The 5 Best Mountain Hikes & Walks in The Lake District
From Cumbria Way Walk to the Langdale Pikes
Discover five of the best Lake District walks and hikes, from Cumbria Way Walk to the Langdale Pikes. These mountain walks provide the perfect views! The Lake District is England's largest national park and an UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why. With sweeping landscapes of lush greenery and high peaks like the Langdale Pikes offering panoramic views, the Lake District is the perfect place to get your walking boots on.
There are plenty of wonderful Lake District walks to enjoy for all fitness levels, from easy Lake District walks for beginners or dog walking to others more suitable for running, hiking or cycling. So, whichever type of walk you’re looking for, the Lake District has a trail for you. If you’re feeling adventurous you could attempt to hike the highest mountain peak in the Lake District and all of England, Scafell Pike.
At almost 600,000 acres, you will need more than a day to explore everything the Lake District has to offer. Luckily, we’ve compiled out favourite Lake District walks and hikes so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the outdoors.
1. Cumbria Way Walk
The Cumbria Way Walk is a beautiful Lake District walking and hiking trail that winds its way through some of the location’s most stunning scenery. Starting in the town of Ulverston, the trail guides you through striking mountainous landscapes, lakes, woodlands, glacial valleys, and along rivers. The Cumbria Way is the perfect way to experience the best of England's natural beauty. You can take your time and enjoy the views or challenge yourself to complete the 73-mile trail in one go. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or looking for Lake District walks for beginners, Cumbria Way Walk is sure to give you an unforgettable experience and provide some amazing photographs!
- All abilities
- Nearest Station: Ulverston Train Station
- More information on the Cumbria Way Walking trail
2. Walking Helvellyn Mountain
Helvellyn is one of the best mountain walks in the Lake District, and it's easy to see why. Walking Helvellyn will reward you with breath-taking views, and there are several routes to the top, each suitable for differing fitness levels. The most popular hiking route is via Striding Edge, a narrow ridge with dramatic drop-offs on either side. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted, but the sense of achievement at the top is well worth the effort. For those looking for an easier option, there is a path that winds its way around the mountain, offering stunning views without too much exertion. Whichever route you choose, walking Helvellyn mountain is sure to leave you with lasting memories and fantastic selfies!
From Penrith Station, it’s a scenic 45 minute bus ride to Glenridding where the walk begins. The 508 bus to Patterdale takes a leisurely pace around the shores of the picturesque Ullswater - the perfect introduction to the beautiful Lake District.
- Mountain hike
- Nearest Station: Penrith Train Station
- Helvellyn Mountain Walking Route
3. Orrest Head Walk
A picturesque 20-minute walk guides you to the peak of Orrest Head, a 784-foot hill with panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the Lake District. It's an easy Lake District walk that's suitable for beginners, and it's a great place to watch the sunset or have a nice picnic. This is a great spot to spend an afternoon getting closer to nature or letting the kids burn off some energy and be active.
- Short route
- Nearest Station: Windermere Train Station
- Orrest Head Walking Route
4. Langdale Pikes Walk
If you're looking for a breathtaking mountain walk in the Lake District, look no further than the Langdale Pikes walk. This area is home to six peaks, including Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, and Pike of Stickle. There are several routes to choose from, but we recommend starting from the Great Langdale campsite. From there, you'll have stunning views of the valley below as you make your way up to the summit. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the Langdale Pikes are sure to take your breath away.
Catch the 516 bus from Windermere train station to the start of the walk at Langdale Valley. It takes 44 minutes and winds around the picturesque Lake Windermere, where, in the distance, you can see the Pikes, their majesty undeniable and breathtaking.
- All abilities
- Nearest Station: Windermere Train Station
- Langdale Pikes Walking Route
5. Tom Gill Coniston Waterfalls Trail
The Tom Gill Coniston Waterfall Trail is a great Lake District walk for anyone looking to venture out into the location’s beautiful landscapes. It is a slightly challenging trail which leads to the stunning Tarn Hows lake. The trail takes you through the beautiful fell and onto Brimstone Bridge and the breath-taking Tom Gill Coniston Waterfall. The scenery is spectacular, and the views are well worth this Lake District hike. The trail is well marked and easy to follow, and there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way, making this the perfect adventure walk!
Getting the ferry across Lake Windermere is an adventure in itself. Linking Windermere with Coniston, the ferry has been used for years to transport walkers, cars, horses, sheep and other livestock. It leaves from Bowness, and docks at Sawrey on the western shores of the lake taking just 10 minutes to cross the water.
- Stunning waterfalls
- Nearest Station: Windermere Train Station
- Coniston Waterfall Trail
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There you have it, our list of the top five best mountain hikes and walks in the Lake District! We hope you enjoyed reading about them as much as we enjoyed putting the list together. What’s more, all of our favourite walks are accessible via Northern Rail trains, so you can save time, money, and stress and enjoy your day out in the Lake District. Of course, there are many other great walks in the area, so you might want to make a few trips to this spectacular place. Happy hiking!
Why not check the dates and times of our trains to the Lake District and start planning your trip today - you could save up to 65% when you book in advance!
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