The Lake District in northwest England is renowned for its picturesque lakes, offering numerous walking routes for visitors of all abilities. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a more challenging hike, the Lake District has a variety of lakes that are perfect for exploring on foot.
Most Accessible Lakes to Walk Around
- Friar’s Crag:
- Distance: Less than a mile
- Starting point: Theatre By The Lake in Keswick
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Features: Gentle and scenic walk with views across Derwentwater and the “Jaws of Borrowdale”.
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Buttermere:
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Starting point: Buttermere village
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Features: Miles without Stiles route, suitable for families, with a 100-foot-long Hassness Tunnel on the eastern shore.
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Loweswater:
- Distance: 4 miles
- Starting point: Maggie’s Bridge car park
- Features: Secluded lake with a peaceful walk through Holme Wood and around the lake.
Scenic Walks with Minimal Difficulty
- Aira Force & Ullswater Way:
- Distance: 3 miles or 6.5 miles
- Starting point: Pooley Bridge car park
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Features: Gentle walk along Ullswater with scenic views and the option to extend the walk around the lake.
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Coniston Water:
- Distance: Varies
- Starting point: Coniston Jetty
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Features: Walk along the lakeside footpath or take a trip on the Coniston Launch, with scenic views and peaceful surroundings.
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Derwentwater:
- Distance: 10 miles
- Starting point: Keswick
- Features: Waymarked walk around the lake with scenic views, ancient woodland, and the option to break up the walk with trips on the Keswick Launch.
Best Lakeside Walking Routes for Families
- Buttermere Circular:
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Starting point: Buttermere village
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Features: Miles without Stiles route, suitable for families, with a 100-foot-long Hassness Tunnel on the eastern shore.
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Loweswater Lake:
- Distance: 4 miles
- Starting point: Maggie’s Bridge car park
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Features: Secluded lake with a peaceful walk through Holme Wood and around the lake.
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Derwentwater Circular:
- Distance: 10 miles
- Starting point: Keswick
- Features: Waymarked walk around the lake with scenic views, ancient woodland, and the option to break up the walk with trips on the Keswick Launch.
Dog-Friendly Lakeside Walks
- Buttermere:
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Starting point: Buttermere village
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Features: Miles without Stiles route, suitable for families and dogs, with a 100-foot-long Hassness Tunnel on the eastern shore.
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Loweswater:
- Distance: 4 miles
- Starting point: Maggie’s Bridge car park
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Features: Secluded lake with a peaceful walk through Holme Wood and around the lake, suitable for dogs.
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Derwentwater:
- Distance: 10 miles
- Starting point: Keswick
- Features: Waymarked walk around the lake with scenic views, ancient woodland, and the option to break up the walk with trips on the Keswick Launch, suitable for dogs.
These lakes offer a range of walking routes catering to different abilities and preferences, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Lake District with ease. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a more challenging hike, the Lake District has something to offer for every type of walker.
Additional Information
- The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Many of the lakes in the Lake District are surrounded by mountains, providing stunning backdrops for your walks.
- The region is known for its mild climate, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
- In addition to walking, the Lake District offers a variety of other activities, such as sailing, kayaking, and cycling.
- The local towns and villages in the Lake District are charming, with traditional pubs, cozy cafes, and independent shops to explore.
References
- Active England Tours. (n.d.). Top 10 Lakeside Walks in the Lake District. Retrieved from https://activeenglandtours.com/stories/top-10-lakeside-walks-in-the-lake-district/
- Lake District National Park. (n.d.). Routes. Retrieved from https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/walking/routes-and-maps
- Sally’s Cottages. (n.d.). 10 Best Walks in the Lake District. Retrieved from https://www.sallyscottages.co.uk/guides/top-10-lakeside-walks
- Lifehop. (n.d.). Waterside & Lakeside Walks in the Lake District. Retrieved from https://lifehop.co.uk/waterside-lakeside-walks-in-the-lake-district/
- Countryfile.com. (2024, May 3). Best walks in the Lake District National Park. Retrieved from https://www.countryfile.com/go-outdoors/walks/best-walks-in-the-lake-district