Full Description
Discover the Lake District's valleys, lakes, and low fells with 30 of the finest walks in this beloved National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the shores of Windermere and Coniston Water to the ancient woodlands of Borrowdale and the iconic waterfalls at Aira Force, explore both renowned beauty spots and hidden gems throughout the region.
Although some hill-walkers may concentrate only on the highest peaks, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook shows that the valleys, lakes, and lower fells offer some of the most rewarding and dramatic scenery in the Lake District. Wander through secluded wooded glades, discover hidden tarns tucked into green folds, and marvel at glacier-carved valleys beneath towering crags. Each route is crafted to highlight the region's natural and cultural treasures, visiting fascinating historical sites and circling the most striking lakes.
Ideal for newcomers and seasoned visitors alike, the walks feature gentle strolls (such as the circuit of Buttermere) and straightforward introductions to the low fells (like High Rigg), as well as new perspectives on Lakeland favourites (such as Outerside and Barrow) and quieter routes through less-explored corners.
The walks are divided into five regional sections: South Lakes, Central Lakes, Western Valleys, North Lakes, and Eastern Lakes, covering the entire National Park. Most routes are circular, with a few linear options making use of local buses and boats.
Enjoy a diverse selection of routes, from lakeside ambles and woodland wanders to riverside strolls, valley circuits, and gentle climbs leading to panoramic viewpoints.
Visit classic destinations such as Great Langdale, Tarn Hows, Buttermere, and Crummock Water, as well as quieter, less-travelled spots like Seathwaite Tarn and Wythop's Fells.
Experience a variety of terrains, from broad, constructed trails to narrow footpaths across open fell, all routes graded from 7 to 17km and free of technical difficulties.
Each walk includes comprehensive details on start and finish points, distance, total ascent, grade, estimated time, terrain, map requirements, refreshment stops, and public transport options. All routes are graded from one (easiest) to five, helping you choose the perfect adventure for your group.
Highlights include Borrowdale's ancient woodlands, the historic Hardknott Roman Fort, picturesque lakeshores, spectacular waterfalls, stone circles, and breathtaking views at every turn.
Map extracts are taken from the Ordnance Survey® 1:50,000 Landranger® series and enlarged to 1:40,000 for maximum clarity. GPX tracks are available for free download, and a helpful route summary table makes planning easy and flexible.
Also available from Cicerone: Lake District High Level and Fell Walks.
Plan your Lake District low level and lake walks with Cicerone's definitive guidebook and discover tranquil lakeshores, spectacular waterfalls, ancient woodlands, historic sites, and unforgettable views—proof that you don't need to climb the highest peaks to experience the true magic of Lakeland.
Contents
Introduction Geology Wildlife and habitats History Weather Where to stay Getting around Waymarking and access Maps Dogs Clothing, equipment and safety Using this guide SOUTH LAKES: WINDERMERE, CONISTON, DUDDON AND THE SOUTH Walk 1 Tarn Hows and the Monk Coniston estate Walk 2 Kelly Hall Tarn and Coniston Water Walk 3 In search of Skeggles Water Walk 4 Claife Heights, Windermere and Latterbarrow Walk 5 Hampsfell Walk 6 Seathwaite Tarn CENTRAL LAKES: AMBLESIDE, LANGDALE, GRASMERE AND THIRLMERE Walk 7 Elterwater, Little Langdale and the waterfalls Walk 8 Great Langdale Walk 9 Circuit of Loughrigg Fell Walk 10 Orrest Head and Wansfell Pike Walk 11 Grasmere and Rydal Water Walk 12 Easedale Tarn and Tarn Crag Walk 13 Great How and Thirlmere shore WESTERN VALLEYS: ESKDALE, WASDALE AND BUTTERMERE AREA Walk 14 Stanley Ghyll Force and River Esk Walk 15 Upper Eskdale Walk 16 Hardknott Fort and Harter Fell Walk 17 Loweswater Corpse Road Walk 18 Buttermere Walk 19 Crummock Water and Rannerdale Knotts NORTHERN LAKE DISTRICT: KESWICK, BORROWDALE AND DERWENT WATER Walk 20 Walla Crag and Great Wood Walk 21 Derwentwater circuit Walk 22 A Borrowdale ramble Walk 23 Castlerigg Stone Circle and High Rigg Walk 24 Outerside and Barrow Walk 25 Wythop's Fells EAST LAKE DISTRICT: ULLSWATER AND PATTERDALE Walk 26 Grisedale and Lanty's Tarn Walk 27 Aira Force and Gowbarrow Walk 28 Steel Knotts and Hallin Fell Walk 29 Ullswater shore Walk 30 Ullswater and The Cockpit Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Useful contacts
