13 Tips for Walking in the Lake District (2022 Guide)

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Visiting the Lake District for the first time? Need some tips for walking in the Lake District? This post outlines some of the best tips for walking in the Lake District, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

If you’re visiting the Lake District for the first time, you might be wondering what the walks and hikes are going to be like.

Are the walks in the Lake District hard?

Do I need hiking boots for the Lake District?

Where are the most beautiful walks in the Lake District?

All of these questions (and more!) will be answered in this detailed tips for walking in the Lake District guide. By the end of it, you’ll be ready to start walking in no time!

Looking for the best walks from Ambleside? Check out my post: BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District (2022 Guide)

🥾 Visiting the Lake District? Yay! I have a lot of information about this part of England on my blog. Here’s some of my favourites!

• Best Pubs in Keswick: The Lake District (2022 Essential Guide)
• Best Indian Restaurants in the Lake District (2022 Review)
• 23 Things to do in the Lake District in Winter (2022)
• Best Pubs in Ambleside: The Lake District (2022 Essential Guide)
• 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)

Tips for walking in the Lake District

1. Always carry a map

This is one of the most important things to remember when walking in the Lake District.

Why? Well, a lot of the Lake District is out of GPS signal. You won’t get a single bar on your phone whilst hiking some of the more remote trails.

Yes, you can download your route on your phone, but we do love a good old-fashioned map. They’re reliable and the battery can’t die, and quite literally saved Tom at the top of Scafell Pike!

Most of the larger hikes in the Lake District are not signposted, and it is easy to get lost. Have your map and compass ready, and it can save you hours of walking time!

You can buy your Lake District maps from Waterstones.

2. Look at the route and trail online beforehand

One thing I recommend before going on any hike or walk in the Lake District is to look at the route beforehand.

Are there any trails to avoid?

Is the walk in a straight line, or will you need to change direction and take turns?

If you’re afraid of heights (like me!) you may want to avoid sheer edges or drops. I usually watch some Youtube videos beforehand or read other blogs to check the route is ok for me to do.

3. Pack a hiking day bag

If you’re doing a long walk in the Lake District, you’ll need to pack a day bag.

In your day bag, be sure to have:

• Food or snacks
• Water filter bottle
• First aid kit
• Portable charger
• Extra layer of clothing / spare socks
• Plasters (for any unwanted blisters)
• Your map
• A torch (unless your phone is fully charged with a portable ready)
• Light waterproof rain jacket

Need a hiking day bag? This is my favourite. It isn’t too heavy, but it’s big enough to hold everything you need.

4. Wear hiking boots

One of the most commonly asked questions is ‘do you need hiking boots for the Lake District?’

This depends!

It depends on what walks you are going to do. If you are sticking to walks around lakes, or in the towns and shorter hikes to waterfalls, you can get away with just having trainers.

But if you are doing longer walks, or hiking to viewpoints like Helm Crag, Loughrigg Fell and Scafell Pike, you need hiking boots.

I’d highly recommend buying these hiking boots if you’re a woman walking in the Lake District. They’re comfy, long-lasting and waterproof. I’ve had mine for years, and they cost under £100!

5. Take an extra layer of clothing

This is especially important if you are hiking to high summits or walking during the winter.

As the altitude increases, temperatures drop. This means even if it’s a hot day on ground level, it may not be at the top of the mountain!

Take a thin extra layer in your day bag to wrap up when it gets colder. You’ll thank me when you’re shivering at the top!

I recommend a base or extra layer made of this material. It’s comfy, warm and easy to pack in your day bag.

6. Pack a first aid kit

Hopefully you won’t need to use it, but having a first aid kit is one of the best tips for walking in the Lake District.

Mainly, for plasters! Blisters are the worst if you’re on a long hike or walk.

But things could get a little worse, and you might need to use antiseptic wipes or take some painkillers.

Stock up your first aid kit before leaving for your hike.

Need a first aid kit? I recommend this pre-made one which has the basics in, ready to go.

7. Take a water filter bottle

As you know, it’s important to stay hydrated when hiking in the Lake District.

