The ultimate guide to visiting the Lake District
Your 6-10 day Lake District itinerary, guide and map to help plan your perfect holiday
I’ve been visiting the Lake District for over 20 years and I still can’t get enough of it. From rugged mountain walks and peaceful lakeside strolls to log fire pubs and charming market towns, it’s easily one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend away or a full week of fell-walking and adventure, this guide has everything you need to get started. I’ve pulled together my favourite walks, top places to eat, and helpful tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
This is the guide I wish I had when I first started exploring the Lakes and it’s packed with all my best recommendations.
There’s a lot to see and do in the Lake District, and planning can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit.
That’s why I’ve broken this guide down into simple steps, starting with the basics and working through everything you need to know.
Just scroll through, follow the sections in order, and start building your dream trip.
What’s inside my free Lake District guide:
A full free 6 to 10 day itinerary (with shorter trip options)
The basic version of my digital map with pinned locations
Where to stay: hotels, campsites, hostels & holiday lets
The best hikes, towns, waterfalls, lakes and viewpoints to visit
Travel advice, FAQs, kit recommendations & more
Got a question about visiting the Lake District or planning your trip? Send me an email and I’ll get back to you asap. Get in touch
Planning your Lake District itinerary
There’s no single “right” way to explore the Lake District, whether you want to conquer big peaks, enjoy scenic drives, or simply relax by the water with a pub lunch, there’s something here for everyone.
To help make planning easier, I’ve created a full 6 - 10 day itinerary covering the best spots across the Lakes, but feel free to adapt it to your trip length and interests.
How many days do I need in the Lake District?
2–3 days – Great for a weekend break. Focus on one area like Ambleside & Grasmere or Keswick & Derwentwater and enjoy a couple of short walks (such as my favourite Elterwater to Chesters), a good pub or two, and some scenic drives.
4–5 days – Perfect for those who want to see a mix of areas and to try a few longer hikes such as Catbells, Helm Crag (Lion & the Lamb), Bow Fell or a lakeside walk around Elterwater.
7+ days – Gives you time to explore more remote valleys, take on multiple big peaks like Scafell Pike or Helvellyn, visit quieter lakes like Wastwater, and enjoy some downtime in lovely local villages such as Chapel Stile.
🌄 Planning a Lake District trip? Save time with my Lake District Guide & Digital Map – 18+ walks, cafes and travel tips all in one place.
Get the guideLake District planning tips (important stuff!)
Book accommodation in advance, especially during peak months (May - August and school holidays). The best campsites, cottages and hotels can get booked up fast.
If you’re travelling by campervan, plan your overnight stops in advance. Many lay-bys and car parks fill up by late afternoon and many are restricted meaning you can’t park there overnight - even in spring and autumn.
Campsites with electric hook-ups and shower facilities often book out early. I’d recommend booking in advance, especially if you’re relying on those extras.
Many attractions require pre-booking - things like boat rides, National Trust car parks, and popular restaurants can get busy in high season.
Signal can be patchy, especially in valleys like Langdale or Wasdale. Download your maps offline and save this guide as a PDF before you go.
I also recommend bringing a power bank to keep your phone and watch charged on long hikes or wild camping nights. I use the I use the USB-C 20,000 maH with 30W model (affiliate link) – lightweight and reliable. It charges my phone and watch when wild camping and is a great lightweight option when on the go.
The Lake District itinerary at a glance
Map of some of the key locations in the Lake District
The Lake District may be home to England’s highest mountains and deepest lakes, but everything is surprisingly close together.
Most towns, valleys, and walking areas are just 30 to 60 minutes apart by car, making it super easy to explore several areas even on a short trip.
You don’t have to stay in a new place every night. Base yourself in one or two locations such as Windermere or Keswick and explore inward from there, or build your own road trip loop with a few scenic overnight stops.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main regions and what each area is known for:
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The most popular starting point, with direct train links from Manchester and London. Great for boat trips, cafés, gift shops and sunset spots by the lake. Perfect for first-time visitors with plenty of easy walks.
