The Lake District remains one of the country’s most popular walking destinations. Tens of thousands of people visit the area each year to hike its many trails and routes. But with so many options for spectacular Lakeland walks, it’s difficult to know where to tread with your waterproof hiking boots first.

Luckily I’ve been to the Lake District a number of times and can offer some advice on the must-walk routes in the popular National Park. Here a few of my favourite Lakeland Walks.

source: flickr © foilman - ascent of scafell - view onto lake

Scafell is England’s highest mountain, so it’s a must-do walk in the Lake District. It offers breathtaking views, which is the reward for extremely challenging terrain and a few mad scrambles.

source: flickr © frenkieb - beautiful view in hawkshead

Hawkshead to Lake Windermere is a little less hardcore but equally scenic. This is a pleasant woodland stroll with occasional glimpses of the country’s largest lake.

source: flickr © eamoncurru123 - striding edge from helvellyn

Helvellyn and Striding Edge is a strenuous and possibly the Lakes’ most popular walk. It involves a lot of ups and downs, and negotiation of Striding Edge - a steep ridge with drop-offs on either side.

source: flickr © paul albertella - the newlands valley

The Newlands Horseshoe is an undulating walk of high mountain passes, deep valleys and some of the best views in the Lake District, which is the reward for numerous tough ascents and descents.

source: flickr © alx chief - view across elterwater

It’s an easier walk to the Elterwater Waterfalls, which is suitable for a pleasant afternoon stroll. This walk passes through riverside woods and across pastoral moorland to Skelwith Force and Colwith Force waterfalls.

Rated: from 2589 votes