If you run out of water, a water filter bottle will become your best friend.

With a water filter bottle, you can hydrate using water from anywhere. A puddle, a lake, a river – it essentially filters any dirty water so you are able to drink it.

It’s a life saver on long hikes when you don’t want to lug around litres of water!

Need a water filter bottle? I recommend this one, as it’s not too heavy and it’s cheap!

8. Plan for spontaneity (and for things to go wrong)

One of my favourite tips for walking in the Lake District!

Things WILL go wrong. You may make a wrong turn, or someone in your group may fall over.

You might spend too long at your lunch spot that you miss the sunset.

It might take an hour to find a car park.

But, sometimes the things that go wrong can make the funniest travel stories.

Just prepare for it – add an extra hour onto your hike for a longer lunch break. Leave an hour earlier to prepare for mistakes and spontaneity.

9. Check the weather beforehand

Seems like an obvious tip for walking in the Lake District, but some people forget!

Check the weather beforehand. If it’s going to rain, prepare for it!

If there are going to be thunderstorms, you may not want to climb harder treks such Scafell Pike or Helvellyn. Plan for this, and give yourself time to change your itinerary.

Do an easier walk instead (or just spend a day in the pub).

Always avoid high ground in windy, severe rain and thunderous conditions.

And remember, it’s ok to turn back if things are looking too dangerous.

Looking for the best walks from Ambleside? Check out my post: BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District (2022 Guide)

10. Don’t stray too far from the trail

This can be tempting, but it’s important to stay on the trail when doing some of the longer, higher walks in the Lake District.

But this can lead to you becoming lost, and spending hours trying to find your car park or accommodation after.

If you’re tempted to stray off the beaten track for epic or quieter views, be careful and take note of your route.

Make sure you can find a way back to the main trail before nightfall.

If you’re hiking in the afternoon or evening, I recommend this head torch for extra light.

11. Always tell somewhere where you are, especially if you’re hiking solo

If you’ve read any other posts on my blog, you’ll know I’m a big fan of solo travelling, and even recommend visiting the Lake District solo.

But, there are dangers with this when hiking solo.

It is so important that you let someone know exactly where you are, where you’ve parked and what you’re doing if you’re doing a big hike or walk in the Lake District.

You won’t get much (or any) signal on most walks in the Lake District, so give a friend or family member an estimate time that you should be arriving back to your hostel or Airbnb. But, add a few hours either side, as you don’t want to worry them!

If you can, join a hiking group or another solo traveller from your hostel.

12. Charge your tech and carry a portable charger

Even if you’ve got a paper map, it’s good to have your phone on you in case of emergencies.

Whenever I’m backpacking, I always carry a portable charger, and so does my boyfriend Tom. It just brings a bit more peace of mind!

Note: The emergency number in the UK is 999. If you find yourself in an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for “Police – Mountain Rescue”.

If you need a portable charger, I recommend this one. We’ve taken it on 7 day road trips before, and haven’t needed to charge it once. I highly recommend it!

13. Know your limits!

Last, but not least, know your limits.

Be realistic.

Set challenges, but don’t push yourself too far.

If you have an injury, you shouldn’t be scrambling to the summit of Scafell Pike. This could result in calling mountain rescue, and putting other people at risk.

Make sure your fitness levels suit the walk you are about to do, and if you’re scared of heights, check the trail beforehand.

Take rest breaks. Admire the views. Allow yourself to go back if the weather turns. There is no shame in this.

Plus, there are so many easy (yet still beautiful) walks in the Lake District, which you can begin with.

Know your limits!

What do you need for walking in the Lake District?

Even for the longer hikes in the Lake District, there isn’t much you need to bring on a walk. As long as you have good, sturdy hiking boots, and stick to the main trails, you won’t necessarily need hiking sticks or any climbing-related equipment.

If you’re packing a day bag, I recommend taking:

• Food or snacks
• Water filter bottle
• First aid kit
• Portable charger
• Extra layer of clothing / spare socks
• Plasters (for any unwanted blisters)
• Your map
• A torch (unless your phone is fully charged with a portable ready)
• Light waterproof rain jacket

What is the best walk in the Lake District?

