The Lake District National Park in northwest England is a hiker's paradise, offering some of the UK's most spectacular mountain scenery. With 214 fells (hills and mountains) cataloged in Alfred Wainwright's famous guidebooks, countless lakes, tarns, and valleys, the hiking possibilities are virtually endless. From gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain scrambles, the Lake District caters to all experience levels. Here, we explore five of the most rewarding hiking trails that showcase the diverse beauty of England's most beloved national park.

1. Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Widely regarded as the Lake District's most thrilling hiking route, the ascent of Helvellyn via Striding Edge combines a classic mountain walk with an exhilarating ridge scramble. Standing at 950 meters (3,117 feet), Helvellyn is England's third-highest peak, and this particular approach has become legendary among UK hikers.

The Route

The traditional route begins in the village of Glenridding on the shores of Ullswater. From here, a well-marked path leads up through Glenridding Common before the real adventure begins at Hole-in-the-Wall, where you'll encounter the start of Striding Edge. This knife-edge arête requires careful hand-over-hand scrambling along a narrow ridge with dramatic drops on either side. While not technically difficult for experienced hikers, it demands concentration and a head for heights.

After traversing the ridge, a final steep climb leads to Helvellyn's broad summit plateau, offering panoramic views across the Lake District on clear days. The descent typically follows Red Tarn and Swirral Edge—another ridge, slightly less exposed but equally dramatic.

Essential Information

  • Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km) circular route
  • Elevation Gain: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
  • Difficulty: Challenging – involves exposed scrambling
  • Time Required: 5-7 hours
  • Best Time to Hike: Late spring through early autumn. Avoid in winter or bad weather unless you have winter mountaineering experience.
  • Starting Point: Glenridding village car park

2. Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head

As England's highest mountain at 978 meters (3,209 feet), Scafell Pike attracts thousands of hikers annually. While several routes lead to the summit, the path from Wasdale Head is the most direct and arguably the most dramatic, offering the classic Lake District mountain experience.

The Route

Starting from the National Trust car park at Wasdale Head, the trail follows Lingmell Gill upward through increasingly rugged terrain. The path steepens considerably as you approach Hollow Stones, from where the route to the summit becomes a challenging boulder field requiring careful footing. The effort is rewarded with magnificent views from the top—on exceptionally clear days, you can see Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and the Isle of Man.

The descent follows the same route, requiring careful navigation, especially in poor visibility. Scafell Pike's summit plateau is notoriously disorienting in mist, with several paths leading in different directions and potentially dangerous terrain on all sides.

Essential Information

  • Distance: 6 miles (9.5 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 900 meters (2,950 feet)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – steep and rocky terrain
  • Time Required: 4-6 hours
  • Best Time to Hike: May through October
  • Starting Point: Wasdale Head National Trust car park

3. The Fairfield Horseshoe

One of the Lake District's most popular ridge walks, the Fairfield Horseshoe offers a perfect full-day mountain experience with relatively straightforward navigation and consistently stunning views. This classic horseshoe-shaped route encircles the valley of Rydal Beck, taking in several peaks over 700 meters.

The Route

Beginning in the charming town of Ambleside, the walk ascends gradually via Nab Scar, proceeding along a well-defined ridge over several subsidiary summits including Great Rigg, Heron Pike, and Hart Crag. The high point is Fairfield summit (873 meters/2,864 feet), a flat, stony plateau offering extensive views in all directions.

The return journey follows the eastern arm of the horseshoe over Dove Crag, High Pike, and Low Pike before descending back to Ambleside. The circular nature of this route, combined with consistently high elevation, makes it particularly satisfying, with ever-changing perspectives throughout the day.

Essential Information

  • Distance: 10 miles (16 km) circular route
  • Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
  • Difficulty: Moderate – sustained climbing but well-defined paths
  • Time Required: 6-8 hours
  • Best Time to Hike: April through October
  • Starting Point: Ambleside (various car parks available)

4. Catbells and Derwentwater Circuit

For those seeking a perfect introduction to Lake District hiking, the Catbells and Derwentwater combination offers spectacular scenery without extreme difficulty. Catbells (451 meters/1,480 feet) may be modest in height, but what it lacks in elevation, it more than compensates for with its perfect position overlooking Derwentwater and the northern fells.

