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The Lake District is beautiful any time of year, but in the colder months, a frosty hike in the clean, crisp air of the lakes is an experience on another level. Here are the best walks that can easily be done in winter.

Winter is a great time to walk in the Lake District.

Paths are covered with a carpet of frost and mountain tops and blanketed in snow. The whole area looks magical.

It’s also the quietest time of year to visit.

Not all the trails in the Lake District are suitable for winter walking. Some are too high and exposed; others will have you stomping through the mud.

So, we’ve picked out a few of our favourite Lake District walks that should be fine in most conditions.

We also include the pubs you can visit for a cosy pint along the way.

1. BUTTERMERE

Distance – 7.5km | How long – 2 hr | Elevation – 80m

Buttermere is one of our favourite walks in the Lake District and a great option in winter.

The two-hour walk circles the lake on an easy trail that should never be too muddy. It’s also very beautiful, with pristine reflections of the surrounding mountains illuminating the water.

This is a great walk for families with plenty of facilities on route.

Croft House Farm Café is a great option for lunch, and the homemade ice cream from Skye’s Farm is ideal for a post-walk treat.

After the hike, have a pint at the charming Bridge Inn.

Map – Download our Buttermere hike map to take with you.

2. RYDAL WATER

Distance – 4.7km | How long – 1.5 hr | Elevation – 200m

Rydal Water is a beautiful lake with a lovely circular trail.

The walk includes a cave, a stop at the manicured gardens of Rydal Hall and a lovely woodland area. If you have some time, this walk covers some of the best things to do in the Lake District.

It could be a little wet underfoot in the wooded area if there has been rain, but otherwise, this is a great walk in winter.

After the walk, we recommend a pint at the Badgers Bar to warm up.

Map – Download our Rydal Water Map to take with you.

3. LOUGHRIGG

Distance – 8km | How long – 2.5hr | Elevation – 360m

Loughrigg is a great mountain walk if you’re up for a bit more of a challenge to get some great views.

The walk is around 8 kilometres and should take 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the top. The total elevation is 360 metres, but the views are worth it.

Lakes and tarns stretch off in all directions, pretty villages sit under its flanks, and higher mountains form an amphitheatre around it.

The walk starts and finishes in Grasmere, so we’d suggest a pint at the Traveller’s Rest.

Grasmere is a great accommodation option if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the Lake District.

Map – Download our Loughrigg map to find the trail.

4. CASTLE CRAG

Distance – 5.5km | How long – 1.5hr | Elevation – 170m

This lovely, easy walk is beautiful to do in winter.

Moss-covered dry-stone walls glisten in the low light, and the short climb to the top has wonderful views of Borrowdale.

The path sticks close to a river so it’s mostly flat and easy to navigate. A lovely forest section might be a bit wet underfoot, so boots would be a good idea, otherwise, it should be very achievable in all conditions.

After the walk, make our way to Borrowdale for a pint at the Royal Oak Hotel.

Map – Download our Castle Crag map.

5. TARN HOWS

Distance – 3.2km | How long – 1hr | Elevation – 80m

Tarn Hows is a quick circular walk on a paved and well-marked path that skirts the edge of the lake.

This is a great one for families with plenty of facilities, including a café, toilets and a National Trust van that can answer any questions about the area. .

The views on the walk of the Langdale Pikes in the distance are stunning. As you can see from the picture below, they were covered in snow when we were there last.

Map – download the National Trust Tarn Hows map.

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