View my Windermere guide here -
A charming town with mountain vibes, independent shops and access to some of the Lakes’ best lower-level walks (like Rydal Caves and Loughrigg Fell). It also has a range of hiking shops, cafés and even a cinema.
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A postcard-worthy village famous for Wordsworth, Gingerbread, and beautiful walks like Easedale Tarn. One of the best places for slower days and scenic ambles and one of the most picturesque places when it rains.
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Hiker’s heaven. This quieter valley is surrounded by dramatic peaks like Crinkle Crags, Pike o' Stickle and Bowfell and home to some legendary pubs. Elterwater is where I spent most of my years growing up and has some of the best hikes in the entire Lake District.
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A peaceful, remote valley with stunning lake walks and mountain routes. Drive the dramatic Honister Pass and hike up Haystacks or Fleetwith Pike if you’re after a long day in the mountains. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, give the Via Ferrata a go.
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The go-to base for northern Lakes adventures. Great for climbing Catbells, taking a boat trip around the lake, or enjoying a proper pub lunch after a hike. If you’re up for a morning hike up England’s third highest mountain, then you can also easily start your Skiddaw climb from Keswick too.
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Home to England’s highest mountain (Scafell Pike) and its deepest lake (Wastwater), this area is wild, remote and jaw-droppingly beautiful. A must for serious walkers, wild swimmers, paddle boarders and those who want to explore a famous part of the Lake District.
🗺️ Plan your perfect Lake District adventure
Save time and make the most of your visit with my downloadable Lake District Guide & Digital Map – the ultimate tool to help you explore England’s most beautiful national park with ease and confidence.
- 🥾 18+ handpicked walks with clear routes and local tips
- ☕️ My favourite cafes, restaurants, and scenic stops
- 📍 Digital Google Map with 100+ pinned locations
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer hiking trip, this guide helps you discover the best of the Lakes without the stress of endless research.
Getting to and around the Lake District National Park
By car, train, coach or bus, here’s how to get there and around once you’ve arrived.
The Lake District is one of the most accessible national parks in the UK. Whether you’re travelling by car, train or even bus, it’s easy to reach and explore.
🚆 By train
You can reach the Lake District by train via the West Coast main line. The main entry point is:
Windermere station - change at Oxenholme Lake District from most mainline services. From London, the train takes around 3-4 hours.
Other nearby stations include Penrith (for the northern Lakes), and Carlisle (for those heading west or north).
From Windermere, it’s easy to catch the 555 Stagecoach bus to Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick which runs regularly.
🚗 By car
Driving is the easiest way to get around the Lake District and gives you total freedom to reach remote valleys, trailheads and scenic spots.
From Manchester - around 1.5 to 2 hours
From London - about 5–6 hours
From Glasgow or Edinburgh - roughly 2.5 to 3 hours
There are decent A-roads into the region, but once inside, expect narrow lanes, steep passes and twisty roads (especially places like Honister Pass or Wrynose Pass). Drive slow and enjoy the views!
🅿️ Top tip: Car parks can fill up quickly, especially around popular walking spots such as Elterwater. Arrive early where possible and carry change or download the PayByPhone app. Don’t forget, if you’re a National Trust member, the NT carparks are free saving you around £7 for a days worth of parking so remember your card!
🚌 Car and van hire
Several car and van hire companies operate in the big cities around the Lakes and at all airports.
Avis Car Rental
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Europcar
Hertz Rent A Car
If you're planning to travel the Lake District in a campervan or motorhome, there are a number of hire companies that offer rental services.
Looking down at the Langdale Valley from Bowfell, my favourite mountain in the Lakes
Accommodation in the Lake District National Park
Where to stay in the Lake District, from campsites and hostels to luxury hotels and cosy cottages. There are also plenty of incredible Lake District Lodges to choose from too.
