The best walks and hikes around Thirlmere
4.6
(17022)
167,704
hikers
1,132
hikes
Hiking around Thirlmere offers a diverse landscape characterized by the Thirlmere Reservoir, surrounded by dense woodlands and flanked by the majestic Helvellyn range to the east. The region features a mix of tranquil lakeside paths, challenging mountain ascents, and varied fells. Hikers can explore routes leading to prominent peaks and through coniferous forests, providing a range of elevation gains and terrain types.
Best hiking trails around Thirlmere
- The most popular hiking route is Helvellyn Summit – Helvellyn Summit Shelter loop…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
4.8
(114)
1,417
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(106)
1,048
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.7
(104)
1,020
hikers
12.5km
05:22
850m
850m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.9
(69)
751
hikers
11.1km
05:04
940m
940m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.7
(34)
404
hikers
15.7km
05:42
890m
890m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Other adventures around Thirlmere
Tips from the Community
Take care descending the west face. This can often be a bottleneck with those coming up or going down.
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My favourite mountain, on a clear day there are fantastic views in every direction.
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Fantastic views all round, but especially of striding edge, brilliant place to camp with plenty spots, although a bit rocky in places. Also just a short walk to Helvellyn summit.
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Amazing views on a clear day, it's quite the hike up from Grizedale tarn but definitely worth it, and only a short walk to Nethermost pike and Helvellyn.
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It's a bit of a slog but some fantastic water falls so plenty places to stop and admire the views.
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Fantastic views of thirlmere and the surrounding mountains on the way up or down depending which way your going from wythburn church.
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More Information
Hunting for the best views
You don’t have to go very far to get outstanding views on your walks in the Thirlmere area. This north to south-running lake is surrounded by impressive hills and the most popular peak is Helvellyn.
The third-tallest mountain in England at 3,117 feet (950 m), Helvellyn captures ramblers’ imaginations with its extraordinary ridges and offers the best hiking trails near Thirlmere. Striding Edge and Swirral Edge are sharp ridgelines that bring your attention into the present moment, placing each foot carefully. When you walk up here, you’ll be treading in the footsteps of Coleridge and Wordsworth.
To the south of Thirlmere, you can explore the many trails in the hills here, from Seat Saddle and Fairfield to St Sunday Crag. Grassy with steep sections, these fells offer exquisite views that keep getting better the higher you climb.
Armboth Fell, High Tove and High Seat on the west side of the lake are all lower but still impressive fells to hike with the wonderful Dob Gill waterfall crashing down in the south.
Walking in the woods
Hikes in Thirlmere’s mountainous neighbours are outstanding but sometimes all you want is a blissful hike in dense forests. Both sides of the lake have thick coniferous forests with sprawling trails through them.
See the extraordinary Giant Tree to the north west of the lake. This silver fir towers above its neighbouring trees and was planted in 1821. You can also explore the trails on the wooded slopes of Armboth Fell around Launchy Gill. Here you’ll find a waterfall cascading through the woods and the Tottling Stone, a boulder conspicuously perched and looking as though you could push it right over (you can’t, thankfully).
Strolling from summer to spring
The Lake District couldn’t be more different from summer to winter but one thing is always the same; it is always stunning. Walks around Thirlmere in late spring are alive with bird song and summer brings evening sunshine that will, quite frankly, knock your socks off.
Autumn and winter have their own charm even though the weather is considerably more changeable. Snow is a frequent winter visitor to the Lake District and the mountains and ridges become more dangerous, requiring winter mountaineering experience and equipment.
With evergreen forests, winter hikes around Thirlmere have a flair of the magical about them and as long as you’re well-prepared, it’s a fantastic place to walk no matter what the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Thirlmere?
Thirlmere offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 1100 trails recorded on komoot. These range from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents, ensuring options for all fitness levels.
What makes hiking around Thirlmere unique compared to other Lake District areas?
Thirlmere is known for its relatively quieter atmosphere compared to other popular Lakeland areas, offering a blend of dramatic mountain scenery, tranquil woodlands, and impressive natural features. It's ideal for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature, with the majestic Helvellyn range to the east and the Central Fells to the west.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Thirlmere?
The trails around Thirlmere are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 16,000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse terrain, from peaceful reservoir paths to exhilarating mountain ridges, and the stunning panoramic views.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers in Thirlmere?
Yes, Thirlmere offers numerous easy trails. There are over 340 easy routes available, including gentle walks along the reservoir's perimeter and through quiet woodlands. These are perfect for those seeking a less strenuous experience or for families with young children.
What kind of challenging hikes can I find in Thirlmere?
For experienced hikers, Thirlmere provides over 290 difficult routes. Many of these involve ascents into the Helvellyn range, England's third-highest mountain. Trails like Helvellyn Summit Shelter – Helvellyn Summit loop from Wythburn Church offer varied mountain terrain and significant elevation gain, often taking over 5 hours to complete.
Can I find hikes with waterfalls in Thirlmere?
Yes, several waterfalls enhance the natural beauty of the area. You can find waterfalls like Launchy Gill Waterfall on the western shore, and Stybeck Fall and Fisherplace Gill Waterfall on the north-eastern side of the lake. The Launchy Gill Waterfall and Thirlmere Western Shore is a notable highlight.
What are the best viewpoints to experience around Thirlmere?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider a hike up Raven Crag, located to the west of Thirlmere. A relatively short but steep walk through woodland leads to its summit, offering glorious vistas along the length of Thirlmere and across to the central fells. The Helvellyn range also provides spectacular views from its peaks.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Thirlmere?
Absolutely. Thirlmere has many gentle walks suitable for families, particularly around the reservoir's perimeter and through the extensive woodlands. These routes often have minimal elevation gain and offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, including red deer and red squirrels.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Thirlmere?
Many trails around Thirlmere are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery with your canine companion. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to follow the Countryside Code.
Are there circular walks available around Thirlmere?
Yes, circular walks are a popular option in Thirlmere. A notable route is the approximately 10-mile circular walk around the Thirlmere Reservoir, offering peaceful paths along its shores. Shorter circular options, such as the 'Thirlmere circular' (7.1 km, moderate difficulty), are also available.
Where can I park for hiking trails around Thirlmere?
There are several parking options available for hikers around Thirlmere. The Thirlmere Pay and Display Car Park is a convenient option. Additionally, car parks like Swirls Car Park are popular starting points for routes leading up to Helvellyn and other peaks.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking in Thirlmere?
Thirlmere is rich in wildlife. Hikers often have the chance to spot red deer and red squirrels in the woodlands. The area also supports diverse birdlife, making it an interesting spot for birdwatchers.
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