The Best Walks in the Lake District, Between Forest and Lakes
20 October 2026 (4 minute read)
Around 3,100 km of public rights of way cross the Lake District National Park: enough to lose your bearings before you've even laced up your boots. At Picture, we test our routes on the ground. Here is our shortlist, from the western valleys to the eastern fells, for every nature lover after forest, lakes and fresh air.
Table of Contents
Where to go walking in the Lake District?
Three essentials cover most tastes, from quiet lakeshores to iconic fells.
Ullswater and Aira Force: a woodland and water classic
Hop on an Ullswater Steamer and pair the ride with the Aira Force waterfall loop (around 3 km) through a nature reserve of ancient woodland managed by the National Trust. Expect rich birdlife, mossy ravines and open views across England's second-largest lake. Extend the walk up to Gowbarrow Fell for a 480-metre summit panorama.
Lakes made for walking: Buttermere and Grasmere
The circuit around the Buttermere lake (about 7 km) hugs the shoreline below Haystacks, flat and family-friendly. Further south, the Grasmere and Rydal Water loop (about 6 km) weaves between oakwood, stepping stones and Wordsworth's old walking ground: an easy half-day on gentle terrain.
Easy forest walks in Grizedale
Pine resin, birdsong, waymarked gravel tracks: the loops in Grizedale Forest Park take two to three hours and work well as a half-day out, with sculpture trails for curious walkers.
Here is a quick comparison to pick your route:
| Walk | Distance | Level | Landscape |
| Aira Force & Ullswater | 3 km | Easy | Woodland, waterfall, lake |
| Buttermere circuit | 7 km | Easy | Lakeshore, fell views |
| Grasmere & Rydal Water | 6 km | Easy | Oakwood, lake |
| Grizedale Forest (Carron Crag) | 8 km | Easy | Mixed woodland, viewpoint |
Walking, mountain biking or horse riding in the Lake District
The Lake District National Park Authority maps dozens of routes between forest and waymarked path, open to walkers, mountain bikers and riders. Motorised use (quad, trail bike) stays limited to specific green lanes managed with the Authority.
Kit-wise, match your footwear to the terrain (lugged soles for mountain biking, ankle support on foot) and pick a Picture breathable layer to manage the effort without ending up soaked.
🥾 TIP: beginners, start with a short waymarked loop picked up from a Tourist Information Centre; keener walkers, try the technical mountain-bike trails at Whinlatter.
Beyond the Lake District: long-distance trails east
Want to go further? Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk heads east out of Borrowdale across the Yorkshire Dales to the North Sea, covering around 309 km in total. On the way, the upper Eden Valley reveals a mosaic of water meadows, while the viewpoints over Shap and Kirkby Stephen reward every climb. Beyond the Lake District fells, this long-distance trail needs serious preparation: pick up a Harvey map or an OS Explorer sheet at the Tourist Information Centre before you lace up your boots.
FAQ
What is the prettiest part of the Lake District?
Opinions vary, but the Buttermere valley between Honister Pass and Crummock Water wins most votes, with its quiet shoreline and surrounding fells. Ullswater also makes the shortlist for its mix of forest and open water.
What is the best walk in the Lake District?
Catbells stays the reference: a short, iconic fell above Derwentwater with huge views for little effort. For a family outing, a flat lakeshore loop around Tarn Hows or Buttermere works better.
Where can I find a Lake District walking map?
The local Tourist Information Centre and the Lake District National Park Authority publish detailed maps and route cards. Keswick makes a handy starting point for exploring the northern fells and lakes.
