24th July 2025

The Best Summer Walks In The Lake District

The Lake District needs no introduction- but if you’re heading to the northern lakes this summer, the landscapes around Threlkeld, Keswick, and Windermere offer some of the most accessible and awe-inspiring walking routes in the entire national park.

In this guide, we explore six of the best short and mid-length walks in the area, each rich with natural beauty and local character, perfect for summer wanders. From the historic railway path linking Keswick and Threlkeld to the breathtaking views atop Latrigg or Orrest Head, each walk promises unforgettable moments in the fells, woods, and by the water.

1. Threlkeld Circular Walk (from Threlkeld)- Route can be found here

• Distance: 4 miles • Time: 2 hrs • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
  A scenic loop through fields and moorland around Blease Gill and Wescoe, offering fine views of Blencathra, Clough Head and Latrigg. Starting from Blease Road car park in Threlkeld.

2. Keswick & Threlkeld Railway Path- Route can be found here

• Distance: Up to 6 miles return • Time: 1.5–2 hrs • Difficulty: Easy & fully accessible
  Former railway route connecting Keswick to Threlkeld. Fully paved, stiles‑free, fitted for wheelchairs, buggies, and bikes. You can walk as far as you’d like, then return or catch the X4/X5 bus back.

3. Latrigg Summit from Keswick- Route can be found here

• Distance: 1.5–3.5 miles (various options) • Time: 1-2 hrs • Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
  A short hike to Latrigg summit, arguably Keswick’s most accessible fell. Offers expansive views over Derwentwater, Skiddaw, Blencathra and Borrowdale

4. Friars’ Crag & Lakeside Stroll (from Keswick)- Route can be found here

• Distance: 1–2 miles return • Time: 1 hr • Difficulty: Easy
  A flat, family‑friendly walk along Derwentwater to the iconic viewpoint at Friars’ Crag—named one of Europe’s most beautiful vistas & immortalised by Turner and Ruskin

5. Orrest Head & School Knott from Windermere- Route can be found here

• Distance: 1.5–2 mi (or 6 km for School Knott loop) • Time: 30 min–2 hrs • Difficulty: Easy
  Orrest Head: a gentle climb from Windermere offering splendid panoramic views, and famously the first fell climbed by Alfred Wainwright
  School Knott: A quieter alternative to Orrest Head—circular route around the hill with tranquil views and fewer crowds .

6. Gummer’s How & Loughrigg Fell Circular (Windermere area)

• Distance: 3–5 miles • Time: 1-3.5 hrs • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Gummer’s How (3 km): A short, steep ascent with rewarded views over Windermere and the surrounding fells – Route can be found here
• Loughrigg Fell (5 mile circuit via Rydal Caves): Offers a varied route with woodland, tarns, caves, and sweeping vistas across Grasmere and Lake Windermere – Route can be found here

Wherever you choose to walk, our collection of cottages in The Lake District are all perfectly situated for beautiful trails and paths right from the door step.

We hope to welcome you soon!