The majestic mountains (fells) are one of the top attractions in the Lake District.
They are home to stunning views and offer a range of difficulties, from easy strolls to jagged ridges with steep drops on either side.
In this section, we have picked out some of our favourite fell walks, including those popular with residents and away from the main tourist hubs.
Some are easy, some are a challenge, and while others are suitable for beginners, some require rock scrambling, and almost all need a good fitness level.
These routes should be on your to-do list if you want to experience fantastic scenery in one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.
Family Friendly Fell Walks
We offer a variety of wonderful family-friendly walks for kids of all ages.
These walks include options for those travelling with babies in all-terrain strollers, toddlers, and older children.
- Brandelhow Bay
- Fell Side Mine
- Rannerdale to Buttermere
- Dodd Wood
- Hayeswater from Hartsop
- Scale Hill and Crummock Water Loop
- Aira Force Loop
- Castle Crag
- White Moss, Rydal Water & Caves to Grasmere
- Aira Force to Glenridding with Steamer Return
- Tarn Hows Circuit
- Keswick Lakeside Round
- Ennerdale Water and Smithy Beck Falls
- Orrest Head and Lake Windermere
- Dodd Wood & St Bega’s Church
- Easedale Tarn
- Binsey Loop
- Castlerigg Stone Circle, Tewet Tarn, and Low Rigg
- Tilberthwaite, Hodge Close, Cathedral Cavern & Slater Bridge
- Little Town to Little Dale
- Great Wood, Walla Crag Via Cat Gill & Falcon Crag
- The Borrowdale Yews & Stockley Bridge
- Buttermere to Bleaberry Tarn & Dodd (Buttermere)
- Haweswater to Small Water Tarn
- Brockhole Visitor Centre & Townend National Trust
- Hesket Newmarket to Caldbeck
- Thirlmere & Fisherplace Gill
- Grasmere to Alcock Tarn
- Rosthwaite to Scale Close Coppice
Dog Friendly Fell Walks
This section features dog-friendly fell walking routes with insights on when it may be appropriate to let your canine companion roam off-leash.
Our local has written detailed walking instructions for each route.
Additionally, we suggest some delightful dog-friendly pubs conclude your walks.
- Barrow and Stile End, Braithwaite
- Heughscar & the Cockpit from Pooley Bridge
- Wastwater & Low Wood
- Elterwater & Skelwith Bridge
- Skelghyll Woods & Jenkin Crag
- Glenridding to Lanty’s Tarn
- Borrowdale Loop: Bowder Stone & River Derwent
- La’al Ratty & Stanley Force, Eskdale
- Harrop Tarn (Thirlmere)
Easy Fell Walks
Don’t be discouraged by the “Easy” designation.
These leisurely walks still provide breathtaking views and a sense of achievement.
Medium-Difficulty Fell Walks
The following group of fells presents a more significant challenge as they take longer to complete and entail higher altitudes.
Therefore, they may only be appropriate for young children if they are willing to be carried, and older children may find some quite strenuous.
Some of these walks also require scrambling.
Hard Fell Walks
These walks feature some of the Lake District’s highest peaks, including England’s highest mountain.
These are not to be taken lightly, and it is essential to be fully equipped and possess the necessary skills before attempting to reach their summits.
Things to do in the Lake District
- Things to do in the Lake District for couples
- Things to do in the Lake District for Families
- Things to do with toddlers in the Lake District
- Top 10 things to do on rainy days in the Lake District
- 10 things to do in Eskdale
- Top 10 things to do in Wasdale
- Things to do on the Solway Coast
- Things to do in Carlisle
- Things to do in Arnside and Silverdale AONB
- 7 ways to take to the Lake District skies
- 10 amazing outdoor climbing locations in the Lake District
- 13 wild swimming spots in the Lake District
- Top 10 fishing spots in Cumbria and the Lake District
- Top 10 golf courses in the Lake District and Cumbria
- Top 10 places to kayak in the Lake District
Tours
On these tours, they take you to the most beautiful spots, share the stories of the inspiring people who lived there and reveal all the local secrets.So join them and experience the magic of the Lake District for yourself.
- Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour
- Lake District – Six Lakes Morning Tour from Windermere
- Western Lakes Full-Day Tour
- Ultimate Lake District Tour Visiting 10 Lakes
- From Manchester – Lake District Tour
- From Manchester – Lake District and Windermere
- From Liverpool – Lake District Sightseeing Adventure Day Trip
- From Liverpool – Lake District Tour
Staying Safe in the Lake District: Essential Tips for Fell Walkers
Did you know that some of the fells in the Lake District have a name?
Yes, they do!
And they’re not called that just because they’re high up or far apart from each other.
Some of them have names like Scafell Pike and Fleetwith Pike.
The people who lived in the area named these fells centuries ago.
They called the fells based on their appearance, features, or history.
The lake district is known for its landscape.
It is a walker’s paradise with mountains, lakes, and rivers.
However, along with the breathtaking views and serene ambience come certain safety risks.
This post will cover essential safety tips for fell walkers, such as carrying a physical map of the area and staying aware of your surroundings.
Clothing
Staying safe on fells is crucial for walkers of all abilities.
The lake district is a popular fell-walking destination, but it’s essential to take adequate clothing for the conditions when falling walking in the lake district.
This includes warm and waterproof items with insulation layers, such as jumpers, coats, and hats.
It’s important to wear bright colours to help rescuers easily spot lost walkers and non-slip and waterproof footwear to prevent slips and falls.
