Easy Mountain Walks in the Lake District

Loughrigg Fell may not be the highest mountain in the Lake District but its isolated position provides unobstructed views and an unrivalled panorama of the Central Fells.

…for Loughrigg has delightful grassy paths, a series of pleasant surprises along the traverse of its summits, several charming vistas and magnificent views, fine contrasts of velvety turfs, rich bracken and grey rock, a string of little tarns like pearls in a necklace, and a wealth of stately trees on the flanks.

Alfred Wainwright

After leaving Ambleside we quickly begin the ascent to Lily Tarn – a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the northern end of Windermere, the Fairfield Horseshoe, Red Screes and westwards towards the Coniston Fells. A gentle traverse brings us to the summit of Loughrigg which provides fines views over Grasmere and Rydal Water. After exploring this beautiful fell we return via Red Bank, the delightful Loughrigg Terrace and the fast flowing River Rothay.

During this rewarding walk we will enjoy magnificent mountain scenery and beautiful lake views. The terrain includes bridleways and mountain paths.

The ascent of Wansfell Pike begins immediately from Ambleside and its summit, separated from its neighbours and surrounded by deep valleys, provides stunning unrestricted views.

Wansfell Pike excels in its view of Windermere, the graceful curve of the lake showing to great advantage. Westwards, the scene is especially beautiful, the Red Screes is a fine objective in the north.

Alfred Wainwright

After crossing over the top we descend to Troutbeck – a classic Lakeland village. Delightful Troutbeck provides an opportunity to enjoy some light refreshments before returning along the quieter side of Wansfell with its old fell lanes, wooded ghylls and the popular Jenkins Hill viewpoint.

During this walk we will enjoy summit views and woodland walking. The terrain includes narrow lanes, steep pitched path, rocky bridleways, summit rocks, open fell, hill track and valley road.

Helm Crag is affectionately known as the “Lion and the Lamb” because the large summit rocks resemble a lion and a lamb from so many viewpoints. From Grasmere we climb the mountain directly via its SE flank  – a short mountain walk to a wonderful and much loved summit.

The virtues of Helm Crag have not been lauded enough. It gives an exhilarating little climb, a brief essay in real mountaineering, and, in a region where all is beautiful, it makes a notable contribution to the natural charms and attractions of Grasmere

Alfred Wainwright

After exploring the rocky summit with its interesting rock formations, we continue northwest along the summit ridge before descending gently from Bracken Hause and following the river back along the valley to Grasmere.

In scenic values, the summit of many high mountains are a disappointment after the long toil of ascent, yet here, on top of little Helm Crag, a midget of a mountain, is a remarkable array of rocks, upstanding and fallen, of singular interest and fascinating appearance, that yield a quality of reward out of all proportion to the short and simple climb.

Alfred Wainwright

During this walk we will enjoy mountain and lake views, rivers and waterfalls. The terrain includes narrow lanes, mountain paths and valley road.

Although this walk does not climb a significant mountain summit it still includes beautiful scenery, thundering waterfalls and a picturesque tarn. We leave Grasmere via Easedale Road but soon turn off the narrow lane to take the riverside bridleway and old packhorse route to Easedale Tarn. Climbing alongside the fast flowing Sour Milk Ghyll we enjoy a dramatic series of waterfalls before reaching the surprisingly large Easedale Tarn.

From Easedale Tarn we cross the large stepping stones and descend the gentle hillside below Cockley Crag. Taking the down path alongside Far Easedale Gill we return to Grasmere, watching out for the red squirrels that live here.

During this walk we will enjoy mountain views, tarns, rivers and waterfalls. The terrain includes narrow lanes, rocky bridleways, open fell, hill track and valley road.