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!
Either browse the 2012 Events and guided walks calendar. Or use the events and guided walks search to find your ideal event.
Brush up your skills
Check out our map-reading skills days to improve your navigation skills. We also run 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.
Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre (opens in new window) on the shores of Windermere offers a great starting point, from just under a mile to longer routes.
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!
Plus we will receive at least 5 per cent of your order, to go towards keeping this spectacular corner of England special.
Walking routes
- Car Free Walks
- Cumbria and Lake District walks from Go Lakes
- English Lake District - 3D routes using Google Earth's plug-in
- Family walks with Sprayway
- GPS Walking Routes - Cumbria
- The Happy Hiker
- John Dawson's Lake District Walks
- Lakeland Fells
- Lakeland Walks
- Lakeland Way
- My Wainwrights
- National Trust - Go walking in the North West
- Nature Valley Walks and Walking Maps - uses Flash
- Smartwool Walking Guides - Ambleside and Langdale, Keswick and Staveley and Kentmere walk leaflets.
- Walk - Ramblers magazine - Northern England section
- Walking Britain
- Walking Englishman
- Walking in Keswick and the North Lakes
- Walks in the Lake District
- Where 2 Walk
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.