Walking Circuits
Pre-built walking circuits for every duration and budget. Filter by days, budget and difficulty to find the right itinerary.
Walking Circuit Planner
Filter by days and budget to find walking circuits that match.
Filter walking circuits
Classic Southern Fells
Scafell Pike, Great Gable and the Langdale Pikes
Three days of serious fell walking. Scafell Pike from Wasdale, Great Gable from Honister, and a day on the Langdale Pikes. Base in Ambleside or Langdale.
Helvellyn and the Eastern Fells
Striding Edge, Fairfield and High Street
Three days of ridge walking. Striding Edge on Helvellyn, the Fairfield horseshoe, and High Street from Patterdale. Base in Glenridding or Patterdale.
All Itineraries
Classic Southern Fells
Scafell Pike, Great Gable and the Langdale Pikes
Three days of serious fell walking. Scafell Pike from Wasdale, Great Gable from Honister, and a day on the Langdale Pikes. Base in Ambleside or Langdale.
Ambleside or Langdale. Plenty of B&Bs and the Old Dungeon Ghyll for classic pub atmosphere.
Old Dungeon Ghyll, Sticklebarn, Wainwrights Inn.
Helvellyn and the Eastern Fells
Striding Edge, Fairfield and High Street
Three days of ridge walking. Striding Edge on Helvellyn, the Fairfield horseshoe, and High Street from Patterdale. Base in Glenridding or Patterdale.
Glenridding or Patterdale. Good range of B&Bs and the Travellers Rest inn.
Travellers Rest, Glenridding Hotel, Patterdale Hotel.
Northern Fells Introduction
Skiddaw, Blencathra and Catbells
Accessible introduction to the Lakes. Skiddaw via the tourist path, Blencathra via Sharp Edge or Halls Fell, and Catbells for the classic view. Base in Keswick.
Keswick. Wide choice of B&Bs and hostels. Good transport links.
The Dog and Gun, The Old Keswickian, George Fisher.
Western Fells and Coniston
Coniston Old Man, Wetherlam and the Buttermere fells
Four days of varied walking. Coniston Old Man, Wetherlam, Red Pike (Buttermere) and Dale Head. Base in Coniston and Buttermere.
Coniston and Buttermere. The Black Bull in Coniston, Bridge Hotel in Buttermere.
Black Bull Coniston, Bridge Hotel Buttermere, Kirkstile Inn.
Family-Friendly Lakes
Catbells, Latrigg and gentle valley walks
Two days of accessible walking. Catbells for the classic view, Latrigg for a short summit, and a valley walk. Suitable for families with older children.
Keswick or Portinscale. Family-friendly B&Bs and self-catering.
Cafe in the Park, The Lakes Bar and Bistro.
Two-Day Standard Circuit
Helvellyn and Catbells
Two days of solid walking. Helvellyn via Striding Edge on day one, Catbells from Keswick on day two. Base in Glenridding or Keswick.
Glenridding or Keswick. B&Bs and inns with good walker facilities.
Travellers Rest, The Dog and Gun, George Fisher.
Two-Day Premium Circuit
Scafell Pike and Great Gable
Two days of serious fell walking. Scafell Pike from Wasdale on day one, Great Gable from Honister on day two. Base at Wasdale Head Inn or Borrowdale.
Wasdale Head Inn or Borrowdale. Premium inns with boot drying and early breakfast.
Wasdale Head Inn, Honister Slate Mine cafe, Borrowdale Hotel.
Four-Day Standard Circuit
Southern, Eastern and Northern highlights
Four days covering the best of the Lakes. Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Catbells. Base in Ambleside or Keswick with one night in Wasdale or Patterdale.
Ambleside, Keswick, Glenridding. Standard B&Bs with good transport links.
Old Dungeon Ghyll, Travellers Rest, The Dog and Gun, George Fisher.
Four-Day Value Circuit
Catbells, Blencathra, Fairfield and Coniston Old Man
Four days of varied walking on a budget. Catbells, Blencathra, Fairfield and Coniston Old Man. Base in Keswick with hostels or budget B&Bs.
Keswick YHA or budget B&Bs. Good bus links for day trips.
The Dog and Gun, Kirkstile Inn, Black Bull Coniston.
How to Plan a Lake District Walking Trip
The Lake District is compact enough that a two-day trip can cover two or three fells without difficult logistics. Keswick gives access to Skiddaw, Blencathra and Catbells. Ambleside and Langdale cover the southern and central fells. Glenridding and Patterdale are the base for Helvellyn and the eastern fells.
For multi-day trips, base yourself in one area. Keswick has the widest accommodation choice and good transport. Ambleside is central. Glenridding and Buttermere are quieter but more limited. Book accommodation well ahead in summer.
The order matters. Don't do Scafell Pike on day one if you're not hill-fit. Build up: start with Catbells or Latrigg, move to Blencathra or Helvellyn, save the big days for when your legs are in. Check the weather each morning.
Book accommodation before you arrive. Popular bases fill weeks ahead in summer. Check MWIS and the Met Office mountain forecast each morning. Take a map and compass. Mobile coverage is patchy on the fells.