Summary:
A peaceful walk around a picturesque lake is contrasted by a steep climb and dramatic views from atop a high ridge.

When the path rejoins the road, turn right and head to Gatesgarth Farm. Ignore the first turning on the right through the farm and, just after crossing the stream and passing a cottage, look out for a public bridleway sign on the right. Follow this stony path, heading south initially, through the valley of Warnscale Bottom, with Hay Stacks ahead and other high peaks looming all around.

After 0.75 mile on this path the trail forks, marking the start of the steepest section of the climb. You can take either path – the one to the right is shorter and harder. At the trail junction, turn right to head south-west to the top of Green Crag, a climb of 1,300 ft from the valley floor. Short rests on the way up will give you a chance to take in the great views of Buttermere.

The gradient lessens as you head to Blackbeck Tarn (small lake), from where there are more wonderful views over Buttermere between rocky crags. Veer right to continue on to Innominate Tarn. From here it is a short climb, involving some scrambling, along the rocky ridge to the summit of Hay Stacks. The panoramic views take in Ennerdale to the west, Buttermere, and majestic peaks including Pillar, Kirk Fell and Great Gable to the south.

Continue heading in a westerly direction as the path descends steeply into Scarth Gap. At the trail junction, turn right to descend steeply down Scarth Gap Pass towards the head of the lake. Turn left at the bottom to follow the path along the opposite shore of the lake. Keep right at the fork to continue hugging the lake as you pass through Burtness Wood. At the end of the lake, cross the footbridge and head north on the clear path back to the village.

Directions: From junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west and follow signs to Keswick, then pick up the B5289 (Borrowdale Road) south along Derwent Water then east over the Honister Pass to Buttermere. Also accessible by bus from Keswick.

Trailhead: From any of the village car parks, head back along the B5289. Pass the Bridge Hotel on your right, and turn right at a sign for Sykes Farm shortly after. Follow the public footpath sign to ‘Lakeshore’.

Length: 7.5 miles / 12.0 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 1,600 ft / 488 m

Duration: 5 hours

Trail Condition: Very steep and rocky in places. Path briefly disappears at the Hay Stacks summit.

Features: Lake, fells, spectacular views.

Climate: Cool and wet year round.

Accommodation: Two hotels in Buttermere and tent camping close to the lake. Plenty of other accommodation and campsites in surrounding area.

Trail Notes: Be prepared for changeable weather. A compass and topographical map are recommended – Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 4 is a good choice (easy to find in Keswick and elsewhere).

Summary:
This beautiful walk over hills and through tranquil valleys and villages includes far-reaching views of lake and peaks.

The 0.5 mile path through the woodland is rocky in places. It emerges opposite Kettlewell car park at the edge of the lake, an area popular with picnickers and children. Cross the road and turn right to follow the lakeshore along a path with a stone wall to your right and the road beyond.

Climb over a stile and veer left to continue following the lake edge around the headland. The broad grass path has ferns and wildflowers to either side, lake views to the left and hills and rocky crags to the right. A pebbly beach leads to a landing stage for the launches that regularly cross Derwent Water. Climb the stone steps to the right, cross the road and head up the lane opposite, signed to Watendlath.

A steady 0.5 mile climb up the lane takes you to the old Ashness Bridge and a famous view over Derwent Water, with the dramatic bulk of Skiddaw behind. Unfortunately, road access and a car park mean that you will have to share the view with many others, unless you have set out early. Continue up the lane for a further 0.5 mile, to an even better view from a sheer precipice, looking over the lake and your starting point at Manesty Woods.

Continue heading south along a track that leads through the woods, adjacent to the road. The walk becomes far more peaceful as you leave the road and car parks behind. Pass through a gate in a wall, turn right to cross the footbridge and then left to follow the well-marked path along Watendlath Beck (stream).

The path hugs the bank of this pretty stream, lined with trees, grass and ferns. The valley opens out as you walk, with beautiful views of the hills ahead. After around 0.75 mile, the path veers away from the stream and ferns grow high on either side. Enjoy the tranquil country scenery of lush foliage and fields of grazing cows as Watendlath comes into view.

The path climbs slightly on the approach to this tiny hamlet. Cross the stream, and a wonderful view opens up of the beautiful valley you have just passed through, hemmed in by rocky crags on either side. The path leads through a gate to Watendlath Tarn (small lake), where it forks. Follow the right-hand path, signed to the village of Rosthwaite, which climbs steeply for a short distance to the highest point on the walk. As it levels, and then starts downhill, a magnificent view opens up of the Borrowdale Valley surrounded by rocky crags, with high peaks in the distance.