Other safety tips include checking weather forecasts, not going alone in unfamiliar terrain, and sticking to the path.
If you plan a fall walk in the lake district, you must be aware of safety precautions and limits.
Equipment
Staying safe in the Lake District can be a tricky business.
Here are some essential tips for fell walkers to follow.
Wear appropriate footwear for the conditions and pack waterproofs and warm layers.
When walking in the lake, consider wearing a helmet to protect your head from falling objects and Downy gloves to protect you from the lake’s icy water.
Avoid swimming in the lake after consuming alcohol.
This is because alcohol can make you more vulnerable to hypothermia.
Moreover, it can make you unable to swim or tread water properly, which could lead to drowning.
Bring a map and compass for navigation if required.
This will help you find your way back if you get lost or disoriented in the lake.
Also, it would help you safely navigate any other body of water.
Food & Drink
Following a few essential tips is vital to stay safe and enjoying your time walking in the Lake District.
Firstly, consider bringing plenty of water and snacks to keep yourself energized and hydrated throughout the day.
This will allow you to focus on the beauty of the fells without becoming tired or hungry.
Additionally, pack light and easy-to-prepare meals that don’t need refrigeration.
These will save you time on your walk and help you stay healthy and happy.
Look for safe places to rest and eat when out on the fells.
This could be a sheltered picnic area or a designated walker’s path with food stalls.
Finally, bring a map and compass to help you stay on track and avoid getting lost in the Lake District’s vast landscape.
Following these tips, you can fully enjoy walking in the Lake District without compromising your safety or enjoyment.
Planning Your Route
Planning your route is vital if you’re planning to walk in the Lake District.
This will help ensure you get the most out of your walk and avoid walking along dangerous paths or hazardous weather conditions.
Before setting out on your own, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the terrain.
This will enable you to avoid walking along steep or slippery areas and look for potential hazards such as flooding or slippery rocks.
Make sure to bring the necessary equipment, such as a compass and a map, which can be helpful in emergencies.
By following these tips, you can enjoy walking in the Lake District without fear of danger.
Weather
To stay safe while mountain walking in the Lake District, it’s vital to check weather forecasts before heading out.
In the summer, sudden exposure to cold water can cause cold water shock, leading to drowning.
This is especially true for fell walkers who need to be more experienced and wear life jackets.
During winter months, lake weather can be unpredictable, affecting the fells.
It’s important to understand these effects so you can make informed decisions about your safety during planning and preparation for a day of fell walking.
Risk management should be considered when planning a hike and preparing clothing, equipment, and food.
On the Day of Your Walk
If you’re planning a walk in the Lake District, it’s vital to check the weather forecast and dress for the conditions.
Before setting off, ensure you have enough daylight to complete your walk.
This will help to avoid any last-minute cancellations due to poor weather conditions.
Ideally, plan your walk and consider the terrain and weather conditions.
Consider an experienced guide for a safe and enjoyable experience when planning your walk.
This will help to navigate challenging terrain and navigate water creeks safely.
When walking through the fells, consider taking in the natural beauty with a walk through the fells.
This is an easy way to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District without having to hike too far or too high up.
Don’t expect to be rescued by helicopter.
The Met Office has produced a series of videos about hill walking safety aspects, which may benefit those walking in the Lake District.
The mountain ranges also advise people to keep cool while walking in the lake district waters during summer.
It is essential to plan and make sure to have all the necessary knowledge and skills to keep safe while walking.
The lake district search and rescue association recommends downloading and reading ‘Stay Safe and Enjoy the Fells’ to ensure safety while walking in the mountains.
These tips are essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable walk in the lake district.
Be Aware
The Lake District is a popular destination for walkers, with more than 300 fells.
However, walking in the area carries some risk of injury.
It is essential to be aware of the risk of injury while walking in the Lake District and to take safety precautions.
Before heading out on your walk, ensure the route is within your and others’ skill level.
Also, be sure to plan your route ahead of time and bring a map with you when walking on the fells.
Tourists may only sometimes be allowed to drive in some regions of the Lake District due to climate emergencies and an influx of walkers.
So it’s best to stick to established routes and avoid shortcuts that may lead you off track or into dangerous areas.
By taking all safety precautions, you can enjoy walking in the Lake District without risk of injury or missing out on some great views and scenic spots.
Bring a physical map
Assuring safety while walking in the fells can be improved by carrying a physical map and compass.
The lake district search and rescue team recommends packing a physical map and compass to ensure safe navigation on the fells.
Mountain rescue teams respond to over 654 emergency call-outs each year, many of which could have been avoided if hikers had a physical map and compass.
Hikers must prepare for all weather conditions and use common sense when hiking in the falls.
It’s also recommended to stay with the group or stick to marked trails.
By bringing a physical map and compass, you can help improve safety on the fells and reduce the risk of getting lost or injured.
Don’t push yourself too far.
It’s important to remember that the Lake District is a challenging environment.
When going for a walk in the lake district, it’s easy to underestimate how long a hike will take.
Set realistic goals for yourself, and don’t push yourself too far.
Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated while walking.
It’s also important to know your limits and adjust your route accordingly.
Additionally, be aware of the weather conditions and always carry appropriate clothing, food, water, and navigation equipment when walking in the lake district.
Before setting out on your walk, check the latest local mountain forecasts to prepare for any conditions.
Finally, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return so they can keep an eye out for you.