The Route

Setting out from Hawes End, a short but relatively steep climb leads to Catbells' summit ridge, which involves some easy scrambling in places. The panoramic views encompass Derwentwater, Borrowdale, and the central fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra.

After descending Catbells' southern ridge, the route connects with the Derwentwater lakeshore path, creating a perfect circular walk. This shoreline section offers a gentle contrast to the fell-top experience, winding through ancient woodlands and along beaches with numerous swimming opportunities in summer.

Essential Information

  • Distance: 8 miles (13 km) circular route
  • Elevation Gain: 400 meters (1,300 feet)
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate – some steep sections but suitable for most reasonably fit walkers
  • Time Required: 4-5 hours
  • Best Time to Hike: Year-round, though winter conditions can make the summit ridge challenging
  • Starting Point: Hawes End jetty (accessible by car or via the Derwentwater Launch boat from Keswick)

5. The Old Man of Coniston Circuit

This varied circular route combines industrial heritage with natural beauty, taking in several peaks, dramatic corries (cirques), and clear mountain tarns. The Old Man of Coniston (803 meters/2,634 feet) stands proudly above Coniston village and has a rich mining history evident in the ruins and workings encountered along the way.

The Route

Starting from Coniston village, the path climbs steadily past the remains of copper mines, with old quarry buildings, water wheels, and mining tunnels visible as you ascend. The route passes Low Water, a perfect corrie tarn nestled beneath the summit, before the final steep ascent to the Old Man's peak with its distinctive cairn and stone shelter.

Rather than returning by the same path, this circuit continues north along a broad ridge over Brim Fell to reach Swirl How, before descending via the dramatic Prison Band ridge to Swirl Hawse. From here, the old quarry track of the Walna Scar Road provides a gentler return to Coniston, completing a route that showcases both natural grandeur and human industrial endeavor.

Essential Information

  • Distance: 7 miles (11 km) circular route
  • Elevation Gain: 750 meters (2,460 feet)
  • Difficulty: Moderate – some steep sections but well-defined paths
  • Time Required: 5-6 hours
  • Best Time to Hike: April through October
  • Starting Point: Coniston village (various car parks available)

Essential Hiking Tips for the Lake District

Safety First

  • Weather awareness: Lake District weather can change rapidly; always check the forecast before setting out and be prepared for conditions to deteriorate.
  • Navigation tools: Carry an Ordnance Survey map (OL4, OL5, OL6, and OL7 cover the Lake District) and compass, and know how to use them. Don't rely solely on digital devices.
  • Appropriate clothing: Waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, hat, and gloves are essential even in summer. Proper hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended.
  • Emergency equipment: Carry a first aid kit, whistle, headtorch, and emergency shelter/blanket.
  • Communication: Mobile phone reception is patchy in the mountains; let someone know your route and expected return time.

Environmental Responsibility

  • Follow the Countryside Code and Leave No Trace principles.
  • Stick to established paths to prevent erosion.
  • Take all litter home, including biodegradable items like fruit peelings.
  • Close gates behind you and respect the working landscape.

Best Times to Visit

Late spring (May-June) offers longer daylight hours, wildflowers, and generally stable weather. September and October bring beautiful autumn colors and fewer crowds. July and August are busiest but offer the warmest temperatures. Winter hiking (November-March) should only be attempted by those with winter mountaineering experience and equipment.

The Lake District's varied landscape offers hiking experiences to suit all abilities and preferences, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain expeditions. These five routes represent some of the region's finest walking opportunities, each showcasing different aspects of this magnificent national park. Whether you're drawn to exhilarating ridge scrambles, historical landscapes, or tranquil lake views, the fells of Lakeland offer memories and experiences that will call you back time and again to explore more of England's most beloved mountain landscape.