There’s no shortage of places to stay in the Lake District, whether you're looking for budget-friendly campsites, boutique hotels, or remote off-grid cabins. The key is booking early, especially in peak season (June–August and school holidays), as popular spots fill up fast.
You can either base yourself in one or two key towns and explore from there, or create your own mini road trip and stay somewhere new every couple of nights.
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Ideal for a comfortable base with meals, hot showers and a great location.
Top hotel bases:Ambleside – well-connected and packed with pubs, shops and restaurants
Grasmere – quieter and postcard-pretty, with several luxury options
Keswick – great for walkers, with access to the northern fells
Windermere/Bowness – ideal for first-timers and train travellers
Many traditional pub inns offer rooms upstairs with hearty breakfasts and drying rooms for wet gear – a big bonus!
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Look in places like:
Elterwater for the best central lakes experience. This is where I spent most of my childhood when visiting the Lakes.
Hawkshead and Coniston for peace and quiet
Langdale Valley if you’re here to hike
Ullswater for waterside retreats
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For budget travellers, adventurers, or those wanting to sleep under the stars, the Lakes has loads of brilliant campsites — and a growing number of glamping pods, yurts and bell tents.
Popular camping areas:
Great Langdale Campsite – surrounded by peaks
Wasdale Head Campsite – perfect for Scafell Pike
Low Wray Campsite – on the shores of Windermere
💡 Top tip: Book in advance, especially if you need an electric hook-up. Some sites now offer pre-pitched tents and pods, which are great for lighter travel.
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If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, check out YHA hostels, which are dotted around the Lakes. Most are in incredible locations, with shared kitchens and drying rooms. A few of the best include:
YHA Ambleside – right on the lake
YHA Borrowdale – remote and hiker-friendly
YHA Buttermere – close to some amazing fell walks
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Travelling by camper? You’ll find a mix of campsites and permitted overnight stops — just be aware that wild camping in vehicles is not officially allowed, and many lay-bys have “no overnight parking” signs.
🅿️ Park responsibly, leave no trace, and plan ahead — many of the best roadside spots fill up by mid-afternoon.
When looking for places to park our campervan for the night or recommended campsites, we used the app Park4Night which includes user reviews, facilities and prices.
This app was super helpful for finding hidden places to park. However, most people on the route were also using the same app, meaning a lot of the best places to stop were often busy by late afternoon.
My Lake District Itineraries
Thanks for making it this far down. Below you’ll find my main 6 - 7 itinerary but you can also view my other options depending on your length of stay. As mentioned above, you can either do any of these itineraries by staying in one location as the Lake District is fairly small, or you can stay in a new location on several of the nights to experience somewhere new.
Want shorter or longer? Choose from one of the additional options based on how long you have to travel.
🚙 6–7 Day Lake district road trip (Explore it all)
This 6-7 day itinerary is perfect for those wanting to visit the Lake District for a week’s holiday. It covers the main towns to visit, best pubs and scenic spots and also includes several of my favourite hikes. As mentioned above, you can choose to stay anywhere in the Lakes as it’s about 30-60min drive to most places, however I’d suggest you choose either Windermere or Keswick as there are plenty of restaurants, accommodation choices and easy routes to everything I recommend.
Quick reminder, the full downloadable version of this guide plus my detailed digital map with over 150 pinned locations can be found in my full guide here.
Day 1 – Windermere & Bowness
Windermere is a fantastic starting point for any Lake District trip. Both Windermere and Bowness offer the perfect mix of activity and relaxation whether you want to do short walks, cafe stops or sit by the lake in the sun. Bowness sits right on the edge of the lake, offering access to boat hire and cruises, while Windermere sits slightly uphill, with a more traditional feel and a collection of charming shops, cafés, gift shops and pubs. It’s ideal for first-timers or those arriving by train, and there’s no better way to kick off your trip than with lakeside views and a sunset hike.
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There are many great short and long walks from Windermere and Bowness.
