Top Walks in Cumbria: The Ultimate Guide to the 7 Best Routes
No trip to the adventurers' capital is complete without taking on a few treks to take in one of the UK's most scenic counties. That's why we're here to recommend our top walks in Cumbria and in and around the Lake District.
Whether you're a hiking expert or just enjoy strolling around lakes, we have seven walks, each with different highlights and difficulty levels, so that you can choose the best one for you.
Solo trekkers and family trekkers unite because we're about to guide you through some of Cumbria's most picturesque routes. Let's dive in.
| Top 7 Walks in Cumbria |
Distance |
Difficulty |
Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aria Force Waterfall Circular |
2.8km |
Easy |
1 hr |
| Orrest Head |
3.5km |
Easy |
1 hr 20 mins |
| Cathedral Quarry Circular Walk |
4.8km |
Easy - Moderate |
2 hrs |
| Wray to Latterbarrow Circular Walk |
7.7km |
Moderate |
2 hrs |
| Grasmere Loop |
5.1km |
Moderate |
1 hr 45 mins |
| Helm Crag |
6.4km |
Moderate |
>2 hr 30 mins |
| Scales Tarn & Blencathra Loop |
14km |
Challenging |
5 hrs |
Aira Force Waterfall Circular
Credit: @the.geordie.hiker on Instagram.com
Distance: 2.8km
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 1 hr
Travel time from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 50 minutes by car
Hidden away in the heart of the national park is the first of our recommended Lake District walking routes, and it's none other than the Aira Force Waterfall circular. The perfect short and sweet walk to get familiar with all the Cumbrian county has to offer.
If you're a Lake District fanatic, you might already know a bit about this waterfall. It's one of the most famous in the national park, standing at a whopping 65 feet!
But the waterfall isn't the only thing you'll see on this walk. You'll also be surrounded by majestic woodland, interesting wildlife, and picturesque photo opportunities.
The National Trust maintains the area, so you already know it's going to be beautiful, but that means there is a fee for the car park. However, there are other car parks nearby, but the walk starts in the National Trust one, so it might be worth paying the fee.
Most people will enjoy the walk to and from the waterfall, which takes about an hour, but there is an option to extend the walk to Gowbarrow Park, which many trekkers do.
Plus, this walk is family and dog-friendly if you want to bring the whole clan!
Orrest Head
Distance: 3.5km
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 1 hr 20 mins
Travel time from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 20 minutes by car
This easy route, suitable for all walkers, summits the fell or Orrest Head. It’s a short one, but boy, is it an iconic one? The panoramic views of Windermere and other surrounding fells make it the perfect location for a picnic, photography, or just admiring the setting.
Following the red signs might be more of a challenge with steep inclines and steps, so if you’re up for a slightly more strenuous walk, we recommend this route.
If you’re in a wheelchair or with someone who is, you can still enjoy this peaceful trail—there is a designated route; you just have to follow the blue signs.
For a mix of woodland, nature, and beautiful lake-ridden views for miles, the Orrest Head walk is ideal for those just arriving in Cumbria.
See Our List of the Top Family Activities to Do in the Lake District
Cathedral Quarry Circular Walk
Distance: 4.8km
Difficulty: Easy- Moderate
Estimated time: 2 hrs
Travel time from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 45 minutes by car
This little circular walk incorporates the interlinked quarries referred to as Cathedral Quarry and Hodge Close Quarry in Little Langdale, Southern Lake District.
While this route is deemed family-friendly, we suggest it for the more adventurous, outdoorsy families who don't mind meandering through dark caves, encountering steep drops, and enjoying some extremely muddy puddles!
Basically, sturdy footwear, torches, and waterproofs are recommended. The National Trust have some other tips on this walk, too.
So, if you're up for some fun and want to see a mix of farmland, woodland, different terrains, and, of course, some seriously cool chambers, we recommend taking on this walk.
Wray to Latterbarrow Circular Walk
Credit@jackson_captures on Instagram.com
Distance: 7.7km
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated time: 3 hrs
Travel time from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 40 minutes by car
This moderately challenging walk is another National Trust one, meaning you'll find toilets, a cafe, and a car park for your convenience.
Starting from Wray Castle, this walk takes you through beautiful woodlands and along the shores of Lake Windermere. You'll also get to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding fells and hills.
Some highlights include visiting the Claife Viewing Station, which offers panoramic views of the lake and its islands, as well as passing through charming villages like Hawkshead and Latterbarrow.
This circular walk is perfect for those looking for a mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks.
Grasmere Loop
Credit: @lakedistrict on Instagram.com
Distance: 5.1km
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated time: 1 hr 45mins
Travel time from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 45 minutes by car
Grasmere is an extremely popular place to visit in the Lake District due to its pretty scenery, charming pubs and cafes, plus it's the home of William Wordsworth for those who love their poetry (you'll actually go directly past Dove Cottage).
To give you the best chance to see the whole of Grasmere, we recommend doing the loop.
