Walking the Tour of the Lake District

Discover the Lake District’s literary heritage and inspiring landscapes on the Tour of the Lake District, a 144km (90-mile) circular long-distance route beginning and ending in Ambleside. Traverse iconic scenery, from tranquil lakeshores and wildflower meadows to dramatic fells and historic villages, on a journey designed to showcase the very best of Lakeland walking.

Ideal for both new and experienced walkers, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook to the Tour of the Lake District offers low- and high-level routes, allowing you to tailor the adventure to your preferred style and ability. The route is divided into nine stages, each offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, wildlife, and traditional hospitality.

• The Tour of the Lake District is described in a clockwise direction, with guidance for walking in reverse and suggested 7-, 9-, and 13-day itineraries to suit different timeframes and ambitions.
• Choose the low-level route for a gentler Lake District walk, linking charming villages such as Grasmere, Elterwater, and Patterdale, welcoming inns, and the picturesque valleys of Borrowdale and Great Langdale, as well as the lakeshores of Derwentwater and Coniston Water, throughout the National Park.
• Opt for the high-level alternative to summit classic peaks such as Coniston Old Man, Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Helvellyn, and to experience the Lake District’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
• Each stage includes start/finish points, distance, estimated walking time, terrain summary, refreshment stops, and accommodation options in villages such as Keswick, Grasmere, and Elterwater.
• Clear, step-by-step route descriptions are supported by detailed 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey® maps, downloadable GPX files, and practical navigation advice, ensuring a safe and enjoyable Lake District walking experience for both traditional and digital users exploring this renowned National Park.
• A detailed route summary table and itinerary planner help you organise your Tour of the Lake District adventure with confidence, making it easy to plan your ideal long-distance walk.

Plan your Tour of the Lake District with this essential guidebook, your key to exploring one of England’s most beautiful long-distance circular walks, and to experiencing the warm hospitality, sweeping vistas, and timeless charm of the National Park.

Seasons

The best walking is generally between April and October, although year-round walking is possible. Winter months can be very cold, windy and wet, with limited daylight.

Centres

Windermere, Ambleside, Coniston, Eskdale, Wasdale, Buttermere, Keswick, Grasmere, Glenridding and Patterdale

Difficulty

The main route described should be within the capabilities of most reasonably fit hillwalkers. High-level alternatives are more strenuous and in winter, snow and ice on high ground may make some sections very challenging. Good navigation skills are essential.

Must See

High passes with superb views; picturesque towns and villages with ancient stone buildings; shapely mountains bisected by lakes, rivers and waterfalls; lake steamers; Castle Rigg Stone Circle; Hardknott Roman Fort; Wastwater - England's favourite view. Climb Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Coniston Old Man and Helvellyn and visit property once owned by Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth and others.

Map key

Route summary table

Overview map

Alternative schedules

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Landscape and geology

Plants and wildlife

Farming

History and culture

The Tour of the Lake District

Planning your Tour

When to go

How to get there

Local transport

Accommodation

Equipment

Maps and apps

Navigation and safety

Using this guide

The Tour of the Lake District

Prologue Windermere to Ambleside

Stage 1 Ambleside to Coniston

Stage 2 Coniston to Eskdale

Stage 2A Coniston to Eskdale: high-level route

Stage 3 Eskdale to Wasdale

Stage 3A Eskdale to Wasdale: high-level route

Stage 4 Wasdale to Buttermere

Stage 4A Wasdale to Buttermere: high-level route

Stage 5 Buttermere to Keswick

Stage 5A Buttermere to Keswick: high-level route

Stage 6 Keswick to Rosthwaite

Stage 7 Rosthwaite to Grasmere

Stage 8 Grasmere to Patterdale

Stage 8A Grasmere to Patterdale: high-level route

Stage 9 Patterdale to Ambleside

Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B Accommodation

Appendix CFacilities table

Appendix DPlace names

Appendix EFurther reading and resources