Explore the beautiful and vast landscapes of the national park on these moderate to easy fell walks in the Lake District. When you don’t fancy scaling huge heights but still want phenomenal views, these relatively low fell walks in the Lake District provide the perfect compromise. Although some of these featured walks can be classed as fell walks for beginners, they still require a certain level of fitness. As with any fell walks in the Lake District, prepare for all types of weather, make sure you’re dressed appropriately and have all the equipment you need for a safe walk on the fells.
Loughrigg Fell Walk
Parking: Pelter Bridge Car Park
Distance: 6.5km
Height: 336m
Time: 3hrs
What Loughrigg Fell lacks in height, it sure makes up for in views. Being one of the lower level fells, this walk is ideal for younger walkers and beginners.
Set off from Pelter Bridge Car Park, turning left onto the country lane where you’ll spy views of Nab Scar through the trees before reaching a gate where the path forks. As you take the higher level path which leads to Loughrigg Terrace, panoramas of Rydal and Grasmere open up.
The ascent to the summit also offers incredible views over Loughrigg Tarn, Windermere, the Far Eastern Fells, Helvellyn Range, and the Langdale Pikes. When returning to the car park from Loughrigg Terrace, make sure you explore Rydal Cave via the stepping stones.
Walla Crag Walk
Parking: Bell Close Car Park, Keswick
Distance: 9.6km
Height: 379m
Time: 3.5 hrs
Enjoy the Walla Crag walk from Keswick for exceptional views over Derwentwater and the unfurling fells beyond. Starting at the Market Square make your way into St John’s Street, past the church and uphill onto Springs Road. The route continues through the pretty Spring Wood which is flanked by a stream to the left. Follow the signposts for Walla Crag and continue up a short yet steep climb towards the summit.
Rest on the summit to enjoy views of Derwentwater, Keswick and Bassenthwaite. The path to the summit undulates quite a bit and can also be boggy when it dips, so be prepared! Continue the route back to Keswick along the shore of Derwentwater, visiting famous spots such as Ashness Bridge, and the Centenary Stone at Calfclose Bay where you can walk up to the Millennium Seat and enjoy views across to the Jaws of Borrowdale. Complete the walk with a stroll through Hope Park before continuing through the market town back to the car park.
Catbells Walk
Parking: Parking area near Hawse End
Distance: 6km
Height: 451m
Time: 2.5hrs
This Catbells Lakeland walk is one of the most popular of the easy fell walks in the Lake District but does require some scrmabling at the top. Leaving the car park, follow the Catbells 1 mile signpost and continue up the narrow path to the north ridge. As you climb higher, views of Derwentwater and the North Western Fells appear.
Once you near Catbells summit, there’s a short scramble to the top but nothing too difficult and anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should be able to manage it. You’ll want to spend some time taking in the impressive scenery – the views across the Newlands Valley and Derwentwater are something else! Descend Catbells on the walking route to Hause Gate where you’re greeted by four paths. Here, turn left and make your way down the steps as they zigzag down the hillside. On reaching the Bridleway, turn left and follow the route to the foot of the north ridge. To return to the car park, turn left when you meet the road and turn left once more.
Tarn Hows and Black Fell Walk Lake District
Parking: Tarns How Car Park
Distance: 8.8km
Height: 322m
Time: 3.5hrs
One of the most picturesque and easy fell walks in the Lake District, Black Fell is small in stature without sacrificing stunning views. Walking anti-clockwise around Tarn Hows, take the second footpath signposted Langdales and Arnside to make your way up Black Fell. There is a short climb and a bit of a scramble to the top where you’ll find the trig point. The views from this modest summit are still impressive and you can look across to Great Langdale, Scafell Pike, Coniston Old Man, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.
Blea Tarn and Lingmoor Fell Walk
Parking: Elterwater National Trust Car Park
Distance: 13.8km
Height: 469m
Time: 3hrs
Despite involving a relatively small summit, this Blea Tarn walk provides epic views across Great Langdale and the Langdale Pikes. It’s straight into sensational views on this fairly easy fell walk as you begin the trail surrounded by mountains. Lingmoor Fell is certainly full of character and although steep in parts, it rewards you with incredible views over Blea Tarn, Wetherlam and Lingmoor Tarn. As Alfred Wainwright said: “There is no better place than the top of Lingmoor Fell for appraising the geography of the Langdale district”.
Eagle Crag Walk
Parking: On the approach road into Stonethwaite
Distance: 3.06km
Height: 525m
Time: 1.5hrs
The seemingly hidden hamlet of Stonethwaite provides the backdrop for this walk to Eagle Crag in the Lake District. With just a sprinkling of cottages, a farm, and a campsite, this remote location is ideal for those wanting to avoid tourist hotspots. During the walk, enjoy views of Langstrath and Seargeant’s Crag, and soak up sprawling panoramas over Stonethwaite Valley. This is a moderate fell walk and you’ll be faced with some tricky points nearer the summit so expect some scrambling and exposed ledges.
