The first walks take place in April with a great variety of routes available to join through the summer until the end of October. We have a range of easier to more challenging walks, in groups of up to 20 people, all led by our wonderfully cheery and knowledgeable volunteers.
All our walks are free to book. If you wish to make a donation to give back to the National Park, you can do so via the Lake District Foundation.
See all our free guided walks and book online
All our walks are graded from 1 to 5, to ensure you can choose the walk that’s right for you. But what does each number mean? The grades are based on a combination of factors including: terrain, accessibility (gates, stiles, path width), gradient, length, duration, total ascent and highest point.
Families are welcome on all of our walks, but not all are pushchair friendly so please read the route descriptions.
Walk length: 3 – 7 km (1.8 – 4.5 miles)
Approximate duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Grade 1 walks are easy and accessible walks that go at a leisurely pace and follow generally flat or rolling paths with gentle hills. The paths are wide, firm and have no barriers to access such as steep sections, steps or stiles. The walks are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Walk length: 3 – 5 km (1.8 – 3.1 miles)
Approximate duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Grade 2 walks are around villages and are focussed on a tour of historical and other points of interest. They may include some short ascents and descents. The path surface might be pavements, earth, grass or stone and – while generally firm – it may have some loose or uneven sections, or be soft underfoot after rain. You may also encounter steps, gates and narrow sections. Most of our grade 2 walks are very suitable for families, and some are pushchair friendly (please check route descriptions).
Walk length: 4 – 8.7 km (2.5 – 5.5 miles)
Approximate duration: 2.5 to 5 hours
Grade 3 walks may include some moderate ascents and descents. The path surface might be earth, grass or stone and – while generally firm – it will have some loose or uneven sections, or be soft underfoot after rain. You will also encounter steps, gates or stiles and narrow sections. Most of our grade 3 walks are suitable for families.
Walk length: 6 – 12.5 km (3.7 – 7.8 miles)
Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hours
Grade 4 walks are generally full day walks that include hilly ground and require a reasonable level of fitness. You might encounter climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces may be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, and you may also find yourself walking up irregular steps, over stiles or through narrow gates and gaps.
Walk length: 7 – 13 km (4 – 8 miles)
Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hours
Grade 5 walks are our most challenging full day walks which involve going onto the fell summits. These walks require a good level of fitness and full walking kit appropriate for the weather conditions. Some people may find walking poles useful. You may encounter sustained climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces can be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, irregular steps, stiles or narrow gates and gaps.
We usually publish walks in February for the upcoming season. If you would like to know when new walks are available to book, please follow us on Eventbrite below.
Can I bring my dog?
Well behaved dogs are welcome but must remain on a short lead throughout and be respectful of other walkers.
Please note there are two dog-free walks this year, on 7th July 2025 – Coppermines Valley and 17th August 2025 - Borrowdale Ramble. Dogs will not be allowed on these dates.
Is there a charge for the walks?
All our walks are free to book and are run by volunteers. If you wish to make a donation to give back to the National Park, you can do so via the Lake District Foundation. Thank you!
What do I need to wear and bring?
Lake District weather can be notoriously changeable, so please ensure you are well prepared for the walk.
To make your experience as safe and enjoyable as possible, we recommend bringing the following clothes and kit:
In exceptional circumstances our leaders may turn people away from a walk if their clothing or footwear aren’t suitable, or if the leaders have concerns about a participant’s suitability for the walk.
Our volunteers will tell you so much about the area you're walking in, they love to share their love of the Lake District!
We will give you advice on what to wear and what to bring before you come, but walking boots or trainers and some layers, food, and drink is all you really need.
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on most of our guided walks.
There's always time to stop and admire a view.
You can ask us about the route, like how many stiles, the gradient and surfaces before you come.
All of our walks are graded with a description of what the route is like so you know what to expect before you come.
We have a range of walks especially suited to families with young children.
