The Lake District, England's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers some of the finest walking opportunities in Britain. With 16 major lakes, 214 fells (mountains), ancient woodlands, and picturesque valleys, walkers are truly spoilt for choice. After 25 years guiding visitors through this magnificent landscape in all seasons, I've selected five exceptional routes that showcase the park's diverse beauty while catering to different fitness levels and interests.

1. Tarn Hows Circular (Easy)

Perfect for: Families, casual walkers, photographers, those with limited mobility

Distance: 1.8 miles (3 km) circular route
Elevation gain: Minimal, well-maintained paths
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Starting point: Tarn Hows car park (National Trust)

Tarn Hows represents Lake District walking at its most accessible and picturesque. This man-made tarn (mountain lake), created in the 19th century by joining three smaller tarns, is surrounded by mixed woodland and set against a backdrop of mountains. The well-maintained gravel path encircling the water is relatively flat and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users (the National Trust offers all-terrain wheelchairs for hire with advance booking).

Begin at the National Trust car park and follow the obvious circular path in either direction. The anticlockwise route arguably saves the best views for last, with the Langdale Pikes and Coniston fells coming into spectacular focus across the tarn. In spring, enjoy the bluebells carpeting the woodlands; in autumn, marvel at the rich tapestry of golden and copper tones as the trees prepare for winter.

Wildlife enthusiasts should keep eyes peeled for red squirrels, particularly in early morning or evening. The tarn also supports abundant birdlife, including great crested grebes and occasional ospreys. For refreshments, the nearby village of Hawkshead offers excellent traditional tea rooms and pubs serving local fare.

Local tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, particularly during summer months. The light at these times also creates magical reflections on the tarn's surface—a photographer's dream.

2. Rydal Water and Grasmere Circuit (Easy to Moderate)

Perfect for: Literary enthusiasts, casual walkers, scenery lovers

Distance: 5.8 miles (9.3 km) circular route
Elevation gain: 215 metres
Duration: 3-4 hours including stops
Starting point: White Moss Car Park between Rydal and Grasmere

This delightful circuit combines literary heritage with natural splendour as it connects two of the Lake District's most beautiful lakes through landscape that inspired William Wordsworth and fellow Lake Poets.

From White Moss car park, follow the path north toward Grasmere, keeping the River Rothay on your left. Cross the river at Penny Bridge and continue along the western shore of Grasmere, with magnificent views across to the island where Wordsworth wished to be buried (though he ultimately rests in Grasmere Churchyard).

After circling Grasmere's shore, detour into the charming village for refreshments and to visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage and the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop (the unique spicy-sweet recipe dates back to 1854). Return to the lakeside path and continue south toward Rydal Water, passing through woodland rich with native flora.

At Rydal, the Badger Bar at the Glen Rothay Hotel offers excellent refreshment, or continue to Rydal Mount, another of Wordsworth's homes, open to visitors. Complete the circular route by following the 'Coffin Route' (so named because it was used to transport the deceased to Grasmere Church before Rydal had its own consecrated ground) back to White Moss.

Local tip: In spring, the woodland sections burst with wild garlic—recognisable by its pungent aroma and star-like white flowers. Take photos, but please don't pick excessively as it's an important early nectar source for insects.

3. Catbells (Moderate)

Perfect for: First-time fell walkers, families with older children, view seekers

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) circular route
Elevation gain: 450 metres
Duration: 3-4 hours
Starting point: Hawes End jetty or Keswick

Catbells is often described as the perfect introduction to fell walking—short enough for beginners yet offering an authentic mountain experience with panoramic rewards far exceeding the effort required. The famous author and fell walker Alfred Wainwright described it as "one of the great favourites, a family fell where grandmothers and infants can climb the heights together."

Start your adventure with a scenic boat trip from Keswick to Hawes End landing stage, adding to the day's enjoyment. From the jetty, the well-defined path ascends steadily through bracken, with increasingly spectacular views over Derwentwater opening up as you gain height.

The final section involves some easy scrambling over rocky steps (use hands for balance), but most walkers manage without difficulty. The summit ridge offers an exhilarating feeling of height and exposure, with far-reaching views across the northern Lake District—Skiddaw and Blencathra to the north, Borrowdale's dramatic valley to the south, and the glittering expanse of Derwentwater below.

Descend via the same route, or extend the walk by continuing along the ridge to Maiden Moor before looping back to Hawes End through the scenic Borrowdale valley.

Local tip: Consider a late afternoon ascent in summer, when the setting sun bathes the landscape in golden light. Bring a small torch for the descent, and you'll likely have the usually popular summit to yourself.