This depends on what it is you’re looking for from a walk. However, if you want one of the best walks with an epic view, I recommend Latrigg. With only a short 15 minute walk from the car park, it’s a walk for everyone, plus it has some of the best views in the entire national park!

Is the Lake District good for walking?

Yes! It is one of the best places in the whole of the UK for walking. People travel from all over the world to visit the Lake District. Plus, there are walks for everyone. Whether you want to hike the highest summit in England, or stick on ground level for some circular walks around the stunning lakes, there is a walk for everyone in the Lake District.

Check out my guide: 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views) for more info!

Do you need hiking boots for the Lake District?

One of the most commonly asked questions is ‘do you need hiking boots for the Lake District?’ Well, this depends.

It depends on what walks you are going to do. If you are sticking to walks around lakes, or in the towns and shorter hikes to waterfalls, you can get away with just having trainers.

But if you are doing longer walks, or hiking to viewpoints like Helm Crag, Loughrigg Fell and Scafell Pike, you need hiking boots.

I’d highly recommend buying these hiking boots if you’re a woman walking in the Lake District. They’re comfy, long-lasting and waterproof. I’ve had mine for years, and they cost under £100!

How do you prepare for the Lake District?

If you’re planning your first trip to the Lake District, I recommend:

• Looking through blogs (like this one!) to plan your route and the best things to do
• Buying all the appropriate equipment and clothes
• Booking your accommodation
• Hiring a car from this rental company if you need one
• Building up your fitness if you’re going to do longer walks
• Watching Youtube videos to get excited about your upcoming epic trip to the Lake District!

Check out my other Lake District posts for planning inspiration!

Where should I go first in the Lake District?

If you are staying in the Lake District for the first time, I recommend staying in Ambleside.

Ambleside is the most popular village to stay in the Lake District. Personally, it’s one of my favourite places in the entire national park!

It’s known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’, and is located north of the Lake District’s largest lake – Lake Windermere.

Ambleside is an ideal place to stay in the Lake District if it is your first time visiting the area. It’s well-connected, has lots of Airbnbs, and is a great base if you’re looking to hike and explore.

Check out my detailed guide on: Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide for more information!

What should I wear for fell walking in the Lake District?

If you are going on long hikes in the Lake District, and want to prepare for fell walking, I recommend wearing:

• Breathable layers (long sleeved tops and gym leggings are great)
• Waterproof hiking trousers if it’s raining
• Hiking boots
• Comfortable and warm socks
• A day bag
• A watch to stay on track of the time

You can read my in-depth guide explaining what to pack in the Lake District here!

What is the most beautiful part of the Lake District?

This is down to personal preference, but some of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District are:

• Ambleside village
• Latrigg viewpoint
• Wastwater viewpoint
• Orrest Head viewpoint
• Waterhead sunset over Lake Windemere
• Loughrigg Fell viewpoints
• Helm Crag summit

Tips for Walking in the Lake District: In A Nutshell

So, there you have it! The best tips for walking in the Lake District.

I hope this has helped to make you feel more prepared for your upcoming trip, but as always, feel free to contact me with any questions!

If you can’t already tell, I absolutely love the Lake District, and it’s one of my favourite places in the whole of the UK. There is a whole ton of content on the blog focusing on the lakes, so feel free to take a look around!

Oooh, and don’t forget to sign up to my monthly newsletter packed full of travel inspiration and blogging tips!

As always, if you have a question about tips for walking in the Lake District (or anything else travel or blogging-related) you can contact me over on Instagram or on my contact me page.

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

Other Lake District posts:

• BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District (2022 Guide)
• Adventure in the Lake District: 21 Best Activities (2022)
• Lake District Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide (2022)
• Best Breakfast in the Lake District: 10 Best Cafes (2022)
• What to Pack for the Lake District: Ultimate First Timer Guide
• Lake District Road Trip: 3 EPIC Routes (2022)

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