The best way to see it all: 5 underrated walks around the lake district

Located somewhat off the beaten path, Buttermere Valley is an often overlooked gem of the Lake District. With its almost Swiss-like landscape of soaring hills and calm glistening waters, it’s an ideal place for a walk on a misty day. The area does get rather popular on hotter days, but its true beauty is to be observed on a grey day, when the atmosphere is moody and dark. 

The walk around the Lake is one of the most stunning in the entire National Park, spanning about 7km, even the most novice of hikers can take on this walk. The entire loop provides walkers with impeccable views of the mountains, woodlands and of course, the Lake. 

How to get there?

Simply make your way to Buttermere Village and find the Fish Inn. There, you’ll see a footpath which will take you straight to the Lake entrance. There is a National Trust car park in the heart of Buttermere Village, you can find out more information about it here. 

At the heart of the Lake District, stands a majestic hill, looming proudly over the surrounding woodland. Enclosed by an astonishing amount of water, the Fell has an undeniable dream-like quality to it and a general aura of magic. The area’s topography is particularly stunning, seamlessly meshing together the scenery of dark reflective waters with the tree-filled landscapes of the surrounding hills, to create a unique portrait of nature. 

The Loughrigg Fell Circular is a 12km loop which provides walkers with some of the most stunning views of the area. Starting by the river Rothay, the loop takes you through various paths to reach the summit of Loughrigg Fell. On the way you’ll see animals, get to play around with echoes in caves, have a cheeky swim in Loughrigg Tarn, and of course, get to see some breathtaking sights. The walk is of medium difficulty, and quite accessible to beginners. That said, some of the terrain is rather rocky and can be slippery so please be sure to wear some good walking shoes and to dress appropriately for the weather. 

You can find out more about the loop and its specificities here. 

How to get there?

The easiest way to get to the starting point of your walk around Loughrigg Fell is to drive. You’ll find many car parks in the area, you simply need to find the one that works best for you. 

Looking over Derentwater, Friar’s Crag is a romantic and accessible promontory near Keswick. An ideal walk for families or anyone looking for an easier trail, Friar’s Crag manages to offer stunning views without having to worry about climbing summits or exhausting oneself. The walk from Keswick town is delightful and well signposted. The trail is well set out, making it almost impossible to miss or take a wrong turn as you head to the Crag. Follow the path to the Theatre by the Lake and then continue until you see that beautiful open space over the lake and Catbells mountains behind it. The walk takes about 40 minutes to complete. 

The trail is one of the more accessible for those with reduced mobility, although assistance may be required for some of the trickier sections. Find out more about the trail and its specificities here. 

How to get there?

The path is well signposted from Keswick Village, making it easy for visitors to start the walk from there. 

Where to stay?

Perfectly located in Keswick, the Crow Park Hotel’s stunning Victorian build makes any trip to Keswick all the more magical. With stunning views, beautifully decorated rooms and all the amenities you could need, this is the ideal place to stay not far from Friar’s Crag. 

This aquatic gem is located next to one of the Lake District’s standout areas: Windermere. Although not as popular as its neighbour, Rydal Water has a quiet beauty and overwhelming serenity that brings out the very best in the Lake District. Comfortably slotted between Ambleside and Grasmere, Rydal Water is perfect for a walk at any time of the year. 

The Circular Walk around Rydal Water is the ideal way to explore all the wonders it has to offer. Spanning just over 4.5km, it makes for an ideal not-too-strenuous walk, and a good trail run. It’s a fantastic challenge for a family, as it is easy to enjoy at all ages. During peak visiting season, the trail can get busy, but it’s much quieter and enjoyable in the off-season. If you visit in Autumn, you’ll also be able to see all the spectacular seasonal colours of the trees on full display throughout the loop. Find out more about the details of this walk here.  

How to get there?

The nearby car park coming from Ambleside is easily accessible, head north along Rithay Road/A591 for about 2.9km and then turn into the car park. The loop will take you right back where you started. 

This area near Skelwith Bridge is quietly stunning. Complete with rolling hills populated with dense woodlands, dark lakes and charming creeks, it is an ideal place to get away from the wider crowds and enjoy the Lake District to its fullest. 

The Elter Water and Loughrigg Tarn Circular is great for those in want of a bit more of a challenge. The 11km loop which starts in Skelwith Bridge takes walkers through various paths, elevations and tracks to create a varied walk through some of the Lake District’s most stunning scenery. Take your time to enjoy this quiet walk and to take in all the sights. You can find out more information about it here.

Another fantastic walk to explore this area is a shorter loop which takes you around those same points of interest. Spanning just under 6km, this is a fantastic shorter alternative to the longer circular. You can find out more about this shorter loop here.   

How to get there?

The path is easy to locate from whichever point you decide to start the loop. Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater village both make good starting points. 

Where to stay?

The Skelwith Bridge Hotel is not only ideally located, but also offers guests fantastic views of the area. It’s cosy and quaint, just what you’d want from a Lake District hotel.