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 daunting, particularly for first time visitors who are less familiar with the area, as there are so many to choose from. From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell walks, there’s so much natural beauty to explore in this wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thankfully, the outdoor experts at GO Outdoors have compiled a list of their 10 favourite walks in the Lake District, with a mixture of difficulty, across a variety of terrains and over different distances. Here are their suggestions:

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

The Gruffalo’s Child Trail is a delightful and family-friendly walk nestled within the enchanting Whinlatter Forest Park in the Lake District. This gentle trail, inspired by Julia Donaldson’s beloved children’s book, winds its way through ancient woodlands, offering 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 trek through some of the region’s most stunning scenery. This “Miles without stiles” route caters to walkers of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges or strollers. The circular path loops around the picturesque Tarn Hows, a pristine body of water surrounded by lush woodlands and rolling hills. Along the way, walkers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Langdale Pikes.

• Grade: Easy
• Terrain: Woodland, Open, Lake
• Distance: 2.85 km | Approx. Time: 0:50 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Derwentwater Lakeshore Route, near Keswick

The Derwentwater Lakeshore Route in the Lake District offers a scenic and accessible stroll along the tranquil shores of Derwentwater, one of the most beloved lakes in the region. This “Miles without stiles” route is specially designed to accommodate walkers of all abilities, including those with mobility impairments or pushing strollers. Along the route, walkers can pause to admire iconic landmarks such as Friar’s Crag and Ashness Jetty.

• Grade: Easy
• Terrain: Woodland, Open, Lake
• Distance: 8.35 km | Approx. Time: 2:20 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Broughton Railway, Broughton

With its level terrain and well-maintained surface, the Broughton Railway walk offers a peaceful and accessible outdoor experience for everyone to enjoy. It’s a delightful stroll along a former railway track, now repurposed into a picturesque walking trail, and another “Miles without stiles” route.

• Grade: Easy
• Terrain: Open
• Distance: 4.75 km | Approx. Time: 1:20 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Coniston Hall on The Lake, Coniston

This captivating route, which can also be experienced by bike, combines historical intrigue with stunning natural beauty. Beginning at Coniston Water, the walk takes hikers along the shores of the lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding fells and woodland. One of the highlights of the route is the grounds of Coniston Hall, a majestic 16th-century mansion steeped in history.

• Grade: Easy
• Terrain: Open, Woodland, Lake
• Distance: 5.05 km | Approx. Time: 1:20 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head, near Braithwaite

For walkers with some winter skills training, GO Outdoors recommend exploring Grisedale Pike and Hopegill head. The whole route will take you a minimum of four hours so be sure to take a picnic along with you for en-route – they’ve found that hungry walkers are not always happy walkers. Look out for the cascades and waterfalls which look stunning during the winter months.

• Grade: Difficult
• Terrain: Open, Mountain
• Distance: 12.70 km | Approx. Time: 4:40 hours

You can downlaod the route for this walk here.

Walla Crag and the Great Wood, near Derwentwater

For walking newbies, Walla Crag and the Great Wood offers the perfect combination of stunning views and manageable routes. Considerably shorter than the Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head route, this walk should only take around an hour and a half to complete, leaving you with plenty of time to discover more of the beautiful Lake District. Similarly to the route above, the terrain is very rough and will require basic map reading skills to navigate.

• Grade: Easy
• Terrain: Woodland, Open
• Distance: 4.65 km | Approx. Time: 1:40 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Helvellyn Gill Path, near Thirlmere

Wind your way around the Helvellyn Gill Path right to the top of the mountain to experience breath taking views of the Lake District. We found this moderately difficult walk to be popular with dog owners – be warned though; it will take between five and six hours to complete so be sure your dog is in peak fitness.

• Grade: Difficult
• Terrain: Mountain, Open
• Distance: 7.15 km | Approx. Time: 3:00 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Latrigg Walk via Keswick

Journey the six miles over Keswick’s personal fell, Latrigg to experience some truly stunning scenery. With steep inclines along the way, we recommend this route for more experienced walkers. Starting from Moot Hall, Keswick and climbing 1,000 feet, it should take you around three hours to complete – any less and we salute you as champion fell walker.

• Grade: Moderate
• Terrain: Mountain, Open
• Distance: 8.95 km | Approx. Time: 2:55 hours

You can download the route for this walk here.

Ullock Pike, Skiddaw and Little Man, near Keswick

Starting at 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 make your way up and down England’s fourth highest mountain and across six of the Lake District’s infamous fells.

• Grade: Difficult
• Terrain: Mountain, Open
• Distance: 10.35 km | Approx. Time: 4:15 hours (one-way)

You can download the route for this walk here.