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walker in black clothing and red rucksack walking with small black dog across beige fell top, fells in distance, sunny day

Walking

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Experience the Lake District – walk, wander, explore

Whether you’re visiting the Lake District for the first time or looking for an accessible way to explore, there’s a walk for everyone. From gentle lakeside strolls to classic fell hikes, the National Park offers routes for all abilities, with detailed descriptions to help you choose the perfect trail. You can also join a free guided walk, led by knowledgeable volunteers who share insights into the area’s history and wildlife. For those needing an accessible route, the Miles Without Stiles collection includes 50 specially chosen trails, ensuring everyone can experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park.

Walking routes

See routes for classic walks in the best loved areas of the Lake District along with detailed descriptions including distance, time, ascent and grade.

Visit our walking routes page
Family of 4 hiking through Whinlatter Forest. A wide gravel path goes through the centre of tall dark green pine trees.

What to wear, check and take

Walkers’ checklist
People walking through woodland on a path on a Lake District National Park guided walk

Guided walks

Let our volunteers show you the Lake District they love, leading the way, sharing intriguing stories about the places you pass through. We have a range of free guided walks to suit everyone.

Find a guided walk
elderly man on off-road wheelchair parked by coniston water lake shore on a bright day

Miles without Stiles routes

Our collection of 50 routes across the National Park suitable for people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and the visually impaired.

View our accessible routes
Two climbers on a snowy mountain ridge with a frozen lake in the background.

Winter Skills Courses

From November to April you can learn how to tackle snow and ice on our Helvellyn Winter Skills Courses.

Winter Skills Day Courses

red rectangle logo with white bold text reading BMC with simple mountain graphic to left of text

British Mountaineering Council (BMC)

If you’re planning to venture into high, technical terrain and want to sharpen your advanced mountain skills—such as route finding, efficient movement, and navigating challenging landscapes—consider connecting with the British Mountaineering Council (BMC).

The BMC is the representative body for hill walkers, climbers and mountaineers across England and Wales. Each year, they offer free guided walks, some of which explore the most remote and dramatic landscapes in the Lake District.

Learn more and explore upcoming opportunities here: BMC Lakes Area Walks