The Lake District is home to some truly amazing locations for hiking trips, and it’s no surprise that it’s been an extremely popular hiking destination for tourists far and wide for many years. You can find hikes of all sorts of levels of difficulty here, all with their own beautiful views and unique quirks. If you’re visiting this summer, lace up your boots, pack up your gear, and have a read of our list of top picks for where to hike in the Lake District.
Scafell Pike
As England’s tallest mountain is a whopping 978m high, Scafell Pike is not to be underestimated. But, for an experienced enthusiast wondering where to hike in the Lake District, this might just be the challenge you’re looking for. There are a multitude of different routes you can take to reach the top of England’s highest peak, ranging from around 3-6 hours for a one-way trip. None of the routes are easy, but we suggest climbing Scafell Pike from Wasdale for the most straightforward and direct hike. It’s incredibly steep at first but the route does level out when you get closer to the summit. You’ll still have to tackle some very rocky and uneven patches though, so you’ll need a boot with good shock absorption and anti-slip properties like the LOWA Zephyr MK2.
Helvellyn
Helvellyn is one of the most iconic mountains that can be found within the region, and is also one of its most popular destinations for hiking in the Lake District as well. The infamous Striding Edge is a hiker’s dream destination, and the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. Many think of it as a less advanced Scafell Pike, but this definitely isn’t the case. Some routes are classified as grade 1 scrambles, but there are easier alternatives available for less advanced hikers too.
Catbells
If you’re wondering where to hike in the Lake District that could provide a shorter route than the above, then it’s well worth considering making the climb to the top of Catbells. It’s roughly an hour and a half each way, and provides some incredible views over Keswick, Derwent Water and Skiddaw in the distance. It’s the perfect destination for a half day adventure in the Lake District.
Old Man of Coniston
It’d be remiss for us to put together a list of the best hikes in the Lake District without including the famous Old Man of Coniston. Old Man of Coniston is one of the highest fells in the National Park and you can really take in the history of the area on this hike, with the remnants and ruins of the old slate and copper mines still visible on the fellsides. The wide and flat plateau at the summit makes for an incredible place to rest and take in the picturesque view before taking the route back down.
Buttermere Circuit
Unlike many of our top picks for where to hike in the Lake District, Buttermere Circuit is not a mountain climb but instead a flat walk around Buttermere that’s suitable for the whole family. The dramatic slopes of the mountains that ring the area provide all of the picturesque natural beauty and let you take in every detail - from the woodland to the crags - without leaving the safety of the valley floor.
Pillar Trail From Wasdale Head
With a vertical ascent distance of over 800m, this challenging hike will test the stamina of even the most experienced hikers. You’ll want to make sure you’re in top shape before you attempt this one, but it’s a very popular and highly rewarding hike. It starts off by the Wasdale Head Village Green not far from the route up to Scafell Pike from Wasdale. As you head north passing through the valley, you will spot sheep and lambs before beginning the climb to Black Sail Pass and beyond. From here, you’ll be able to take in stunning vistas throughout the journey.
We hope these suggestions for where to hike in the Lake District have given you some inspiration to take on some of these challenges yourself. Make sure you’ve done all of your preparations and equipped yourself with the right gear to ensure that you stay safe and comfortable on your trip. If you find yourself in need of advice in choosing the perfect boots for your trip, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team for advice from the experts.