The descent into Rosthwaite is steep and rocky in places. On the way, pass through one gate, ignore a track to your right signed to Keswick and the Bowder Stone, then pass through a second gate in a dyke (dry-stone wall). As you approach a third gate, you have a choice for the final approach into Rosthwaite. Either pass through the gate and follow the bridle path for a short descent; or ignore the gate to continue on the path heading south for a more gradual descent into the village, with more opportunities to enjoy the valley views to your right. Taking the latter route, at the bottom of the hill pass through a gate and turn right along the well-defined stony path (part of the long-distance footpath, the Allerdale Ramble) running alongside a stone wall. This will take you the short distance into Rosthwaite along the shady bank of Stonethwaite Beck, with lovely crag views to either side.

Cross the bridge over the stream to the B5289, turn left along the road and take the first right. Pass the car park and bear right at a tea-room, looking out for the sign to Grange which points your way. The well-defined path heads to the right of a farm, in an easterly direction towards the River Derwent, again with glorious views to both sides. Johnny Wood, a distinctive wooded mound, rises to your left.

Follow the river for a short distance, cross the stone bridge and turn right to two gates and a stile. Here you have a choice of routes to Grange: cross the stile to take a lower route along the river and through Hows Wood or, for a longer and higher route, pass through the left-hand gate and climb the grass path up Lingy Bank to connect with the Allerdale Ramble. The two routes converge after about 1 mile at Bowder Dub, a popular beauty spot on the banks of the river.

Head north along the well-defined path and, at the fork, take the right path along a sealed track. Turn left at the quiet road to pass through the village of Grange, and continue a

Directions: From junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west and follow signs to Keswick, then pick up the B5289 (Borrowdale Road) south along the east shore of Derwent Water. Alternatively, catch a bus or a launch from Keswick to the south of the lake.

Trailhead: he walk can be started from various points, including the villages of Rosthwaite and Grange. Our route description begins at the Low Manesty campsite, about 1 mile north of Grange on the south shore of Derwent Water.

Length: 9.5 miles / 15.2 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 790 ft / 241 m

Duration: 5.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well defined, steep and rocky in places. Some sections of the route follow paved country lanes.

Features: Panoramic lake, hill and valley views; villages, river and woods.

Climate: Cool and wet year round. Take waterproofs!

Accommodation: Hotels, B&Bs and campsites in and near Grange, Rosthwaite and Keswick.

Trail Notes: A topographical map (e.g. Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure no.4 – widely available in Keswick and elsewhere) will help you identify surrounding peaks and other landmarks.

Summary:
An exciting ridge and daunting scramble lead to the summit of this distinctive mountain.

The uphill path is steep and relentless, with loose shale and rock in places. However, after 0.75 mile the initial ascent ends and the path levels out to skirt Scales Fell. You are surrounded by high fells and valleys, with Glendermackin River below to the right and the daunting face of Blencathra ahead.

Keep to the path as it veers towards Scales Beck tumbling down the hillside. A steep climb to the right of the beck on the rocky path leads to tranquil Scales Tarn, nestled beneath the summit of Blencathra. To the right is your ascent route – the narrow, jagged ridge of Sharp Edge.

Make no mistake – this is not a casual stroll to the summit. Aptly named Sharp Edge has sheer drops either side and there are few people confident enough to cover its length without using their hands. You will certainly need to use all four limbs for the final steep scramble at the end of the ridge – made all the more challenging by smooth rock. Look for a narrow gully slightly to the right, which provides some easier hand and footholds and feels less exposed. At the top, turn left for the short walk to the summit of Blencathra.

This is an exhilarating climb but (in our opinion) far scarier than the renowned Striding Edge of HELVELLYN. For those afraid of heights or otherwise unwilling to tackle the ridge, an alternative route climbs from the left of the tarn directly to the summit.

As you would expect, there are panoramic Lakeland views from the summit: Thirlmere, Derwent Water and Keswick, and high peaks, including Helvellyn and Great Gable. Descending south from the summit is Halls Fell Ridge, a classic descent route involving more scrambling. However, we recommend the descent via Blease Fell, for the views it affords to the western fells.

For the Blease Fell route, head south-west along the summit plateau following a clear path. The steep descent begins at Knowe Crags. The path continues to be easy to follow but watch your footing on the loose stones – this eventually turns to a grassy, well-defined track with some rocky sections. Keep to the track when it eventually veers left (ignore a grassy side trail that leads ahead to the Mountain Centre).

