A selection of my favourite, easy walks in the Lake District

Nestled in northwest England lies the Lake District. With its stunning lakes, rolling hills, and quaint villages, the Lake District offers numerous walking trails suitable for those looking to get into hiking. Here are several of my favourite low-level, circular walks, perfect for those looking to explore the Lakes for the first time or those looking for things to do in Lake District.

Tarn Hows Circular Walk

Tarn Hows is a gem in the Lake District, providing a family-friendly hiking trail with panoramic views of the fells. This circular walk covers approximately 1.5 miles and is suitable for families and people of mix abilities. Owned and managed by the National Trust, there is a well-maintained path around the tarn providing access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Whether you’re there to spot wildlife as you stroll or there for a picnic, Tarn Hows provides a great day out for you and the family.

There are two ways to access Tarn Hows:

Option 1 is to park at the National Trust Tarn Hows car park (Postcode LA22 OPP and What3Words: ///makeovers.optimists.treaty). There is limited car parking spaces and the car park is likely to be busy at peak holiday times. Parking is free for National Trust Members.

Option 2 (and my favourite) is to park at Glen Mary Bridge Car Park (Postcode LA21 8DP and What3Words: ///fail.protected.taker) and follow the waterfalls up to the Tarn. It is a scenic adventure through the woodland and one I’d recommend you don’t miss out on. This part is not accessible to all.

Want a longer walk? Try the Tarn Hows to Black Fell walk from Glen Mary Bridge car park

If you fancy an extended walk and to bag a Wainright, there is a fantastic route from Tarn How up to Black Fell which is about 10km long. It offers great views of Lake Windermere and is perfect for spotting the RAF Fighter Jets as they come roaring through the valley below. Black Fell is by far the easiest Wainwright I’ve climbed without sacrificing beautiful views.

View Black Fell route

Blea Tarn Circular Walk

Blea Tarn is one of my favourite places to visit in the Lake District. It is easy to get to, accessible and stunning views, it is the perfect location for a family day out, gentle stroll or picnic by the water. Once you arrive, you'll find the National Trust car park conveniently located nearby, making it easy to start your adventure.

From the car park, a short walk brings you to the edge of the tarn, where the views truly take your breath away. The tranquil waters reflect the towering peaks of the Langdale Pikes, including Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark and Pike of Stickle, creating a scene straight out of a postcard.

One of the best things about Blea Tarn is its accessibility. Unlike some of the more remote spots in the Lake District, Blea Tarn is easily reachable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Whether you're pushing a buggy, using a wheelchair, or simply prefer a leisurely stroll, there are paths and trails suitable for everyone.

For families, Blea Tarn offers the perfect opportunity to introduce children to the wonders of nature. They can paddle in the shallows, search for wildlife along the banks, or simply skip stones across the water. And with plenty of grassy areas for picnics, it's an ideal spot to relax and enjoy some quality time together.

For those wanting to do a short trail walk, there is a 3km trail running around the edge of the tarn up through the forest.

Blea Tarn car park location

Car park post code: LA22 9JU

What 3 Words: ///nudge.guarded.sugar

Grid reference: NY295043

School Knott walk from Windermere

Map of School Knott route Windermere — Map of School Knott route from Windermere

This is a great short walk from Windermere away from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots and is a peaceful alternative to Orrest Head.

The trail is just under 6km and is easily accessible from Windermere or Bowness, making it convenient for all. At the top you’ll have a stunning viewpoint overlooking Lake Windermere, providing a tranquil escape into nature without the need to venture far.

This route is perfect if you're visiting Windermere for the day or simply looking for a short walk

School Knott starting location

What 3 Words: ///investor.hourglass.amount

View School Knott route

School Knott Windermere — **View from School Knott**

Looking out over Lake Windermere with the Langdales in the background

Kit list for walking in the Lake District

As mentioned, it's essential to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for any walk in the Lake District. Here's a list of essential items I suggest you bring:

Sturdy walking boots and socks with good ankle support
- You can get a decent pair of boots from Cotswold Outdoors, Mountain Warehouse or Blacks. You don’t need to spend a load of money, but anything with ankle support should do the job. I have the Scarpa Rush TRK Gore-Tex boots and they are fantastic!
- Hiking socks: I personally use Smartwool merino wool socks which are incredibly comfy, help keep my feet dry
Daypack: when out walking in the Lakes, I always take my Osprey Talon 44L bag. I recommend the Osprey daypacks such as the Talon range for men and Tempest range for woman.

Waterproof jacket and trousers - even in the summer, taking a waterproof jacket that offers protection from the wind is key
- You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but if you are going to be hiking often then investing in a good waterproof may be a good idea
Warm layers
- Fleece - My go-to warm layer - Patagonia R1 Fleece
- Warm gloves or mittens: I personally use the Rab Mens Pivot GTX Gloves and these worked well on my recent winter hiking trips.
- Lightweight Gloves: For lower hills I recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. I personally use the Sealskinz unisex waterproof gloves if it is raining and the Montane Prism gloves if it is dry but windy (they are lighter and a little more comfy.
Neck bandana or scarf: For the chilly days on the mountain, I recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana. I recommend the Buff unisex bandana.
Map and compass (and the ability to use them)
Trekking poles: Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. I recommend adjustable Black Diamond or Leki trekking poles
Food and water
- Kendal Mint Cake is my favourite snack for any walk and is a famous snack still made in the Lake District
Water bladder / bottles: When out in the fells, I aim to drink at least 1L of water. I recommend the Osprey 2 litre water badder which can be used in most backpacks.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray
First aid kit - a small mix of plasters, Savalon (for bites and stings) and antiseptic wipes will do
Head torch: You will need a head torch with a decent power for any trips to the loo and more importantly the summit hike. I personally use a Petzl ACTIK® 600 CORE which is affordable and has a decent battery life. You’ll also need spare batteries as the cold will drain them quicker.
Mobile phone (with a full battery) + portable charger.
- I recommend any Anker Power Bank as they are reliable and well made. I use the USB-C 10,000 maH with 20W model. It charges my phone and watch when wild camping and is a great lightweight option