Lake District National Park – Mountains, Valleys, and Cultural Landscapes

A Cultural Mountain Landscape Shaped by Glaciation and Pastoral Farming

The Lake District National Park is England’s largest national park, covering over 2,300 square kilometres of mountains, valleys, lakes, and woodlands in North West England. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is widely regarded as the spiritual home of British hillwalking and one of the UK’s most iconic destinations for walking, exploring and outdoor adventures.

From gentle lakeside paths to high exposed ridges, the Lake District offers exceptional variety. Walking routes weave through landscapes shaped by glaciers, farming traditions, and centuries of human movement. Stone-built villages, historic passes, and well-established trail networks make the park especially well suited to self-guided journeys at every pace.

Long-distance routes form the backbone of walking here. Trails such as the Coast to Coast Path and the Cumbria Way cross the heart of the park, linking valleys, passes, and classic Lakeland scenery. High-level routes over Helvellyn, the Langdale Pikes, and the Scafell range contrast with quieter valley walks around Derwentwater, Ullswater, and Coniston.

Beyond walking, the Lake District is a long-established centre for outdoor adventure. Mountain terrain supports scrambling, trail running, and classic rock climbing, while lakes and rivers provide opportunities for paddling and wild swimming. Cycling ranges from quiet valley roads to demanding high passes, making the park equally appealing for multi-day cycling journeys.

Accommodation is widely available across the park, from historic inns and country hotels to walker-friendly guesthouses and self-catering stays. Popular bases include Grasmere, Keswick, Ambleside, Hawkshead, and Coniston, each offering strong access to surrounding trails and valleys.

Whether you’re tackling classic summits, following long-distance paths, or exploring valley landscapes at a gentler pace, the Lake District National Park delivers one of the richest walking environments in the UK.

Where to Walk and Explore

Coast to Coast Path – Lake District Section

The western section of this iconic route crosses the park from St Bees towards Shap, passing through Ennerdale, Borrowdale, Grasmere, and Patterdale — one of Britain’s most celebrated multi-day walking journeys.

Cumbria Way

A 70-mile north–south trail from Ulverston to Carlisle, threading through the heart of the Lake District via Coniston, Langdale, and Keswick.

Scafell Pike Routes

Multiple ascent options to England’s highest mountain, from the steep climb via Wasdale to longer, more gradual approaches from Borrowdale and Langdale.

Helvellyn & the Eastern Fells

High ridges, classic scrambles, and expansive views define walking around Helvellyn, Striding Edge, and the eastern Lake District.

Adventure Highlights

• England’s highest mountains, including Scafell Pike (978m)
• Long-distance walking on the Coast to Coast Path and Cumbria Way
• Iconic lakes: Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, Coniston Water
• Historic mountain passes: Honister, Kirkstone, Sty Head
• Rock climbing, scrambling, trail running, and wild swimming
• One of the UK’s most established destinations for self-guided walking holidays