7 of the best easy hikes in the Lake District National Park
Walking is easily the best way to enjoy the incredible mountain scenery and landscape that the Lake District National Park has to offer.
With miles of of paths, tracks, and National Trails to choose from, there are thousands of great walks in the Lake District for walkers of all ages and abilities.
Unfortunately the abundance of choice can sometimes make deciding which route to pick seem difficult and overwhelming.
In this blog I share 7 of my favourite easy walks in the Lake District National Park
Characterised by being very short or including not much elevation gain, these hikes are great introduction to the fells of the Lake District and provide some magnificent mountain vistas.
Although a couple of these hikes may involve a steep climb, they aren’t technical and should be achievable for most people, including those with limited levels of fitness or walking experience and those with younger children.
At a glance:
Gummers How
Easedale Tarn via Sourmilk Ghyll
Rydal Caves
Orrest Head
Black Moss Pot
Whorneyside Force
Hallin Fell
Gummers How, Windermere
Hike type: Out and back
Hike distance: 2km
Elevation gain: 130m
Hike time: 1-2 hours
Parking: Gummers How car park
The short 2km hike up to this mini-mountain only involves 130m of elevation gain and is one of the best introductory Wainwright walks in the Lake District.
Although short and easy by most standards, and popular with families, it has many of the characteristics of a walk in the higher Lakeland fells, with some steep but short slopes and rocks to negotiate,
The reward for will be stupendous panoramic views over the Lake District, especially looking north over Lake Windermere and south towards Morecambe Bay.
Because of its ease of access and short distance to the summit, it’s a great option for both sunrise and sunset.
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
Easedale Tarn via Sourmilk Ghyll
Hike type: Out and back
Hike distance: 7.5km
Elevation gain: 230m
Hike time: 2-4 hours
Parking: Red Bank Road car park, Grasmere
Easedale tarn is situated in a hanging valley surrounded by an amphitheatre of craggy fells.
The well signposted route begins in the gorgeous village of Grasmere, and follows a well-maintained and scenic path up to the Tarn. On route you will pass through farmland, cross several stone bridges, and walk alongside the plunging falls of Sour Milk Gill.
Upon reaching the tarn you have the option of extending your walk by taking the 2km stroll around the lake’s shoreline. Wild swimming is extremely popular here and you’ll regularly find neoprene clad aquaholics on its rocky shores.
Before you set off make sure you stop by the delectable Lucia’s Bakehouse and treat yourself to one (or three) of the best sausage rolls in the Lake District.
Rydal Caves, Rydal
Hike type: Out and Back
Hike distance: 4km
Elevation gain: 108m
Hike time: 1-2 hours
Parking: Pelter Bridge Car Park
A great option if the weather isn’t great or if the higher fells are shrouded in cloud.
Rydal Cave is a large cavern above Rydal Water on the north side of Loughrigg Fell. This famous lakeland beauty spot is actually man-made, as a result of slate quarrying.
In order to get into the cavern you have to navigate a series of man made stepping stones over the shallow lake at the entrance. Once inside there’s plenty of dry flor space at the back of the large cavern
You can combine this walk with a loop of Rydal Water or continue up to the summit of Loughrigg tarn. If you decide to head up the summit this will add an extra 2km and 200m of elevation gain.
I’d also recommend taking the time to visiting the grot at Rydal Falls which is situated across the road from the car park.
Orrest Head, Windermere
Hike type: Loop
Hike distance: 2.5km
Elevation gain: 120m
Hike time: 1-2 hours
Parking: Windermere Car Park
A short circular route from Windermere to Orrest Head, which was Alfred Wainwright's first fell he climbed.
On a clear day, you are treated to incredible views over lake Windermere and a full panorama looking north west towards Old Man of Coniston, Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Fairfield and the Langdale Pikes.
The walk starts on the A591 by the large 'Orrest Head' sign and follows reinstated Victorian carriageway for just over 1km to the summit.
The path has been redeveloped so it is suitable for those with pushchairs and off-road mobility scooters.
Black Moss Pot, Langstrath
Hike distance: 6km
Elevation gain: 130m
Hike time:2-3 hours
Hike type: Out and back
Parking: Stonethwaite Farm
Black Moss Pot is one of, if not the most popular wild swimming spot in the Lake District.
Located deep in the isolated Langstrath valley, the narrow sided chasm of water is enveloped on both sides by high craggy fells.
The crystal clear turquoise water water flows around 30m through through a narrow gorge which is around 3m wide and 6m high.
With a waterfall at its head and the water being deep enough to jump into, it makes the perfect place to jump in and float through the gorge downstream.
The location should take around an hour to reach from the village of Stonethwaite. On route you will slowly meander your way up through an idyllic valley, passing several cascades, including the gorgeous Galleny Force.
It’s a truly magical low level walk which is perfect for families or those wanting a wild swim.
Whorneyside Force, Langdale
Hike type: Out and back
Hike distance: 6km
Elevation gain: 220m
Hike time: 2-3 hours
Parking: Old Dungeon Ghyll
The under-appreciated and under-visited Whorneyside Force is one of the hidden gems of the Lake District.
The 40ft Waterfall, which plunges into a deep green, bowl-shaped pool is tucked away at the head of the Langdale valley beneath impressive peaks of Crinkle Crags.
Its secluded location, beautiful surroundings, and impressive scale makes it my favourite of all the waterfalls I have visited in the Lake District.
From the National Trust Car Park at Old Dungeon Ghyll the route heads through Stool End Farm and follows the river up to the base of the waterfall.
The 3km one way hike has a gentle incline, is slightly rocky underfoot and should take around 45-60 minutes.
Hallin Fell, Ullswater
Hike type: Up and back
Hike distance: One mile
Elevation gain: 163m
Hike time: 1.5 hours
Parking: St Peter's Church - Martindale
This has to easily be the best hike to view ratio in the Lake District.
Short and sharp, the 800m climb from the car park to the summit involves 160m of elevation gain and is very steep.
The fitter individuals amongst you will find this hike easy as you will be able to reach the summit in less than 20 minutes, however those who are lacking in fitness will need to take your time and slowly zig zag your way up.
A word of warning, Hallin fell is quite remote and is located at a dead end. Reaching it involves driving down a narrow country road which cumulates with a steep alpine-esq climb, with four hairpin bends up the to the car park.
If wanting to tackle this walk, head early to secure a parking space and to avoid doing plenty of reversing.
So there we have it, seven of the best easy walks in the Lake District National Park.
If I had to pick a favourite it would be Whorneyside force, closely followed by Hallin Fell.
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You can find more Lake District inspiration in the following blogs;
The best viewpoints in the Lake District - 12 easy to access locations
The hardest hikes in the Lake District National Park - 14 challenging routes
35 of the best hikes in the Lake district - From beginner to advanced
You can find more hiking inspiration in the following blogs
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