Walking
The Lake District National Park has walks for every ability from ambles around lakes to high ridge walks, with a bit of scrambling - climbing over rocks without a rope.
Starting out
Why not follow one of our volunteers on a guided walk? You don't need to worry about navigation and can learn from a knowledgeable local about the area. Pick from short, scenic picnic strolls to full days through spectacular landscape. And they're usually free!
Choose from Guided Walks or use our online Events Search to find your ideal event.
Brush up your skills
Check out our ever-popular Map and Compass Days to improve your navigation skills. Or Children's Pathfinder sessions for 8 - 11 year olds, hunting for treasure using maps.
Routes for all
If you find walking a challenge or your party includes a wheelchair or buggy, our Miles without Stiles routes offer laidback routes through the countryside. You don't have to head onto the high fells to enjoy some fantastic views.
Our Visitor Centre on the shores of Windermere offers a great starting point, from just under a mile to longer routes - check out Brockhole walks.
There's also our Great Walking and Cycling made easy routes, designed making full use of public transport so you don't have to retrace your steps. and there are lots of walks described in the Give The Driver A Break series of leaflets, when you can let the bus and boat take the strain. You can also download the Walking and cycling Keswick Railway Path leaflet (opens Document Library).
The vast majority of paths in the Lake District fared relatively well from the November 2009 floods. However you can check your route isn't affected on our Flood-damaged paths page.
Little legs but big adventures!
Need inspiration? There are plenty of ideas in Adventures for children.
Heading to the hills
Check out our Checklist for walkers page for a handy guide of what to take.
Walking routes
There are hundreds of walking books and guides available. Why not pop into one of our Information Centres and have a browse?
Shop online to help your National Park
From maps to books, all things Wainwright, outdoor equipment and GPS - our online shop has it all!
And we will receive at least 5 per cent of your order, to go towards keeping this spectacular corner of England special.
Websites showing routes online
(all links open in a new window)
- Car Free Walks
- English Lake District - 3D routes using Google Earth's plug-in
- John Dawson's Lake District Walks
- Keswick Rambles
- Lake District Outdoors: Walking
- Lakeland Fells
- Lakeland Walks
- Lakeland Way
- My Wainwrights
- Nature Valley Walks and Walking Maps - uses Flash
- Virtual Walker
- Walk - Ramblers magazine - Northern England section
- Walking Britain
- Walking Englishman
- Walking in Keswick and the North Lakes
- Walks in the Lake District
Tread softly
Please avoid walking to the sides of paths or taking shortcuts. Trampled verges and shortcuts collapse and water can stream down them, widening paths into broad ugly scars. Remember, your boots are just one pair among 8 million on Lake District paths each year.
You can help fragile, eroded paths at Fix the Fells (opens in new window) by donating online.
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
