You don’t always have to clamber to dizzying heights to witness the best views in the Lake District. In fact, I’ve seen some of the most stunning scenery during these low level walks in the Lake District. With glistening lakes overlooked by iconic peaks, you don’t have to go high to get big views on this selection of (mostly) flat walks in the Lake District.
1. Aira Force
Start: Watermillock Church
Distance: 2.5 miles
This walk begins at the high vantage point of Watermillock Church allowing for fantastic views from the outset. Follow the clearly defined path that leads towards Aira Force waterfall. The walk boasts unrivalled views of Ullswater and its surrounding fells.
When ready, turn back the way you came to enjoy the views once more before returning to Watermillock Church. The route is entirely manageable for beginners of adequate fitness and provides some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District.
2. Catbells Terrace Walk
Start: Brackenburn House, Manesty, Keswick
Distance: 4.5 miles
Avoid the popular route taken by walkers over Catbells and take in the views of Derwentwater via the terrace path on the Eastern side of the fell. Begin at Brackenburn, which was once home to Novelist Hugh Walpole, and follow the grass-flattened path that winds above the road. Continue towards Hawes End before ambling along the lake through Brandlehow Wood. Here there is a slight elevation for your walk back to Brackenburn.
3. Circular Buttermere Walk
Start: Car park behind The Bridge Hotel, Buttermere
Distance: 4.7 miles
If you’re looking for easy walks in the Lake District with eye-catching scenery, the Buttermere circular walk delivers every time. At Dalegarth Woods you’ll pass through a tunnel which opens up to incredible views of Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks.
As you walk on, look out for the forked path and take the path to the right. From here continue down the road as it bears left, head over the bridge and turn right. As you follow the path along the shore, stay on the Permissive Path (OS Maps – note that the path is closed 1st April – 30th June) crossing Buttermere Dubs. Keep an eye out for the renowned “lone tree” as you continue the loop to your starting point,
4. Rydal to Grasmere Circular Walk
Start: Pelter Bridge car park
Distance: 5.5 miles
This is one of the best low level walks in the Lake District. Turn left at the car park entrance and follow the road as it winds past two cottages on the left, and later a row of four cottages. By these cottages, you’ll see a gap by a gate. Follow the walled path through this gap and follow the path signed for Loughrigg Fell. This path allows for beautiful views of Rydal Water.
As you continue following the path you’ll reach the notable Rydal Cave, a popular spot for taking those Instagrammable photos. As this walk continues around Rydal and Grasmere you’ll discover exceptional views of Heron Pike and Rydall Fell, in addition to the Wordsworth Museum and Dove Cottage. As you complete the circular route you’ll pass Rydal Mount, home to William Wordsworth for several years, and the early 19th century, St. Mary’s Church.
5. Blea Tarn Low Level Walk in the Lake District
Start: National Trust car park at Blea Tarn
Distance: 1.8 miles
This is one of the most scenic low level walks in the Lake District and is particularly good for less experienced walkers wanting the best views. The Blea Tarn trail can be accessed from across the road from the National Trust car park. A well defined path leads you over a wooden bridge towards the woodland where you can soak up the views from one of the seating areas. As you continue out of the woods and gradually uphill, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the Langdale Valley. Return the way you came to avoid the traffic on the Blea Tarn road.
6. Kentmere Reservoir Low Level Walk
Start: Kentmere Institute
Distance: 8 miles
Begin your walk to Kentmere Reservoir from the Kentmere Institute and follow the signposted path ( a few yards up the road on your right ) to the reservoir. This is a scenic route that follows the River Kent below the famous Kentmere Horseshoe. The route is a bit up and down in parts but there are no steep climbs and it is one of the less frequented low level walks in the Lake District.
7. Nether Wasdale to Wastwater Walk
Start: Nether Wasdale Village
Distance: 4 miles
During this looped walk in Wasdale you’ll cross Cinderdale Bridge over the River Irt and Lund Bridge which crosses Wastwater. Pass through Low Wood, known for its bluebells in the spring, and relax at Wastwater to take in views of some of the most iconic fells, including Scafell Pike, Yewbarrow, Great Gable, Red Pike, and Pillar. One of the many easy circular walks in the Lake District, this route lets you enjoy the landscapes at Ashness How and Scale Bridge as you loop back to the village.
8. Ennerdale Water Walk
Start: Bleach Green car park
Distance: 7.9 miles
Although longer than some of the other Lake District walks, this route is still fairly easy. Walkers looking for a more ambitious route are rewarded with the stunning backdrop of Ennerdale Water. Being one of the most remote bodies of water, it offers the opportunity for solitude even during the most popular seasons.
This walk includes views of Pillar and the rewilding efforts of the Wild Ennerdale Partnership which is aiming to manipulate the landscape into an environment befitting of its remote location. Follow the route along the lake and the banks of the River Liza, walking through narrow woodland paths and across stone and lakeside paths.
9. The Ullswater Way
Start: Ullswater
Distance: 20 miles
The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile route that takes you along the shores of this beautiful lake. There are several villages along the trail where you can begin your walk depending on which section you want to complete. Alternatively, you can choose to walk the entire way or break up the walk with a boat trip across the lake. Whichever direction you take around the lake, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic fell scenery and there are also plenty of places where you can stop for a quick dip in the water. Just be careful to stay clear of any boats!
Discover more easy and low level walks in the Lake District for beginners.
