The Lake District National Park is a walker’s paradise. With mighty mountains, glistening lakes, rolling fells and picturesque villages, it’s no wonder people visit this place on a walking or hiking holiday. With that being said, here are our top picks of easy fell walks in the Lake District, suitable for everyone to enjoy.
Sale Fell
2 miles
2 hours
At just 359 metres high but still offering some of the prettiest views of the Lakes, Sale Fell is one of the smallest fells in the national park. The views of Bassenthwaite Lake and the northern fells that surround it from the summit is something you’ll never forget. Sale Fell is an easy fell walk in the Lake District and is popular with locals and families – perfect for a Sunday stroll.
Stay at YHA Buttermere
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Castle Crag
4 miles
3 hours
Located south of Derwentwater, in the heart of the Borrowdale valley, Castle Crag offers views across the glistening lakes and the surrounding fells from the summit. The walk starts in the small village of Rosthwaite and it takes you on a loop where you can see both the summit of Castle Crag and part of the Cumbria Way that runs alongside the River Derwent. One of the easy fells walks in the Lake District, this ramble is suitable for children over four and babies in carriers.
Stay at YHA Lake District
Silver Howe
3 miles
4 hours
This route is probably the toughest on our ‘easy fell walks in the Lake District’ guide but the small struggle is worth it for the views over Windermere, Grasmere and their surrounding mountains. Silver Howe can be tackled from many points, but we recommend starting from Grasmere as it offers wonderful scenery and you can finish off your ramble with a slice of delicious Grasmere gingerbread.
Stay at YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe
Tom Gill to Tarn Hows
1.6 miles
2 hours
This tranquil mountain-top tarn offers one of the best views in the Lake District. But did you know that it is actually man-made? Gifted to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter, the trail around the fell-top tarn makes for an easy fell walk in the Lake District. It has been made accessible, which makes it ideal for walkers of all ages and abilities. Pick a bright day for breath-taking views across Wetherlam and the Coniston fells.
Stay at YHA Coniston Coppermines
Derwentwater to Friar’s Crag
2.5 miles
1.5 hours
This walk is perfect for beginners and families with little ones. This walk offers stunning views of Derwentwater lake and the surrounding fells. You will walk along the lake towards Friar’s Crag – a pretty view point which boasts panoramic views of Derwentwater and the fells. The walk is flat and well looked after. We hope you enjoy this one!
Stay at YHA Keswick
Aira Force Waterfall
1 mile
45 minutes
Aira Force Waterfall – one of the most famous waterfalls in the Lake District and its clear why… its magical. You walk through woodland, alongside a busy steam before you reach the 65-foot glistening waterfall. The paths are well-marked with some gentle uphill areas, nothing too major. You can carry on along the bridge to continue the short ramble. If you take any photos or videos, please share them with us using #YHANatureChallenge on Instagram!
Stay at YHA Helvellyn
Wastwater
3 miles
2 hours
Wastwater, situated in the Wasdale Valley is a dramatic lake and is an impressive 3 miles long and the deepest lake in England. It also makes for a fantastic walking spot. The route is on a mostly flat path along the lake shore. The surrounding scenes are truly breath-taking. Any way you turn, you are greeted with mountain and lake views, something to capture in your memory. There are plenty of places to sit and relax whilst taking in the natural beauty around you.
Stay at YHA Wasdale Hall
Loughrigg Tarn
2 miles
1 hour
This is a popular place with walkers and its clear why – the views. The circular route around the tarn is pretty flat with a couple of gentle inclines along the way but there are plenty of places to stop and rest. You will be able to spot Langdale Pikes in the distance!
Stay at YHA Langdale
Orrest Head
2.5 miles
3 hours
Orrest Head, the first fell climbed by the famous hill-walker and author, Alfred Wainwright. The start point of this walk is beside the Windermere Hotel and takes you up to the summit on a twisting lane. The walk carries on through pretty fields and by following the woodland trail, you will eventually emerge at the Orrest Head viewpoint. When the sun is shining, the spectacular sight of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells certainly do not disappoint. Orrest Head is also the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
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Photo credit: Garry Basnett / grahammoore999 / MNStudio / David Maddock / Jez Campbell / hardyuno / Adobe Stock