As you head east, parallel to the A66 and valley below you to the right, views of the southern flanks of Blencathra open up to the left. The setting is perfectly tranquil, with majestic mountain views all around, blighted only by the traffic noise from the A66. Soon the descent eases and the path follows a stone wall to the right. Keep to the same direction all the time as you cross Blease Gill, pass Gate Gill Fell to the left, and then cross Gate Gill. Here, the Halls Fell Ridge route joins to the left.

Continue on, crossing Doddick Gill along the way, before a steep, short descent over boulders leads down to Scaley Beck. Ascend the other side, and follow the same path for another 0.25 mile or so towards Scales. Look out for a stile on the right, which leads down to the A66 and your starting point.

Directions: From junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west for 10 miles to the hamlet of Scales, about 1.5 miles before the village of Threlkeld. There are some parking places in two roadside lay-bys, as well as limited parking in the hamlet itself close to the White Horse pub.

Trailhead: From the White Horse, walk a short distance west (right) along the A66. Just beyond Tollbar Cottage and before a lay-by, a public footpath sign points your way to the right.

Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 2,125 ft / 648 m

Duration: 4.5 hours

Trail Condition: Defined and easy to follow. Narrow ridge and very steep sections with scree and loose rock.

Features: Narrow ridge scramble, views of the northern Lakeland fells.

Climate: Cool and wet year round.

Accommodation: Hotels and B&Bs in and around Keswick. Several signed campsites just off the A66 near Scales and Threlkeld.

Trail Notes: Do not attempt Sharp Edge in high winds or if you are afraid of heights. It is an extremely narrow, rocky ridge with steep, exposed drops on either side, leading to a scramble up the rock face to the summit plateau. Be prepared for changeable weather. A compass and topographical map (e.g. Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 5) are recommended.

Summary:
This easy walk through a picturesque gorge is a good choice in wet weather, when the waterfalls are at their most dramatic.

The path climbs gently through a wooded ravine, Aira Beck (stream) below you to the right. In a little under 0.5 mile, steps lead down to a footbridge at the base of Aira Force. This picturesque waterfall is very popular, and you will no doubt be sharing the spectacle with many others.

Return up the steps to continue following the same path up the gorge. A little further on, a second footbridge to the right leads over the top of Aira Force. After making this detour, rejoin the main path once again, always keeping the beck to your right. You will be relieved to hear that as you move further up the ravine towards the second waterfall, High Force, the crowds start to thin.

The path eventually bears left, following a stone wall to the left, and soon you reach the top of High Force. Turn left to pass through a gap in the stone wall and cross the field straight ahead to a gate. Keep to the right of the small, rocky crag as you cross, and be sure to pause to admire the view over Ullswater. At the gate turn right to follow the road into the village of Dockray.

Shortly after the Royal Hotel, turn right where a footpath sign points to Aira Force. The way is easy to follow along a well-defined track. At one point you pass through a gate, the way pointed ahead with an orange arrow. Further along, the track bears right, with another sign confirming the way back to Aira Force.

Along the track, there are plenty of good views to enjoy: Place Fell ahead, Gowbarrow Fell to the left and glimpses of Ullswater with its mountain backdrop. Eventually you rejoin Aira Beck – keep to the higher path, with the stream below you to the right, as this way offers some lovely views over Ullswater. Where the gravel path ends in a clearing, continue ahead, crossing a stile in the process. As the walk comes to an end, the path descends down to the beck. Cross the footbridge and continue ahead to the car park.

Directions: Exit junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west for 1 mile, then the A592 along the north shore of Ullswater for 9 miles. A signed National Trust car park is to the right of the road, just before the junction with the A5091.

Trailhead: The way to the waterfalls is clearly signed at the far end of the car park.

Length: 3 miles / 4.8 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 425 ft / 130 m

Duration: 1.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well-defined paths through the gorge and from Dockray village back to Aira Beck. One section of quiet road.

Features: Waterfalls, distant lake views.

Climate: Cool and wet year round.

Accommodation: Glenridding, 2.5 miles further west on the A592, and neighboring Patterdale have hotels, B&Bs and places to camp. More accommodation and campsites are clearly signed along the A592.

Trail Notes: Aira Force is very popular. If you want to enjoy the waterfalls in relative peace, it would be a good idea to set out early and avoid weekends.

Summary:
A classic approach to England’s third highest mountain, with a descent offering spectacular views of high fells.

