The 6 Best Beginner Walks in the Lake District

The undeniably gorgeous Lake District attracts millions of visitors each year to its 16 lakes within the National Park. Walking is a popular activity here, with many paths and National Trails to choose from.

While the Lake District is renowned for its magnificent peaks, not all walks entail clambering to dizzying heights. From lakeside strolls to fell-top treks, many easy Lake District walks show visitors the region’s magical scenery.

This is a roundup of six of the best beginner walks in Lake District, all conveniently located near our stunning Daffodil Hotel & Spa in Grasmere.

1. HELM CRAG

Nestled in the Central Fells north of Grasmere village, Helm Crag stands an impressive 405 metres high. Sitting at the end of a prominent ridge, the fell is a well-known landmark in the Lake District.

Helm Crag is particularly recognisable for its rocky summit’s distinct formations, known as “the Lion and the Lamb.”

Starting in the historic village, the trail winds through picturesque woodland to Helm Crag’s summit. You’ll see stunning views of the Cumbria countryside. This route is suitable for casual and experienced walkers.

An easy Lake District walk, Helm Crag is only moderately challenging for beginners and rewards walkers with the most beautiful scenery. This easy walk can be done in the morning or afternoon, but is best enjoyed as a day trip with a picnic and camera in tow!

2. GRASMERE LAKE LOOP

Stroll around the banks of Grasmere Lake at this stunning circular route near Ambleside, Cumbria. With an average walking time of around 1h48m, you can start this 3.6-mile flat walk trail from White Moss car park.

As you stroll along the path beside the lake, you’ll have breathtaking views of the charming Grasmere village and the surrounding fells. This route is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and offers a mix of beautiful woodland and open terrain to explore.

To make the most of your walk, consider continuing towards the woodland and Rydal Water. Then take a detour up to Loughrigg Terrace for breathtaking panoramic views of Grasmere. Once you’ve finished admiring the views, you can return to the village by walking back along the shore of the lake.

3. LATRIGG

Embark on a breathtaking walk with the Skiddaw mountain range looming in the north. Possibly the easiest and most accessible walk in the entire Lake District, Latrigg is a well-known spot that offers incredible views of Keswick, Derwentwater, and the Borrowdale Valley.

Beginning at Kenswick’s Spooney Green Lane, this walk is a circular route around the summit. Despite the gradual ascent, you can complete this easy walk in a few hours. There’s also plenty of time to savour the panoramic views from the top when you stop for a snack.

Choose from multiple routes, including one along the old Keswick Railway Route. This route offers a glimpse of the former Cockermouth-Keswick-Penrith railway line that contributed to Keswick’s success as a popular Victorian tourist destination.

For those seeking a shorter walk, leave your vehicle at the car park above Applethwaite, which offers a limited mobility path to the viewpoint.

4. SILVER HOW

Take a short, easy hike to Silver How in the Lake District, starting in Grasmere. This circular walk is the perfect introduction to fell walking and offers spectacular views across Grasmere and Lakeland.

There are two main walking routes from Grasmere, both offer stunning scenery of neighbouring fells like the Langdale Pikes, Helm Crag, and Bowfell. We highly recommend taking the route via Allan Bank.

This walk takes you past the National Trust-owned Allan Bank; once the home of English Romantic poet, William Wordsworth. It’s the perfect spot to stop for a drink and explore the garden.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head up the steep inclines at Huntingstyle Crag and Dow Bank before reaching the top of Silver How. Wordsworth likely stood atop the summit, composing verse of the stunning vale – and you can too!

5. LOUGHRIGG FELL CIRCULAR

A scenic walk featuring panoramic views of the fells, Loughrigg is one of the most beautiful Lake District beginner walks. From this vantage point you’ll see the tarn and beauty of Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Despite being one of the smallest fells in Wainwright’s guide, Loughrigg Fell remains a popular destination. This is one you should definitely squeeze into your Lake District itinerary!

Start the walk in Red Bank Hill, passing through ancient woodland and ascending a fairly steep but short route to the open fellside. Midway up, a rocky knoll offers a scenic spot to catch your breath and snap some pictures.

A must-visit is the Loughrigg Terrace above Grasmere, a much-loved spot by the Lakeland poet William Wordsworth. From here, you’ll be able to see Lake Windermere and panoramic views stretching to the Cumbrian coast.

6. AIRA FORCE

If you want to see a magnificent waterfall on a walk in the Lake District, you have your answer at Aira Force. It’s around a 30-minute drive outside of Grasmere, but well worth the visit if you’re looking for stunning and easy Lake District walks.

Boasting one of the most famous waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force promises a fabulous day out. The most popular way to view the Aira Force waterfall is a short 1.3-mile loop taking about an hour with plenty of stops for photo opportunities!

The trail includes a ‘wish tree,’ where coins have been embedded into the trunk for good luck. Although the trail is suitable for all levels, it has an elevation gain of 139 m and can be steep in places, making it slippery when wet. There are handrails in steep areas and well-maintained paths.

You can park at the National Trust car park just 0.5 miles away and make your way easily to the stunning falls from there.

FAQS

DO YOU NEED A MAP FOR THE WALKS IN LAKE DISTRICT?

Yes. For a Lake District map on your phone, we recommend downloading the Ordnance Survey OS Explorer maps. Four OS Explorer maps cover the whole of Lake District National Park: OL4, OL5, OL6 and OL7. You can purchase these at a reasonable price and download the app for free.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BEGINNER WALKERS TAKE WHILE ON LAKE DISTRICT WALKS?

Although Lake District is home to many easy walks, beginners should be prepared for adverse weather conditions and rocky terrain. The trails mentioned above are mainly flat walks with a few gentle uphill climbs, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

Furthermore, it’s important to stay on marked trails and be aware of any potential hazards, such as steep inclines or slippery surfaces.

READY TO EMBARK ON SOME BEGINNER WALKS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT? MAKE YOUR STAY COMFORTABLE AT THE DAFFODIL HOTEL

There’s no doubt your Lake District trip will be one to remember with one of these stunning walks.

From adventurous treks a-top the fells to casual, calm strolls along the lake, countless easy Lake District walks await you!

After a busy day of walking, unwind in the comfort of the Daffodil Hotel, a luxurious and tranquil retreat nestled in the heart of the Lakes. With its elegant rooms, top-notch amenities, and stunning surroundings, it’s the perfect place to recharge before your next adventure.