The loop takes you through perfect views of the lake, nature, and cool wildlife before heading back towards Grasmere.
The whole route is relatively flat with some gentle inclines, but it's worth it for the surrounding mountains, glistening lakes, and lush woodland.
Helm Crag, Grasmere
Distance: 6.4km
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated time: 2 hrs 30 mins (you may need less)
Travel time from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 1 hr by car
This moderate fell walk with extremely rewarding views is perfect for a morning walk to blow the cob webs away, or even for a sunny afternoon stroll (with a pint at the end, of course!)
The rocky summit is known as “The Lion and the Lamb,” because when viewed from Grasmere Village, it looks like a lion and a lamb are standing next to each other. We’ll let you make that judgment.
This can be quite a challenging walk, especially if the weather is wet and windy. However, as we said, the views are idyllic, and if you can head up on a calm, warm day, we recommend it.
Plus, you can spend the remainder of your day in the stunning village of Grasmere. Perfect for a spot of shopping, eating, drinking, and soaking up the picturesque atmosphere Lake District Villages famously have.
Scales Tarn & Blencathra Loop
Distance: 14km
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated time: 5 hrs
Travel time from Newlands Farm Stables: Approximately 1 hr by car
This is the longest hike on our list, and also the most challenging, so we'd recommend saving this one if you're an avid hiker and know how to handle tough terrain.
Although it can be a struggle, the summit is absolutely worth it because of the panoramic views.
Enjoy a well-deserved break when you get up there (hopefully you packed your trail mix!) and take in the stunning vistas of Derwentwater and Keswick below.
Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and check the weather forecast before setting off, as the trail can become slippery in wet conditions.
If you take the trip in the off-season, keep in mind that visibility may be poor, but the route will be quieter.
Equipment & Top Tips for Before You Go
Being prepared for your Cumbrian trip is essential because you never know what the great outdoors might throw at you.
Even if your walk is an hour long, you still need to come prepared, especially with snacks. Who doesn't love a walking sandwich? It makes the walk worth it, right?
Only joking. We know that nature walking is all about special views, quality time with friends and family, and exploring new places.
So, to ensure you make the most of your time on your walks in the Lake District and surrounding areas, and have a pleasant trip, let's get into our top tips.
Essential Equipment for Your Walks
Like we said, even if you're going out walking for an hour or less, you should still come prepared. That's why we recommend bringing these items on all the walks you take in Cumbria.
We've added a separate section for optional equipment if you're planning on taking some longer, more challenging hikes in technical places.
Here's what we recommend as standard:
- Broken in walking boots — unbroken ones will leave you with sore blisters!
- Waterproof layers — even if the weather looks good, the rain is never too far away in the UK.
- Warm layers — especially if you're climbing to a high elevation.
- Plenty of water and snacks (even a picnic) — you need to keep yourself fuelled to take on treks. Plus, it's nice to have a break once in a while.
- First aid kit — just a basic one, but you never know when you might need it.
- Fully charged phone — in case of emergencies and route checking.
Optional extras:
- Torches — hiking inside dark caves or during the evening might call for a head torch.
- Maps/compasses — if you're using your phone for emergencies only, you'll need traditional hiking gear.
- Hiking poles — if you're tackling a particularly challenging walk and need extra support, hiking poles are advised.
- Suncream — An absolute necessity if it's a hot, even overcast day, but if you're hiking in the rainy winter and the UV is low, you can leave it at home.
Expert Tips for Walking Trails in Cumbria
There are a few things to note when walking in Cumbria and the Lake District, so you don't get yourself into any sticky situations.
Below are the main ones we think you should be aware of/do before you head out:
- For your safety, tell someone where you're going before you head out, and let them know what time you'll be back.
- Avoid drinking water from natural sources. It might look tempting, but bottled water is advised.
- Be aware of the Countryside Code, because you're likely to come across livestock.
- There are guided walks if you'd prefer to be in a group.
- Leave no trace. This is in regard to food waste, toilet waste (sometimes the only option is to pee in a bush), and any other litter you might have. You need to find a bin or take it home with you to preserve the landscape for everyone else.
Conclusion: Hiking Your Way Around Cumbria Like a Pro
Taking on Cumbria on foot is the best way to experience all the county has to offer without missing a thing.
From gorgeous lakes, beautiful mountain backdrops, peaceful countryside, and bustling villages, we really have it all up here in the North West!
Whether you're taking on all seven or just one of our recommended routes, we hope you enjoy exploring Cumbria and all its glory.
Just remember to prepare for all eventualities (the unpredictable weather in the UK applies to Cumbria, even if it looks like you're somewhere in the Alps!)
Happy hiking!
If you're still looking for the perfect base for your Cumbrian holiday, why not stay here at Newlands Farm Stables?
We're situated just outside the exceptional transport hub of Kendal, making your trips to the Lake District and surrounding areas super easy.
We offer a selection of luxury glamping accommodation options for our guests, so you can enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside while getting a great night's sleep in one of our stables or barns.
Book with us today, and let us help you create memories to last a lifetime!
