Our five best Lake District walks

Enjoy a walking holiday like no other based at Hassness House on the shores of Buttermere.

Numerous trails crisscross the Lake District from all directions offering you stunning beauty during everything from leisurely explorations to epic adventures of fell walking. 

Our tours in this beloved national park feature many of the best views and experiences – including three iconic long-distance paths. Plus you’ll also be able spend the bulk of your days out on these trails connecting with nature while returning to the comfiest and friendliest of accommodation in the evenings. 

Known for its legendary hospitality, our Hassness Country House on the shores of Buttermere helps you leave the hustle of the world behind...while you also leave the road behind! That’s because each day you’ll be dropped off and then picked up once again at the trailheads. No need to worry about transportation, or navigation as our expert guides are always on hand to lead the way.

Here we’ve rounded up five of our most popular Lake District holidays based at Hassness House, covering a variety of walks at different levels and lengths – so there truly is something for everyone! 

The Cumberland Way

Holiday grade: 5 (moderate)

Number of nights: 7 

This 62-mile walk takes you on a west to east route from Ravenglass, where the Lake District meets the sea. During your journey along the Cumberland Way, you’ll head towards remote Wastwater, the most atmospheric of all the lakes. You’ll also enjoy spectacular scenery over Black Sail Pass and under the shadow of the high peaks – Great Gable, Scafell Pike, Pillar and Haystacks. Plus you’ll ascend the Castlerigg stone circle with views to Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake.

The Cumbria Way   

Holiday grade: 6 (moderate)

Number of nights: 7 

Ramble this 75-mile continuous trail beginning in south Cumbria as you travel from south to north, enjoying the rural charm of the picturesque county. During the journey, you’ll head across the low Southern Fells, with fantastic views back to Morecambe Bay, before reaching Coniston Water. Ascend to Tarn Hows, visit Elter Water and follow the old packhorse route over Stake Pass before skirting the eastern edges of Skiddaw and into the wild Northern Fells. Your walk on the Cumbria Way culminates by following River Caldew through wooded pastures and out of the Lake District National Park towards Carlisle.

Great Lakeland Ridge Walks 

Holiday grade: 8 (challenging), with two leaders

Number of nights: 7 

One of our most demanding walks, you’ll not only be exhilarated but also rewarded with some of the Lake District’s finest panoramic views. The high-grade itinerary takes you to the Lakeland ridges, those narrow elevated crests running between peaks or from the base to the top of the mountains. With good weather, you might expect to summit as many as 22 of the highest Wainwrights, the group of 214 peaks described in Alfred Wainwright’s seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. Among the possible routes included are the High Stile Ridge, Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route, and Bowfell and Esk Pike via Crinkle Crags.

Lakeland Explorer 

Holiday grade: 3 (leisurely)

Number of nights: 7 

This holiday offers a relaxed pace along many of Buttermere’s trails including some that were featured in the ITV show Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100. In addition to these, you’ll also follow paths beside Derwent Water, Rydal Water and Windermere while visiting sites associated with poet William Wordsworth, the fascinating Honister Slate Mines and the gardens at Muncaster Castle. What’s more, the Lakeland Explorer holiday boasts a ride on the picturesque Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway, fondly called the La’al Ratty.

Walking the Ullswater Way 

Holiday grade: 5 (moderate)

Number of nights: 3

Considered the gem of the Lake District, circumnavigate lovely Ullswater with its tranquil shores on this relatively new 20-mile route. Opened in 2016, a section of the path was described by Wainwright as “the most beautiful and rewarding walk in Lakeland”. You’ll pass through quaint villages you as travel from Pooley Bridge at one end to Glenridding at the other. Among the incredible sights are the impressive Cockpit Stone Circle along with sweeping views of the central and north lakes, to Scotland and across the Eden Valley. 

Staying at Hassness House not only makes these walking holidays more easily accessible, but also helps refresh and re-energise your body and spirit. On the trails if your muscles begin to ache and your feet feel the miles, you’ll return to relax there in comfort – where complimentary tea and coffee are always waiting, along with cake after each day’s walk. The views at Hassness House, especially from the large picture window in the lounge looking out across the lake, are just as glorious as those you’ll marvel at on the walks. 

For more on Hassness House and our full programme of holidays and activities, head here.

Still not booked your next break? Book a last-minute walking holiday to the UK with Ramble Worldwide.