Six South Lakes walks – around tarns and up mountains

Let’s begin at the top with Scafell Pike – England’s tallest mountain. Standing 978 metres (3209), it attracts thousands of summit-seekers from all over the world every year, so don’t expect to have it to yourself. But when you do get to the summit, you’ll be left in no doubt why it’s so popular. The 360-degree views of the surrounding fells are jaw-dropping, and on a clear day you can see all four nations of the UK.

Fairly strenuous, whichever route you choose.

All day – at least 6.5 hours, depending on the route.

If you’re new to climbing, the shortest and most direct route is from Wasdale Head.

8.5km Length
923m Elevation gain

A bit longer and gentler, there is a way up from Borrowdale, which may be more suitable for well-prepared and kitted-out families who want to say they’ve climbed Scafell Pike.

14.8km Length
1,032m Elevation gain

The more challenging route from Langdale is best left to experienced walkers and involves hiking across several other peaks to reach the summit.

18.7km Length
1,237m Elevation gain

If your climbing ambitions are a little more modest than scaling the heady heights of Scafell Pike, then Helm Crag (405 metres, 1329 feet), known locally as the Lion and the Lamb thanks to its distinctive outline of the crag at the peak which resembles the animals, will provide you with some spectacular views without you having to spend all day to get to them.

An ideal family walk, it’s a relatively easy if steepish scramble to the top and should only take you a couple of hours to complete the 7.9km round trip.

Starting from the village of Grasmere (don’t forget your Grasmere Gingerbread to keep you fortified), Alfred Wainwright recommends doing the walk on a late summer afternoon so you can enjoy the sunset and one of the best views in the Lake District.

If you’ve got any puff left when you get to the top you can carry on and climb ‘The Howitzer’, the rocky outcrop that’s the true summit of Helm Crag.

Helm Crag Linear walk

• Easy to moderate – ideal for all ages.
• Around 2-3 hours
• 7.9km (4.9miles) Length
• 455m Elevation gain

On a very clear day, you can see Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower and the Isle of Man from the top of Coniston Old Man (or the Old Man of Coniston, as it’s also known). But you have to get to the summit first, and there are various routes you can take.

The good news is you can set off from the centre of Coniston to begin the 803 metre (2634 feet) trek up to the summit – taking in mountain tarns, disused copper mines, and plenty of other photo opportunities along the way.

If you want more of a challenge, you can choose a shorter, steeper route. Or take a longer, more gradual route if you’re more of an ambler than a scrambler.

There are plenty of lovely spots for a picnic on the way too – it builds up an appetite, this fell walking malarkey.

You’re unlikely to ever have The Old Man (another name) to yourself though – this popular fell attracts visitors all year round who come to take in the incredible views from the top.

Circular route

• Challenging
• 5-7 hours
• 6.1km Length
• 591m Elevation gain

It may be man-made but, Tarn Hows is a lovely spot for a low-level stroll on well-maintained paths. Short, scenic and suitable for all – walkers, pram-pushers and wheelchair users alike, it’s an easy circular walk (around 3.5km, or just over two miles) with woodland and mountain views of Helvellyn and the Langdale Pikes on clear days.

You might even see some Belted Galloway cows minding their own business if you’re lucky. Bring a picnic and hang out on the hill overlooking the tarn after you’ve walked round.

If you’re not done once you’ve been round the tarn, there are various ways you can take to extend the walk – you can head up through the woodland to Tom Gill waterfall, or even walk all the way to Coniston or Hawkshead.

Another way to extend it, and bag a Wainwright on the way, is to make your way to Black Fell. At the northern tip of the circular walk, climb over the stile heading north and take the clear path to the top, where you can marvel at the views of Coniston Water and Langdale.

Tarn Hows Circular Walk

• Easy – suitable for all.
• 7.2km Length
• 358m Elevation gain
• 2h 33m Estimated time

Do you like a good scramble as much as you like a good hike? Then the intriguingly named Crinkle Crags in the Langdales will provide ample opportunity for both – it was one of Wainwright’s favourites too.

There’s no denying it’s tough going, with lots of ups and downs as you ascend the steep, craggy slopes to the top – there are five crinkles up there and they all need climbing. But just think of the sense of achievement you’ll have when you finally get there.

Make sure you choose a clear day to tackle Crinkle Crags as the path can be slippery on wet days and is easy to lose altogether on cloudy or misty days.

And, watch out for The Bad Step on the second and highest crinkle – you can take it on or give it a miss and go round it if you don’t feel confident enough to attempt it. From the top you get a great view of Scafell Pike, as well as Great Langdale and Eskdale.

Crinkle Crags from Skelwith Bridge

• Challenging – make sure you’re well prepared and fit enough.
• 6-8 hours depending on which route you take
• 10km Length
• 750m Elevation gain

If you find the thought of taking on Crinkle Crags is a bit too daunting and prefer to keep your feet on the ground, a picturesque there-and-back walk along the west shore of Windermere may be more your style.

Starting out from the National Trust-owned Ash Landing car park, the route guides you along the shore through some lovely woodland and parkland, with gorgeous views of the lake’s islands.

It also passes Claife Viewing Station (worth a detour) and gives you the chance to spot some wildlife in the woods – keep your eyes peeled for red and roe deer gamboling about – before taking you on towards the gothic folly, Wray Castle.

Windermere’s Western Shore Linear

• Easy
• 8.7km Length
• 301m Elevation gain
• 2h 35m Estimated time