Lake District Walking Guide
The list of links to suggested walks is at the bottom of this page.
Climbing the fells of the Lake District is challenging, adventurous, and, above all, great fun! This guide to walking on the Lakeland Fells includes basic safety advice and some suggested routes up (and down!) the most popular fells in the region. The detail of these routes is quite basic, and they are intended only as suggestions to the reader - in no way should they be used in place of a detailed map, compass and GPS. While the routes listed here are not difficult, we cannot accept any responsibility for problems experienced as a result of using this walking guide.
Walk Preparation
Safety on the mountains is of great importance, and you should prepare for your walk carefully. Although the Lakeland Fells are not huge on a worldwide scale, they still present a tough challenge, and as such you should possess a good degree of fitness. Do not under-estimate the humble Lakeland fells. Training beforehand to increase fitness, strength and stamina is recommended if you are a little out of shape. Before setting off you should be familiar with your intended route; study the map and give yourself plenty of time to complete the walk, and also look for potential 'escape routes' off the fells. Always inform someone of your intended route, the time you are setting off, and the time you intend to return.
Equipment
The equipment which you take with you depends, to some extent, upon the length and duration of your walk. On an average day-walk, experienced fell-wanderers may take the following:
- Waterproofs (including overtrousers)
- Rucksack (large enough to hold all your personal and safety equipment)
- Relevant maps (make sure you know how to read it properly)
- Compass (again, make sure you know how to use it properly)
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Whistle & Torch (and spare batteries)
- Suitable boots (that fit correctly)
- Warm hat & gloves
- Water bottle (with plenty of water for your journey)
- Food
- FIRST AID KIT, including sunscreen (especially in summer)
The weather on the fell tops can be considerably colder than the valley floor, so always take warm clothing, even in summer (the image above was taken in June). It is also useful to use a 'layered' system of clothing, with various garments that can be added/removed according to the temperature - sweating on the ascent because you are too hot is not good, as this moisture will make you very cold when you get to the cooler summits. It is good to have an extra fleece or jacket to put on when you stop for a break, as your body temperature will drop quickly when you stop moving - even just a 2 minute sandwich break can be long enough to cause a significant drop in body temperature. The weather in the Lake District is extremely changeable - so much so that there is a saying in Lakeland "If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes". Therefore you should plan for all weather conditions. The Lake District National Park operates a 24 hour Weather Line, and it is recommended that you call before setting off to check current conditions: 0870 055 0575 (calls charged at 6p per minute, call duration typically 2 minutes).
Suggested Walks
Click on the following for more details:
- Blencathra Walk
- Coniston Old Man Walk
- Fairfield Walk
- Great Gable Walk
- Haystacks Walk
- Helvellyn Walk
- High Street Walk
- Langdale Pikes Walk
- Scafell Pike Walk
- Skiddaw Walk
Please remember that the information on Lakeland Landscape is only a guide - we cannot be held responsible for any problems that may arise! Enjoy your walk, and stay safe.