Checkout my guide here for some of my favourite walks. -
Boat trip: You can hire rowing boats or motor boats from Bowness Pier. Prices start from around £25 per hour for a small motorboat or £15 for a rowing boat (check Windermere Lake Cruises, or Bowness Boat Hire).
Lakeside walk: Check out my short walks from Windermere guide for some of my favourite short trails from Windermere.
Orrest Head: A popular viewpoint with fantastic sunset views over Windermere – short and steep but worth it. Checkout my Orrest Head guide here.
School Knott walk: For a quieter alternative, try the walk to School Knott – peaceful and with amazing views.
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Breakfast/Lunch: Head to Homeground Café – my all-time favourite spot for incredible breakfasts and brunches.
Ice cream: Try The Little Ice Cream Shop – great for a post-walk treat.
Dinner: The Angel Inn offers a brilliant pub dinner with great outdoor seating.
The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant – Lakeside setting with views over Windermere
The Fizzy Tarte – Classy cocktail bar and café for a treat
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Arrive by car or train. Trains run direct from Manchester and also via London.
Google maps link
Day 2 – Ambleside & Rydal
Ambleside is one of the Lake District’s best-loved towns, popular with walkers and coffee-lovers. It is one of my favourite places to explore and eat. Its charming streets are packed with independent shops, outdoor gear stores, and excellent cafés. Just a short walk or drive away, you’ll find scenic spots like Stock Ghyll Force and Rydal Caves, making this day a great balance between a town day and light hikes.
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Long hikes:
The Fairfield Horseshoe, a classic fell walk in the Lake District, England. It offers stunning views of the surrounding fells, Lake Windermere and the central fells, plus it is a popular route for experienced walkers at just over 17km ling. My guide covers, the route, things to plan, kit list, how to get there and help you prepare for your own walk.
Walk to Rydal Caves: A scenic walk from Ambleside with beautiful views and an impressive cave system.
Short hikes:
Stock Ghyll Force: A lovely short walk to a waterfall right behind the town centre.
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Explore Ambleside’s shops and cafés.
Rydal Hall
Windermere Lake Cruises
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The Apple Pie Café – Famous for fresh bakes and chunky apple pie
Rattle Ghyll Café – Great veggie options and a local favourite
Zeffirellis – Pizza, pasta and an attached cinema
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It’s a short 30-minute drive from Windermere, but in summer, aim to leave before 9:30am to avoid heavy traffic.
Day 3 – Elterwater & Langdale Valley
The Langdale Valley is a paradise for hikers and a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the quieter, more dramatic side of the Lakes. Surrounded by rugged fells, the valley offers everything from big mountain days to gentle walks along stone-walled lanes and rivers. The village of Elterwater is a great starting point, with easy access to trails and a cosy pub for after your walk.
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Long hike options:
Short hike option: A gentle riverside walk from Elterwater to Chesters Café at Skelwith Bridge, flat, scenic and great for all abilities.
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Explore the villages of Elterwater and Chapel Stile
Visit Slates Coffee shop
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Grab a pub meal at The Britannia Inn (my fav pub in the Lakes) in Elterwater, a proper hiker’s pub with cosy vibes.
Chesters Café – Stylish riverside café with top-tier veggie and brunch options. This is a short walk from Elterwater and one of my favourites.
Wainwrights' Inn – Traditional fell walkers' pub with local ales
Slates Coffee & Kitchen – A solid stop for coffee or a light lunch nearby
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It’s a short 30-40 minute drive from Windermere and about 45min from Keswick, but in summer, aim to leave before 9:30am to avoid heavy traffic.
🌿 Your complete Lake District travel companion
Discover the best of the Lakes with my Lake District Guide & Digital Map – a must-have for anyone planning their next adventure in one of the UK’s most iconic regions.
- 🏞️ Detailed itineraries for weekend breaks and week-long trips
- 🍰 Local favourites — cosy cafes, restaurants and viewpoints I love
- 🧭 Step-by-step route notes with parking and map links included
Perfect for walkers, foodies and explorers alike – everything you need to plan a smooth, unforgettable trip in one handy download.
