The best walks and hikes in Cumbria

Yes, Cumbria is fantastic for circular walks. Many trails are designed as loops, so you can end your hike where you started without retracing your steps. For a classic Lakeland experience, the Derwent Water & Walla Crag loop from Keswick offers stunning views for a moderate effort. For a more demanding day out, the Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside is a famous high-level ridge walk that covers several peaks in one long loop.

There are plenty of easier walks suitable for families. The key is to look for routes with less elevation gain, often around the lakes or through forests. A great option is the walk to Stock Ghyll Force, a scenic 70-ft waterfall near Ambleside with a well-trodden path. Another excellent choice is exploring the trails in Whinlatter Forest, which offers waymarked paths and is England's only true mountain forest.

Cumbria is very dog-friendly, but it's important to be responsible. Keep your dog under control, especially near livestock, and be aware of ground-nesting birds between March and July. The 10.7-mile (17.3 km) Derwent Water loop from Keswick is a long but relatively flat walk with plenty of opportunities for a dog to swim. Always check for any specific restrictions before you go.

Definitely. The region's geography creates many spectacular waterfalls. The Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fell loop is a popular choice, combining a visit to the famous 65-foot (20 m) waterfall with a rewarding hike up Gowbarrow Fell for views over Ullswater. For something in a different valley, the walk to Stanley Ghyll Waterfall in Eskdale leads you to a dramatic 60-foot (18 m) cascade in a deep ravine.

Both are challenging mountain days, but their difficulty depends on the route. The ascent of Scafell Pike from Wasdale is a relentless and steep climb over rocky terrain, testing your stamina. Helvellyn via Striding Edge is technically more demanding, requiring scrambling and a good head for heights on an exposed ridge. If you are not comfortable with exposure, Scafell Pike is the more straightforward, albeit strenuous, climb.

The Wainwrights are the 214 fells (hills and mountains) featured in Alfred Wainwright's famous pictorial guides. 'Bagging' them is a popular challenge for hikers. A great starting point is the Cat Bells & Derwent Water loop, which is a relatively short but rewarding climb that offers fantastic views. For a more challenging Wainwright, the Scales Tarn & Blencathra loop takes you to a stunning mountain lake before the final summit push.

Yes, Cumbria is renowned for its 'horseshoe' walks, which are long-distance routes that traverse a series of peaks along a circular ridge. The Kentmere Horseshoe is a classic example. It's a tough, full-day hike of over 11 miles (18 km) that bags eight Wainwrights and offers a true sense of remoteness away from the busier central fells.

The weather in Cumbria can change very quickly, so it's essential to be prepared. Always carry:

Waterproof jacket and trousers: Even on a sunny day, rain can appear suddenly.

Extra layers: A fleece or insulated jacket is crucial as it's always colder on the summits.

Sturdy hiking boots: The terrain is often rocky and uneven.

Map and compass (and know how to use them): Don't rely solely on your phone, as signal can be unreliable.

Food and water: Pack more than you think you'll need.

A head torch: Just in case your hike takes longer than expected.

Yes, several key towns that serve as excellent hiking hubs are accessible by train or bus, including Windermere, Penrith, and Staveley. From these towns, local bus services like the 555 and 508 can take you deeper into the National Park, providing access to trailheads for places like Ambleside, Grasmere, and Glenridding, reducing the need for a car.

The trails in Cumbria are exceptionally well-regarded by the komoot community, which includes over 360,000 visitors. With an average rating of 4.6 stars, hikers frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from the fell tops, the variety of trails from gentle lakeside paths to challenging mountain scrambles, and the unique beauty of the glacial landscape.

There is a vast network of paths to explore. On komoot alone, you can find over 7,000 hiking routes in Cumbria. These range from short, accessible walks suitable for everyone to strenuous multi-day treks across the highest mountains in England.