You now follow the same path all the way to Striding Edge, with an initial relentless climb of some 1,500 ft/450 m. There is a good excuse, however, to pause for breath on the way up – look behind, and savor the magnificent views over Ullswater, which only get better as you climb higher. At one point, you follow a stone wall on the left, but only for a short time before the path veers away to the right – a divergence from the route indicated on the OS map due to erosion.

Finally you crest the hill, to be met by a fabulous view of Catstye Cam and Helvellyn’s summit beyond. A level section follows, allowing you to fully enjoy the surrounding fell views. As you start to climb again, you get your first sight of Red Tarn, enclosed beneath the narrow, jagged ridges – Striding Edge on the left, Swirral Edge on the right – and the mountain summit behind.

Now make your way over piles of boulders to the 300-yard Striding Edge. Although care must be taken negotiating the ridge, it is really not as bad as its daunting reputation suggests (except in poor weather), and never feels as exposed as Sharp Edge on Blencathra. Indeed, the thrill of being atop this narrow edge, with exhilarating views and steep drops to either side, makes it tempting to linger.

The final climb to the top is a steep, easy scramble, followed by a short walk to the right along the crest to the actual summit. There are far-reaching views from the top in all directions, and you can easily see the classic descent route via the similar but less dramatic Swirral Edge down to Red Tarn. This way, however, offers much the same scenery as has gone before. For dramatic views over Grisedale valley and the mountains to the east, a return via Nethermost Pike, Dollywaggon Pike and Grisedale Tarn comes highly recommended.

For this route, take the path that heads south over the summit plateau. You can see that it soon forks – take the left path, ignoring the one to the right. The main path you are now on leads past Nethermost Pike, bypassing the summit. It is well worth veering left and making the short climb along the crest to the top for the stunning views of Grisedale valley enclosed by soaring fells. Behind you, Striding Edge leads to Helvellyn’s summit, with Catstye Cam beyond.

Rejoin the main path and continue on, now enjoying the panoramic views to your right of distant lakes and rugged mountains. Just after crossing Dollywaggon Pike (again, the path bypasses the summit), you catch a glimpse of Grisedale Tarn below to the right, followed by another wonderful view over Grisedale valley to the left. Now the main descent begins, on a long, steep, rocky path to the tarn (lake). Towards the bottom, the path veers left, the tarn now on your right. Ignore a path on the right that leads to the lakeshore, instead continuing ahead north-easterly into Grisedale valley.

The stony path continues to descend. In places, there is evidence of rockfalls, with large boulders scattered all around. St Sunday Crag looms to your right, with Dollywaggon Pike and then Nethermost Pike to the left. Streams cascade down rocks behind Ruthwaite Lodge, a climbing hut restored by Outward Bound Ullswater in 1993 in memory of two of their tutors killed on New Zealand’s Mount Cook five years earlier. Shortly past the hut, cross a footbridge and continue in the same direction through the valley, keeping to the same clear path all the time. The gradient is now much kinder on the legs. Every now and again, pause to look behind to admire the peaks rising at the head of the valley where you were walking just a short time before, a real contrast to the pastoral valley you are now in.

About 2 miles from the hut, and now not far from Glenridding, pass through a kissing gate and a little further on take the left fork. The path climbs, thankfully only for a short time, to Lanty’s Tarn, which you pass to the left as you continue on the path. As you descend, there is a great view of Ullswater, with Glenridding nestled below it amongst the trees. The path veers right as you continue heading towards Ullswater (at this point, ignore a kissing gate and track to your left). A delightful descent through a wooded glade follows, with a further glimpse of Ullswater through the trees, as you make your way back to Glenridding.

Directions: Exit junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west for 1 mile, then the A592 for 11 miles along the shore of Ullswater to Glenridding.

Trailhead: Car park (£2 for the day) next to the Glenridding information center.

Length: 9.5 miles / 15.2 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 2,625 ft / 800 m
Total ascent 3,035 ft/ 925 m.

Duration: 7 hours

Trail Condition: Defined and easy to follow. Narrow ridge and steep sections with loose scree and rock.

Features: Narrow ridge scramble; expansive mountain, lake and valley views.

Climate: Cool and wet year round. Be prepared for changeable weather.

Accommodation: Glenridding and nearby Patterdale have hotels, B&Bs and places to camp. More accommodation and campsites can be found along the A592 on the north shore of Ullswater.

Trail Notes: Striding Edge is an exciting, narrow, rocky ridge with steep drops to either side. Although there is an easier path slightly below and to the right, this route still cannot be recommended to anyone afraid of heights. Do not attempt the ridge in poor weather (especially high winds or icy conditions) unless suitably equipped and experienced. A compass and topographical map (e.g. Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 5) are recommended.