Skelwith walks

A gentle walk in a beautiful setting, enjoyable in any weather. The walk is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs and is not too long for little legs.

In contrast to the great lakes of the Lake District, here are three small lakes that lay south of Elterwater village.

This is a circular walk from Elterwater which crosses Lingmoor before descending to Blea Tarn and then returning via Great Langdale. There are great opportunities for photography; from the snake like wall running across Lingmoor, the Langdale Pikes and reflections in the lake at Blea Tarn, plus the rural scenery in Great Langdale on the return leg.

A varied walk taking in woodland, a quarry, farmland, the open fell side and finishing beside a river with a waterfall and then the lake side at Elterwater.

This is an interesting walk from Elterwater or Chapel Stile.

This is a short walk with a lot of interest. Despite it not tackling any of the major Lakeland summits the views over Loughrigg Tarn are excellent and the panorama from Loughrigg Fell is one of the best. The descent through the arboretum of High Close and Low Wood maintains the interest. This is a great walk for a half day, perhaps when it has rained and then has started to brighten up.

The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. Funny how they were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way are 8 Wainwrights and 3 tarns.

The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. Funny how they were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way are 1 Wainwright, 1 tarn and 1 pub.

This is a varied walk with a couple of fells to climb but nothing really difficult. Take care of yourself and look out for wildlife along the way. Just enjoy the journey and make the most of the moment. Along the way are 2 Wainwrights, 2 tarns, 2 pubs and a lake.

A lovely walk to see Elter Water and Loughrigg Tarn. This can be a popular walk during the summer months especially until the waypoint (5). Good navigation is needed between waypoints (5) and (8) as the path is not visible especially in summer with all the vegetation. This is a dog friendly route.

This variation of the Fairfield Horseshoe starts from High Close on the western edge of Loughrigg Fell. The route follows a clockwise direction offering a different perspective to the normal horseshoe route.

A pleasant hike, to the west of Ambleside, across hills overlooking Windermere and Coniston Lakes.

A easy circular walk around Tarn Hows and extended to Iron Keld Plantation. The path around Tarn Hows is wheelchair and pushchair friendly. It can also be very busy during summer months. The walk is dog friendly.

This is a low level lakeland walk suitable for a short day. It takes in Elter Water, Skelwith Force and Colwith Force waterfalls before heading through farmland to the impressive Cathedral Quarry. The return leg passes a good pub which serves food and then through the working slate quarry above Chapel Stile.

A circular walk from Chapel Stile along the Great Langdale valley to the New Dungeon Gill Hotel. Then an ascent along the pleasant Stickle Gill to Stickle tarn followed by the ascent to Blea Rigg and a return to Chapel Stile along the ridge.

A short, and mainly flat, walk which circumnavigates the bottom of the Langdale valley. Good for half a day or when the tops are clagged in. It passes both of the Dungeon Ghyll hotels where refreshments are available.

The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. They were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way, there are 7 Wainwrights, 2 lakes, 1 tarn and 1 pub.

Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way are one Wainwright, one waterfall and one pub. This is a fairly simple route and a good way to say goodbye to The Lakes. The Stockghyll Falls are impresive and a certain Victorian atmosphere surrounds the place.

A fabulous circular walk starting from the Tilberthwaite Valley. Best done in this direction so as to enjoy the ascent of Wetherlam Edge, great views in all directions and much interest on the walk.

The Fairfield horseshoe includes seven other Lake District fells. Low Pike, High Pike, Dove Crag and Hart Crag form the outward route with the return over Great Rigg, Heron Pike and Nab Scar back to Ambleside via Rydal. This is a high level route so choose a good day to make the most of the views.

A medium level walk with gorgeous views on Ambleside and distant summits. Dog friendly walk.

Short walk to see the famous Rydal cave. Dog friendly walk.

A few kilometres from Ambleside, a walk to the top of Loughrigg Fell overlooking the lakes of the National Park Lake District.

A gentle beckside stroll to a medieval building with pretty views in and around the village

A gradual climb to a renowned beauty spot - with stunning views of the surrounding area.

A rewarding hike to Hawkshead’s local fell, with fine views belying its moderate height.

A Circular Walk with a short ascent of Latterbarrow that rewards you with great views of the Lake District's mountains and then a descent through woodland to pick up the lakeshore path to Wray Castle. This is a real treat for National Trust Members (non members can pay to get in) but even if you don't want to visit the castle the grounds are a good place to picnic. Return via the lakeshore path and then gradually up and through the forest to descend again to Hawkshead.

Starting from Grasmere this Lake District walk includes a circuit of Rydal water and Grasmere. The route includes some wonderful views especially from Loughrigg Terrace.

A nice walk taking in the ever popular Lion and Lamb rock formation at Helm Crag before following the ridge walk with great views to the head of Easedale and then descending more gently down the lovely valley, passing some waterfalls.

Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way, there are one Wainwright, two lakes and one pub. Explore Rydal Cave.

The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. Funny how they were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way are 6 Wainwrights, 3 tarns and 1 pub

The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. They were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting and finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way there are 2 Wainwrights, 2 tarns, 2 pubs and a lake.

The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. Funny how they were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way are 6 Wainwrights, 3 tarns, and 1 pub.

Circular walk starting from Coniston village and going to the Old Man of Coniston passing by Goat's water. Incredible view at the top of the Old Man of Coniston summit.

A long but mostly level walk, with an extended unbroken section along the lakeshore.

A stroll through the village and down to the lake.

A taste of the high fells, with photogenic waterfalls and fascinating industrial relics.

A lovely walk, climbing up alongside the waterfalls of Church Beck to the quarry at the end of the Coppermines valley, returning via the saddle with beautiful views of Coniston village and the lake. You can end the walk with a well-deserved pint in one of the cosy village pubs. A great walk to start your holiday.