I’ll start with a walk to a fell that many people don’t know about – Low Fell. One of the reasons I consider Low Fell one of the best walks in the Lake District is the spectacular reward-to-effort ratio it offers and it gives one of my all time favourite lake district views. The climb is relatively short compared with many fells, yet the views from the summit are outstanding.

From the top of Low Fell, hikers are treated to a sweeping panorama across Crummock Water and Buttermere, with the dramatic ridge of Mell Break rising prominently on the opposite side of the valley. On a clear day the view stretches deep into the western fells, creating one of those classic Lake District scenes where shimmering lakes, steep green slopes and rugged mountains combine perfectly. It’s this sense of standing above the landscape, with such a vast view after a relatively straightforward climb, that makes Low Fell such a memorable and rewarding walk.

I often say that step for step – a walk to Loughrigg Fell is one of the best Lake District walks there is! I say this because it’s a modest fell in height – and when walking to it on my favourite route – you get loads of different views around evety corner – of Grasmere, Loughrigg Tarn, Langdale, Rydal Water and Windermere itself. If I was going to recommend one Lake District walk to a new visitor to the Lakes – this would be it, and it’s really near Ambleside & Windermere! It’s around 5 miles and will take you 3-4 hours.

I’ve put in this list a relatively short walk to Cathedral Quarry Caves as it offers something a little different for the Lake District and is a great one for kids too. It remains one of my most popular blog posts on this website. The walk starts at Little Langdale, about 15 mins drive from Ambleside. The caves at Cathedral Quarry are a small network of interlinked quarries above Little Langdale that where mined hundreds of years ago, and although now disused, they are maintained and kept open for free by the National Trust. The impressive main chamber inside Cathedral Quarry is indeed ‘Cathedral like’ and you can understand how the place gets its name. They are a brilliant little destination for a short walk and kids will also love exploring the caves.

Sharp Edge, pictured here, is a dramatic knife-edge ridge leading to the summit of Blencathra and is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling routes in the Lake District. It’s also my personal favourite ridge in the region. The narrow crest and exposed sections make the ascent feel like a real mountain adventure, giving walkers a true sense of excitement as they make their way towards the summit.

There are several easier routes to the top of Blencathra, but if you have a good head for heights, Sharp Edge is by far the most memorable way to reach the summit. In good weather and dry conditions, confident walkers can tackle it without any specialist equipment — just sturdy footwear and sensible care. For those seeking a bit of adrenaline along with spectacular views, it’s easily one of the best and most exhilarating walks in the Lake District.

Grasmere was the home of the famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who described it as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.” So as you can imagine- it is well worth a visit and Grasmere is very near Ambleside. Grasmere village itself is renowned for its picturesque beauty and literary heritage and worth an amble around. Visitors should though explore Grasmere ‘lake’ itself and the area around it and there are 2 really good walks you can do. A shorter walk around Grasmere, and a longer walk that takes in Rydal Water too via the ‘old coffin route’ – which is one of the best walks in the area.

Often ranked among the best walks in the Lake District, Haystacks is a much-loved fell with a special place in the region’s hiking heritage. It was famously the favourite fell of Alfred Wainwright, who chose to have his ashes scattered beside Innominate Tarn, just below the summit.

The walk itself offers wonderful variety and is often started from the shores of Buttermere. As you climb, the route opens up superb views over Crummock Water, Ennerdale, and a dramatic skyline of fells including Great Gable and Pillar.

On a clear day the panorama stretches far to the west across the Irish Sea towards the Isle of Man. With its rocky summit and layered views, Haystacks is also a superb place to watch the sunset — one of the reasons it consistently appears on lists of the best walks in the Lake District. You can find more details about the recommended walking route below.

A superb challenging walk in the Lake District, Helvellyn is the third-highest mountain in England, behind Scafell Pike and Scafell, and is often described as the UK’s most popular mountain walk.

What draws many hikers to Helvellyn is the famous Striding Edge — a dramatic Grade 1 scramble along a narrow, exposed ridge. In good conditions it’s achievable for confident walkers without specialist equipment, making it one of the most thrilling and iconic approaches to any summit in the Lake District.

Helvellyn was the first major fell I ever climbed, and it’s a route I’ve returned to countless times since. If you want to experience one of the best walks in the Lake District, click the button below to discover the recommended walking route.

Located near Keswick, Catbells is one of the most popular and rewarding short walks in the Lake District. Despite its relatively modest height, Catbells feels like a true mini-mountain thanks to its distinctive pyramid shape and the short rocky sections that add a sense of adventure to the climb. The route offers a brilliant introduction to Lake District fell walking, making it ideal for beginners, families, and children who want a taste of mountain hiking without committing to a long or demanding day in the hills.

From the summit ridge you’re rewarded with superb views across Derwentwater, back towards Keswick, and across to the dramatic fells of Borrowdale. In the photo above I’ve illustrated the circular route taken on this walk so you can clearly see the line of the path across the fell and get a feel for the type of terrain you’ll be walking. The dedicated blog post for this route is actually the most popular article on this site, and once you experience the views and the fun of climbing Catbells, it’s easy to see why it deserves a place on any list of the best walks in the Lake District.

A walk around the shores of Buttermere is one of my favourite more leisurely options among the best walks in the Lake District. What makes Buttermere so special is how wonderfully unspoilt it feels. Unlike many other parts of the Lake District, development here is minimal, which helps preserve a peaceful atmosphere and a real sense of being surrounded by nature.

The circular route around the lake is mostly flat and easy to follow, yet it delivers some truly spectacular scenery. Throughout the walk you’re treated to constantly changing views of the surrounding fells, including the impressive slopes of Fleetwith Pike, Haystacks, and High Stile, all reflected beautifully in the water on calm days. The path also has plenty of character along the way, winding through peaceful woodland sections and even passing through the famous rock tunnel at Hassness Tunnel, which adds a bit of intrigue and variety to the walk.

At around 4.5 miles, the full circuit is very manageable and can comfortably be completed in about two hours at a relaxed pace. If you’re looking for a scenic but easy adventure, the Buttermere lakeside walk is a perfect choice and a great way to experience some of the Lake District’s most beautiful landscapes without tackling a mountain.

Last but certainly not least, no list of the best walks in the Lake District would be complete without a climb of Scafell Pike, the highest point in England. Standing at 978 metres, reaching the summit is a classic Lake District adventure and a must-do for many hikers visiting the national park.

There are several routes to the top, but in my opinion the finest approach is the Corridor Route starting from Seathwaite. Often referred to as the “connoisseur’s route,” it’s the path many experienced walkers recommend thanks to its incredible variety and dramatic scenery. The route contours beneath towering crags, crosses mountain streams, and offers constantly changing views across some of the Lake District’s wildest landscapes.

You may only climb Scafell Pike once in your life, so it’s worth choosing the route that makes the experience truly memorable. While the shorter ascent from Wasdale Head is the most popular way up, it’s also much busier and far less varied. The Corridor Route, on the other hand, feels far more adventurous and scenic — making it, in my view, the best walking route to the summit of Scafell Pike.