Seven of the Best Walks in the Lake District

Across the UK, we are blessed with seemingly no end of walking trails! Rolling hills, enchanted forests and scenic mountains are just some of the highlights of our little world blessed with acres upon acres of natural land to discover! No matter where you are, there will be a scenic route to explore, and our LOWA boots can help you make the most of it!

However, some regions are more popular for walkers than others. For many hikers, there are few places in the UK as exciting as the Lake District. Located in North West England, just north of the Yorkshire Dales, this magnificent region includes many of the country’s tallest mountains and biggest lakes. There is such natural variety that you can have a different experience on every walk! Here, we introduce you to some of the most popular routes in the region to inspire your next trip.

Cat Bells

Despite all the striking peaks that can be found in the Lake District, this humble fell continues to be one of the most popular locations. Offering many of the thrills of mountain climbing in its relatively small 451-metre height (half of nearby Scafell Pike), this is the perfect trip for people of all abilities!

Located near Keswick in the north of the region, one of the highlights of this walk is the stunning views of Derwent Water that sits by its side. Walking this area will take around three hours. While there is a small amount of scrambling to reach the summit, much of this location is enjoyable for everyone, regardless of physical ability.

Ennerdale

One of the most peaceful locations you can wish to find, Ennerdale Water is one of the Lake District’s truly hidden gems. One of the least visited major lakes, it forms part of Wild Ennerdale, a project that sees no roads run in a 30-mile radius!

The lack of access is one reason why Ennerdale is less visited than the other major lakes. Walking around this area will take at least four hours, and some paths can be particularly rough. However, the experience is serene in the greatest sense of the word. Walking around Ennerdale and the nearby Pillar Rock is hugely recommended for those looking to be engulfed by the natural wonders of the Lake District.

Haweswater

Another of the Lake District’s less-trodden paths, Haweswater is a reservoir dating back to the 1930s. Sat on the east side of the National Park in the valley of Marsdale, it is an almost forgotten location with no farms or grazing along its length. There are even remains of Bronze Age settlements underneath the flooded region that can be spotted during seasons of drought.

A popular walk around this region involves the falls of Measand Beck, a small waterway that leads into the reservoir. Starting from the nearby village of Bampton, this relatively simple walk offers plenty to those who want to explore the nature and traditions of the Lakes!

Helvellyn

If you’re looking to test your walking abilities, then Helvellyn is a good choice. Originally part of an ancient volcano, the shape of Helvellyn and its paths was formed during the ice age when glaciers carved away at the rocks. While not the highest of the Lake District peaks, it has made a name for itself due to the perilous nature of some of its routes, most notably Striding Edge.

A narrow, rocky path at the top of a steep valley, Striding Edge often looks and feels like something out of a movie. However, with a level of skill and the right preparation, this is a perfectly manageable route. Meanwhile, the experience to be had here is quite unique, which has made it one of the UK’s favourite walks!

Scafell Pike

Of course, many aspiring hikers visiting the Lake District will have only one location in mind. Scafell Pike, on the west side of the region, is the highest mountain in England at over 970 metres above sea level. It is one of the most exciting mountains to climb in Britain but also one of the most challenging, and should only be attempted by people with extensive walking experience.

There are three main routes to Scafell Pike’s summit, with the easiest taking about three hours to complete. However, all paths involve scrambling, steep trails and the ability to read a map and compass. However, as one of the UK’s so-called ‘Three Peaks’, completing the climb is an unforgettable experience. Scafell Pike should be on every walker’s bucket list!

Thirlmere

Another of the region’s great bodies of water, Thirlmere is a reservoir created by a waterworks in Manchester in the late 1800s. Initially two smaller lakes, it still supplies Manchester with water to this very day. Close to the main road, it is not one of the Lake’s most serene locations, but the area holds some fascinating secrets.

One of the Lake District’s most popular walks starts here and heads to the nearby Castlerigg Stone Circle. Located to the north of Thirlmere, just past the previously mentioned Derwent Water, it is one of the earliest examples of this Neolithic creation, dating around 3000BC. It is also one of the most atmospheric, with panoramic views of the nearby fells, which explains why this seemingly simple walking route attracts so many visitors.

Wastwater

As the name suggests, there is no shortage of bodies of water to be found in this region of the UK. However, amongst these, Wastwater is one of the most coveted. Located just west of Scafell Pike, this glacial lake is almost three miles long and is the deepest of the District’s lakes, at over 250 feet.

One of the most scenic locations in the Lake District, Wastwater is a popular spot for visitors, and there is plenty to see around here. Many incorporate the nearby summits, such as Scafell Pike, into their journey. However, with car parks nearby, merely spending the day admiring one of the most striking views in the UK is enough on its own.

In truth, there are more fantastic trails to discover in the Lake District beyond these, such is the richness of the region. However, if you’re looking for somewhere for your first visit, then these are all excellent choices. Remember that proper footwear on these walks is essential, and here at LOWA, we’ve been proud to support British walkers on their journeys for many years! All our boots are designed with specific goals in mind, whether it’s walking the green hills or stone paths of the Lake District. Our footwear comes in a range of sizes and fits, including our walking boots for wide feet, so why not discover our range today?

Interested in discovering more trails in the north of England? Check out our recent blog on the best walks in Yorkshire!