UKLakeDistrictLake District walks
Easy walks in the Lake District
Easy Lake District walks on good paths with little climbing: short routes with big views for families and first-timers, each with a map and free GPX.
Easy walks (3)
Gummer's How
Gummer's How walk: a 2.7 km family-friendly climb from a free Forestry England car park to a 321 m summit above Windermere. Route map, free GPX and tips.
Read guide: Gummer's How →
Hoad Hill
Hoad Hill walk from Ulverston town centre to the Sir John Barrow Monument, the 'lighthouse' on the Hoad: route map, parking, free GPX and Morecambe Bay views.
Read guide: Hoad Hill →
Rydal Caves
An easy circular walk from White Moss through woodland and along Rydal Water to a vast slate cavern with stepping stones. Free GPX, parking and tips.
Read guide: Rydal Caves →You don't have to climb a mountain to see the best of the Lake District. The walks on this page are graded Easy: under about 7 km with no more than about 250 m of climbing, on clear, well-made paths. They suit families, first-time walkers, anyone short on time, and days when the cloud is down on the high fells. Several of them still deliver some of the finest views in Lakeland.
Short walks with big rewards
Gummer's How starts from a car park already high above the foot of Windermere, so a short, steady climb brings you to a summit with a view up the whole length of England's largest lake. Rydal Caves follows the shore of Rydal Water to a huge, cathedral-like slate cavern with stepping stones across its pool; children love it, and it's lovely in any season. In Ulverston, Hoad Hill climbs from the town centre to the lighthouse-shaped Sir John Barrow Monument, with views over Morecambe Bay and north to the Coniston Fells.
What "easy" means here
Easy doesn't mean flat. Most of these walks include a short climb or some uneven, stony ground, and paths can be muddy after rain. Wear shoes or boots with good grip and take a waterproof and a warm layer, because Lakeland weather changes quickly even at low level. Our walk grades guide explains exactly how we grade and what to bring for each grade.
When you're ready for more
If you enjoy these, the next step is a Moderate walk: longer, with a stiffer climb or rougher paths. Good first choices are Tarn Hows and Tom Gill, which is gentle for most of the way, and Castle Crag, a small Wainwright with a short, steep finish. You'll find every walk, filterable by grade, distance and time, in the Walk Finder, and more ideas for children in our family-friendly walks.
Before any walk, check the forecast, take water and a snack, and let someone know where you're going. Even on short routes, the fell safety guide is worth a read.
All three easy walks are also good in poor weather, when cloud hides the high fells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest walk in the Lake District with a great view?
Gummer's How is a strong contender: a short climb from a high car park to a summit looking up the length of Windermere. Rydal Caves is another favourite, with a lakeshore and a huge slate cave for very little effort.
How long do easy walks take?
Usually 1 to 2 hours. Each guide gives a realistic time range; add extra for stops, photos and small children.
Do I need walking boots for easy walks?
Not always. In dry weather, trainers or walking shoes with good grip are fine on most easy routes. After rain, paths get muddy and slippery, so boots or shoes with a deep tread are better.
Are easy walks suitable for children?
Yes; they're ideal. All of the walks on this page are good for families. For more ideas, see our family-friendly walks, which include a few slightly longer routes children enjoy.
Are there easy walks I can do without a car?
Yes. Rydal Caves is on the 555 bus route, and Hoad Hill starts a short walk from Ulverston station. See our car-free walks for more.