Day 4 – Grasmere
Grasmere is one of the most photogenic and charming villages in the Lake District. Known for its literary connections (it was home to William Wordsworth), Grasmere also offers beautiful walks, tearooms, and quirky shops. It’s a brilliant place to slow down for a day and soak in the peaceful Lakeland atmosphere.
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Short walk: Hike up Helm Crag (also known as the Lion and the Lamb) – great views and a manageable climb.
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Visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – it’s tiny, but the gingerbread is legendary.
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Baldry’s Tearoom – Famous for cakes and proper English tea
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – Grab a pack as a souvenir (or snack!)
The Jumble Room – Eclectic décor, amazing food – booking essential
Tweedies Bar – Great beer garden and relaxed gastropub-style menu
Heidi’s Café – Ideal for a light breakfast or takeaway lunch box
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It’s a short 25-30 minute drive from Windermere and about 20 min from Keswick, but in summer, aim to leave before 9:30am to avoid heavy traffic.
Quick travel tip
Download the offline map for the Lake District on Google maps as the signal throughout the journey is hit and miss, so you may not always have internet connection. I’d also recommend getting a power bank to ensure you’ve got plenty of charge throughout, I use the USB-C 20,000 maH with 30W model.
Day 5 – Coniston Water
Coniston Water offers a perfect blend of tranquillity, outdoor adventure, local history, and refreshment spots—all within easy reach of your base. Whether you're paddling on the lake, hiking up the Old Man of Coniston, or simply soaking in the view, this day is relaxed yet fulfilling.
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Walk up the Old Man of Coniston
Iconic peak offering sweeping views of the lake and fells.
Route: Start from the village; roundtrip is approx. 4–6 miles (6–9 km) depending on route.
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Morning paddle or boat trip on Coniston Water
Choose from kayak/canoe hire at Coniston Boating Centre or scenic trips aboard the historic Steam Yacht “Gondola”.
Typical self-hire rates: £10–15/hr; Gondola cruises: ~£8–15 per person.
Optionally visit Tarn Hows
A short drive away, this easy 1-mile circuit around a beautiful tarn is perfect for a slow afternoon stroll.
Explore Hawkshead
Charming nearby village with historic lanes, quaint shops, and literary ties to Beatrix Potter.
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Bluebird Café – Lakeside spot servings fresh coffee, breakfast and light bites, with lovely outdoor seating.
Ruskins View Café at Coniston Boating Centre – Great for brunch, cakes and scenic views over the water.
The Warming Hole – Cosy tearoom offering hot drinks, soups, and simple seasonal meals.
The Black Bull Inn (Coniston) – Traditional pub with hearty mains, local ales, and a snug atmosphere.
Sun Inn (Hawkshead) – Character-filled pub with a varied menu, real ales, and wine options.
Waterside Café & Gallery (Hawkshead) – Artistic café perfect for lunch and browsing local crafts.
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It’s a 30 minute drive from Windermere and about 50 minute from Keswick
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Day 6 – Keswick & Derwentwater
Keswick is one of the best all-round bases in the northern Lakes. Set beside the beautiful Derwentwater and surrounded by peaks, it offers great walking, plenty of shops and cafés, and easy access to Catbells – one of the most beloved short hikes in the area.
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Catbells, a short but iconic fell with brilliant views.
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Visit the Keswick market and browse the shops.
Take a Derwentwater boat tour – hop-on-hop-off style with multiple landing points.
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Fellpack – Top-rated for hearty meals with a modern twist
The Square Orange – Tapas and craft beer in a quirky setting
Treeby & Bolton Café – Great lunches inside an art gallery
The Dog & Gun – Famous for its goulash and classic pub charm
Java Coffee Shop – Great stop for coffee and cake pre- or post-hike
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It’s a 40 minute drive from Windermere.
