People walking west windermere way route

Routes

Welcome to our Routes homepage.

Here you can find routes for some classic walks in the best loved areas of the Lake District along with detailed descriptions including distance, time, ascent and grade.  The Lake District is a wonderful place to enjoy biking as well with climbs to challenge even the most experienced cyclist and, believe it or not, plenty of nice flat routes for all the family. We've put together some of our favourites below. We also link across to our Guided Walks which run across the summer.

Accessibility scooter on Coniston - Miles Without Stiles

Miles Without Stiles

This series of 50 Miles without Stiles walking routes for all take you along lake shores, river sides and tarns, across woods, historic remains, and fell summits, with amazing views. Miles without stiles

Bench along West Windermere Way

West Windermere Way

This route takes you between Newby Bridge to Lakeside YMCA via Lakeside Ferry Terminal and Finsthwaite, OS Explorer Map OL7. Some sections of the route (4.5km) are suitable for many. Some sections of the route (1.5km) are suitable for some. West Windermere Way

Ullswater Way

The Ullswater Way

The Ullswater Way is a 20 mile walking route that goes around the whole of Ullswater lake. You can do the walk in one go, or smaller sections combined with a boat trip or bus ride. There are villages and eating places along this fairly low-level, easy to walk route. Ullswater Way

Eskdale Trail sign

Eskdale Trail

The Eskdale Trail is a fun day out for the whole family to explore this western valley. You can catch the La'al Ratty from Ravenglass to Dalegarth and follow the new metal fingerposts that are unique to the Eskdale Trail.

Eskdale Trail

audio trail - oak

3 Part Audio Walking Trails Series

3 audio walking trails exploring industrial archaeology of Windermere catchment, looking at how humans shape landscape. Each trail has mp3 audio, downloadable guide, route instructions and map:

Audio trail - dig dig
  1. Dig Dig Dig Audio Trail 5km, Grasmere-Greenhead
  2. Feel the Force Audio Trail 5km, Grasmere-Easedale
  3. Hearts of Oak Audio Trail 2.3km, Elterwater Common
Stott Mill

The 8 Greenwood Trails

A collection of walks in Rusland, an area that stretches between Windermere and Coniston Water to the south of Grizedale forest. Greenwood Trails. Check out the trails on the Ruslands Horizon website via the below links.

Greenwood Trails:

  1. Old Hall Farm to Rusland Moss & Hay Bridge 2.5km/6.7km/8.7km
  2. Haverthwaite Heights to Abbots Reading 3.5km/4.8km
  3. Bobbin Mill-High Dam, Yewbarrow/Finsthwaite 4.3km/10km
  4. Oxen Park to Bethecar Moor 6km/9.5km/11.5km
  5. Rusland valley and Yewbarrow 7.5km/13.7km
  6. Grizedale West multi-user accessible trail 10.5km
  7. Finsthwaite Tower and The Knott - 5.6 km
  8. Satterthwaite and Rusland 7.5km/9.5km
Walkers approach Bonsor Mills, Coniston

Coniston Copper Mine Trails

Here you can download and print a series of self-guided trails to help you find your way around the Coniston Copper sites and identify what you are looking at.

Coniston Copper Mine Trails

Scafell Pike in background - two walkers sat looking across at it

Scafell Pike (Challenging)

Visitors to Scafell Pike must be prepared and have significant mountaineering experience. Our volunteer mountain rescue teams attend some preventable rescue call-outs to the Scafell range, particularly Piers Gill from the corridor route to Scafell Pike. Scafell Pike

Stanley Ghyll

Stanley Force - Eskdale

There are lots of walk options in Eskdale with a bewildering network of paths, bridleways and ancient lanes. This little loop starting at Dalegarth Station makes the perfect introduction to the valley. It takes in some classic sections of woodland and explores a delightful section of the River Esk. Eskdale Walk

Buttermere big

Buttermere Walk

An flat and easy walk around the lake suitable for all the family. The mountains that ring Buttermere sweep straight up from the lakeshore in steep dramatic unbroken slopes. Even without setting foot off the valley floor you feel like you are right at the heart of these giant peaks. Buttermere Walk

Coniston big

Coniston Ride

The western shoreline of Coniston Water is a delightful mix of low hills and ancient woods punctuated by dashing becks and peaceful pebble beaches. No roads; only tracks, paths and a few buildings, blending seamlessly with the landscape. Coniston Ride

Deepdale Horseshoe Big

Patterdale Walk (Challenging)

There is a grand sense of scale to the peaks that circle the aptly named Deepdale. Poised high above Patterdale this trench like declivity cuts deep into the heart of the Eastern Fells and forms the northern precipice of Fairfield’s lofty summit. The circuit of the Deepdale has become something of a classic amongst experienced walkers. Patterdale Walk

Skiddaw

Skiddaw Ride (Challenging)

North of Skiddaw lies high moors and rolling hills. Great sweeps of open fells dominate relieved only by becks. Penetrating this wilderness is a bridleway that skirts eastern flanks of Lonscale Fell and heads northwest over Burnt Hause and the back of Skiddaw. Skiddaw Ride