They say the higher you climb, the better the view, however we’re here to debunk that myth by listing some of the Lake District’s easiest fell walks that will still provide you with magnificent views of our famous scenery.
Whether you’re a keen hiker whose goal is to tackle England’s highest mountain, or you’ve never even heard of a Wainwright but want to get your daily dose of Lake District escapism, the region has a whole catalogue of walks that range from extremely easy to the more challenging – today, we’re going to focus on the easy ones!
We’ve compiled a list of 6 easy Lake District walks that require no scrambling, no map reading ability and (hopefully) no bog… although this does depend on how lucky we’ve been with the weather so it’s always something to bear in mind.
Now, it’s time to grab your walking boots, pack your flask, don’t forget to bring plenty of water and let’s start planning your next easy Lake District walk.
Raven Crag (Thirlmere)
Located only a 5-minute drive from the popular tourist town of Keswick, a short stroll up Raven Crag will deliver uninterrupted views of Thirlmere Reservoir and some of the Central Fells.
The fell summit is even equipped with a convenient wooden viewing platform so you can enjoy the view without getting your feet dirty during the wetter seasons!
The walk up and down should take you no more than 1 hour, depending on how long you opt to admire the scenery. Although the walk is short and requires little navigation, please do bear in mind that parts of the route can get steep.
For the full walking guide, click here.
Latrigg (Keswick)
Few people visit the Northern Lake District that haven’t heard of Latrigg. Located close to the Skiddaw mountain range, this wee Wainwright stands alone and offers uninterrupted views of Keswick, Derwentwater, the Borrowdale Valley and the other surrounding fells such as Catbells and Walla Crag.
The walk up requires no map reading, following a distinct path all the way up. The beginning of the ascent up ‘Spooney Green’ can get a little steep, however once this is complete (which doesn’t take too long) it’s all plain sailing right to the summit.
There is a bench near the top where you can sit with a flask of coffee or a sandwich and really take it all in. If you want to make it really easy, park at the car park near the top to avoid any steep inclines.
The walk can take you anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the route you wish to take.
For the full walking guide, click here.
Low Fell (Crummock Water)
As one of our favourite walks, not only does a quick hike up Low Fell guarantee spectacular vistas of dramatic mountain ridges and Crummock Water, but it’s located within a quieter area of the Lakes less explored by tourists.
The walk starts at the village of Thackthwaite, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away from Keswick, accessible via the Whinlatter Pass.
The route up the fell is clear, following a well-trodden grassy path all the way to the fell summit. The terrain is likely to get a bit boggy, so make sure you wear good walking boots. The summit is marked by a small cairn and mesmerizing views that you could stare at for hours.
Many walkers combine this quick walk with a stroll up its neighbour, Fellbarrow, from which you can see the Western coastline and sometimes even the Isle of Man.
A walk up Low Fell alone shouldn’t take more than an hour, and a walk up both fells will take about 2 hours 30 minutes.
For the full walking guide, click here.
Castle Head (Keswick)
Although Castle Head is not a Wainwright, it definitely warrants a walk up for its gorgeous views over Derwentwater and the nearby fells. There’s also a couple of benches at the top, meaning it’s a great place to just sit back and take it all in for a little while.
The small peak is easily accessible from Keswick town centre, situated just off the Borrowdale road which takes you down into the valley.
The climb up takes no more than 15 minutes and is highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience a view over the landscape without the challenge of climbing for a long time. You can also extend the walk along the lakeshore to really appreciate the beauty of nature.
For the full walking guide, click here.
Hallin Fell (Howtown, Ullswater)
Located in the small hamlet of Howtown on the Eastern shores of Ullswater, the summit of Hallin Fell provides walkers with picturesque views of the northern edge of Ullswater, extending out to the Northern Pennines in the distance.
Not only are the views so serene, but the summit boasts one of the most impressive cairns the Lake District has to offer, complete with a little perch for you to sit down and admire the views.
Although the walk up can feel a bit steep at times, the ascent is over relatively quickly and does not prove a challenge if you take your time or take breaks.
There is a jetty at Howtown where the Ullswater Steamers dock, although do check that the boats are actually stopping there before dedicating yourself to one as timetables have altered post-lockdown. Otherwise, there is a car park at the bottom of the fell near a church, as well as ample roadside parking on the drive down.
For the full walking guide, click here.
Surprise View (Borrowdale Valley)
A visit to Surprise View via Ashness Bridge is a must if you’re intending to visit the Lake District. Surprise View is accessible from a road that forks off from the Borrowdale Road and the viewpoint offers views over Derwentwater across to the Skiddaw mountain range.
There is actually a car park located at the viewpoint, meaning you could just scrap the walk all together – but where’s the fun in that?!
If you want to make it easier but still feel worthwhile, we recommend parking at the small National Trust car park which is located at the bottom of the inclining road up to Ashness Bridge. Once you’re ready to go, simply follow the road all the way up, over the bridge, and this will take you directly to the viewpoint.
Don’t forget to lookout for our very own Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa which is visible from the edge of the viewpoint!
To extend the walk, you can continue up to High Seat which offers great views across the Borrowdale fells, although the terrain can get quite boggy.
For the full walking guide, click here.