4. Helvellyn via Striding Edge (Challenging)

Perfect for: Experienced walkers, adventure seekers, view enthusiasts

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km) circular route
Elevation gain: 950 metres
Duration: 6-7 hours
Starting point: Glenridding village

Helvellyn is England's third-highest mountain, and the approach via Striding Edge represents one of Britain's most famous ridge walks—a classic Lake District adventure that combines physical challenge with spectacular Highland-like scenery.

Begin in Glenridding, following the clear path up through Greenside Mine's historic remains and into the hanging valley of Grisedale. The route climbs steadily up the Birkhouse Moor before reaching the start of Striding Edge at Hole-in-the-Wall, where a broken stone wall marks the beginning of the ridge adventure.

Striding Edge is a narrow, exposed arête with significant drops on either side. While not technically difficult in good conditions, it requires a head for heights and careful foot placement. The most challenging section is the final descent from the ridge to Helvellyn's summit plateau, involving a steep rocky chimney.

The summit area is surprisingly broad and flat, with a stone shelter offering protection in poor weather. On clear days, views extend to Scotland, Wales, and even the Isle of Man. For the descent, the safer route follows Red Tarn Beck down to Grisedale, though adventurous walkers might opt for the equally dramatic but slightly less exposed Swirral Edge ridge.

Local tip: This route should only be attempted in good weather conditions. In winter, it becomes a serious mountaineering expedition requiring ice axe and crampons. Always check the mountain weather forecast before setting out.

5. The Fairfield Horseshoe (Challenging)

Perfect for: Experienced walkers, fell-baggers, all-day adventure seekers

Distance: 10 miles (16 km) circular route
Elevation gain: 1,000 metres
Duration: 7-8 hours
Starting point: Ambleside

The Fairfield Horseshoe represents one of the Lake District's finest high-level ridge walks, taking in eight separate fell tops in a horseshoe-shaped circuit around the picturesque Rydal valley. Unlike Striding Edge, it involves minimal scrambling but demands good stamina and navigation skills, particularly in poor visibility.

Begin in Ambleside, ascending steadily northwest through Rydal Park and onto the ridge at Low Pike (508m). From here, the route follows a clear, undulating ridge over High Pike, Dove Crag, Hart Crag, and Fairfield—the highest point at 873 metres. The summit plateau of Fairfield is notoriously featureless in mist, so careful navigation is essential.

From Fairfield, turn south, continuing along the eastern arm of the horseshoe over Great Rigg, Heron Pike, and finally Nab Scar, before descending to Rydal and following the valley road back to Ambleside. The entire circuit offers continuously outstanding views across the central Lake District, with Windermere, Coniston Water, and numerous fells visible from different points.

This classic route has everything a hill walker could desire—sustained height, varied terrain, manageable technical difficulty, and constantly evolving views that showcase the Lake District's magnificent landscape.

Local tip: The eastern section between Fairfield and Rydal can become boggy after rain. In winter, this section also holds snow longest due to its northeast-facing aspect. Consider wearing gaiters and always carry microspikes in winter conditions.

Essential Walking Advice for the Lake District

• Navigation Skills: Carry Ordnance Survey OL maps (OL4, OL5, and OL6 cover the Lake District) and a compass. Know how to use them, particularly in the high fells where weather can change rapidly.
• Weather Awareness: Check the Lake District mountain weather forecast before setting out. Remember that conditions can be dramatically different on the summits compared to valleys.
• Appropriate Clothing: Waterproof jacket and trousers are essential year-round, along with extra warm layers even in summer. Good walking boots with ankle support are recommended for all fell walks.
• Equipment: Carry a head torch, first aid kit, emergency whistle, and sufficient food and water. Mobile reception is patchy in the valleys and non-existent on many fells.
• Seasonal Considerations: Spring offers wild flowers and fewer crowds but can be wet. Summer provides longest daylight but busiest conditions. Autumn brings magnificent colours but shorter days. Winter offers magical snow-covered landscapes but requires additional skills and equipment.
• Respect the Environment: Follow the Countryside Code: take litter home, close gates, keep dogs under control, and stick to paths to prevent erosion.

The Lake District has been inspiring walkers for centuries, and these five routes offer just a sample of its magnificent offerings. Whether you're seeking gentle lakeside strolls or challenging mountain adventures, this compact national park delivers walking experiences to rival any in the world. The poetry of Wordsworth, the prose of Beatrix Potter, and the guidebooks of Alfred Wainwright all testify to the profound impact this landscape has on those who explore it on foot. Your own Lake District walking story awaits.