. Although it sounds tiresome, the view from the top is worth every step. If you’re an early riser, you can even catch the most magnificent sunrise from the top.
Length: Varies on route
Difficulty: Moderate
Campsites near The Old Man of Coniston walking route: Bowness on Windermere Club Site.
A great thing about walking in the Lake District is escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and getting close to nature. If you want to escape the tourist traffic and enjoy unspoilt scenery, the Greendale and Middle Fell walking route is for you.
It’s a peaceful and quiet route that’s also a dog-friendly walk. On your journey, you’ll come across phenomenal views across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man and the Greendale Tarn. You’ll also pass Wastewater lake, the deepest lake in England, which was once voted Britain's favourite view.
Length: Varies on route
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Campsites near Greendale and Middle Fell walking route: Ravenglass Club Site.
The Blencathra route is among the more challenging Lake District walks. The mountain of Blencathra has six peaks, with the highest at 868m tall called Hallsfell top. This trek would roughly take four hours to complete, but it's worth the difficult climb as the views from the top are magical. It’s highly recommended to go when the skies are clear as the scenery is better and you can enjoy a wonderful picnic with a view.
Length: Varies on route
Difficulty: Hard
Campsites near Blencathra walking route: Braithwaite Village Club Site, Derwentwater Club Site and Keswick Club Site.
Checklist for walking in the Lake District
Whether it's a short stroll through the rolling hills or a long hike in the mountains, it’s always good to be prepared when you’re going on a walk in the Lake District. We’ve put together a checklist of everything you’ll need for your walking adventure.
- Walking boots:
- Comfortable clothing:
- Water bottles:
- Snacks:
- First aid kit:
- Portable charger:
- Map and compass:
- Whistle and torch:
- Camera:
- Travel bag:
A good pair of walking boots can be the difference between a comfortable and effortless walk or a painful one that ends in blisters. Our experts have shared their knowledge on which walking boots they highly recommend for beginners and experts. You can check out our guide to the best walking boots here.
It’s no shock that the British weather can be completely unpredictable. So it’s always good to be prepared for rain, sun or snow when going for a walk in the Lake District. Here is a list of brilliant hiking clothes that’ll keep you toasty warm. You can also check out our expert-selected waterproof jackets to keep you warm and dry on those rainy days.
Staying hydrated whilst walking in the Lake District is essential. A reusable and eco-friendly water bottle is a must for storing both hot and cold beverages. If you’re looking for a bottle that's right for you, check out 13 of our best water bottles here.
You’ll definitely need to refuel your body on long walks. So, taking some snacks with you is essential. You can opt for healthy treats like fruits and vegetables or splurge and carry a few of your favourite surgery snacks.
Being over-prepared is never bad when you’re going on a walk in the Lake District. Carrying a well-stocked travel-sized first aid kit means you’re prepped for anything mishaps.
Mobile phones are a staple in the 21st century and they’re also great hiking tools. You can find locations, listen to music, use the torch, capture great views or call for help. Although a phone is really helpful, it becomes pretty useless when the battery is running low or dies. So, carrying a portable charger can give your phone the boost it needs to keep up with your long walks.
With smartphones making it super easy to access Google maps or digital compasses, you’re probably thinking there’s little use for a physical map or compass. However, carrying one with you might be a good idea just in case your battery dies or you lose signal.
If you’re walking in the dark or through wooded areas, a torch can come in handy. It’ll help you navigate your way through dark areas safely. A whistle is also great to carry in case you get lost or need help. It can alert others to your destination.
The Lake District is flooded with breathtaking views and phenomenal wildlife. Carrying a camera is a must if you want to capture the moment and share it with friends and family. It’ll help you cherish your walking memories forever.
What good is being super prepared for your walk in the Lake District if you’re struggling to carry everything or you find it uncomfortable? You need to invest in a waterproof backpack or travel bag that keeps your belongings safe and dry. Here’s a list of the best backpacks for travelling.