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Day 7 – Glenridding & Ullswater
Your final day takes you to the eastern edge of the Lake District and one of its most stunning lakes – Ullswater. The village of Glenridding is the perfect launchpad for a big mountain adventure or a peaceful paddle. Whether you're up for the challenge of Helvellyn or just want to cruise the lake by boat, it's a brilliant place to end your trip.
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Hike Helvellyn via the famous Striding Edge and Swirral Edge – a bucket list hike for many.
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Visit the picturesque village of Glenridding, right on the shore of Ullswater.
For something more relaxed, take a steamer boat cruise on Ullswater or enjoy a lakeside coffee before heading home.
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The Inn on the Lake – Lakeside terrace with stunning views
Helvellyn Country Kitchen – Local café with strong coffee and breakfast options
Fellbites Café – Great lunch stop after a hike
Ramblers Bar – Traditional pub attached to the Glenridding Hotel
The Royal Hotel, Dockray (near Aira Force) – Cosy pub with comfort food classics
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A 30 min drive from Windermere and a 45 min drive from Keswick by car.
Downloadable Lake District Guide & Digital Map
Hey, thanks for making it this far down. My downloadable Lake District guide and digital map contains all the information you need to plan your own Lake District adventure, including tips, must-visit spots, cosy accommodation, and the fun activities I enjoyed on my Lake District adventure.
It comes with am exclusive Google map with over 100+ recommended locations including attractions, cafes, campsites, beaches, accommodation, places to visit plus much more! This is only available to Roam with Ross customers. You can access this map from your phone via Google Maps and plan your route accordingly.
Feeling overwhelmed with trip planning? Don’t worry! I've organised this guide in a step-by-step format to make your Lake District trip simple
FAQs
1. When is the best time to visit the Lake District?
The best months are May to October. May and June offer long daylight hours and quieter trails. July and August are warmer but busier. September brings stunning autumn colours. Winter visits can be magical too — just be ready for rain and shorter days.
2. Do I need a car to explore the Lake District?
Having a car gives you more flexibility, especially for visiting remote valleys and trailheads. That said, many places are accessible via train and bus — especially towns like Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick and Grasmere.
3. Is the Lake District dog-friendly?
Yes! Most pubs, cafés, and even some buses and boats welcome well-behaved dogs. Just keep them on a lead around livestock and in busier areas.
4. Are there easy walks for beginners or families?
Absolutely. Try:
Tarn Hows – short and flat
Buttermere lake circuit
Orrest Head – a gentle climb with great views
Elterwater to Chesters – riverside and peaceful
5. Can I swim in the lakes?
Yes – wild swimming is allowed in most lakes, including Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston, Buttermere, and Derwentwater. Just be cautious of boats, cold temperatures, and always swim with a buddy if possible.
6. Is wild camping allowed in the Lake District?
Technically it’s not legal without permission, but discreet wild camping on the fells is often tolerated if you:
Camp high, out of sight
Arrive late, leave early
Leave no trace
Avoid roadside or lake-edge wild camping in busy areas.
7. Where can I charge my phone or devices?
If you’re camping or walking all day, bring a portable power bank (20,000mAh recommended). Cafés and pubs are generally happy to let you charge devices if you ask politely.
8. Is there phone signal and Wi-Fi?
Signal is good in towns like Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick, but can be very patchy in valleys like Langdale, Wasdale and Buttermere. Download offline maps before heading out.
9. Are the roads difficult to drive?
Main roads are fine, but expect narrow, winding lanes, especially in places like Honister Pass, Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass. Drive slowly, watch for sheep, and don’t rely solely on sat-nav.
10. Do I need hiking boots?
Yes – especially if you're heading into the fells. Even “easy” walks can be muddy, rocky or slippery. Waterproof boots with good grip are a must. For low-level paths and town strolls, trainers are fine.
11. What is the Lake District weather like?
Like all parts of the UK, our weather can sometimes be a little unpredictable. And in the Lake District, it’s even more unpredictable, so make you sure you have a layer that can protect you from the wind and ideally rain, no matter how sunny the day looks. Remember, the weather on the ground won’t be the same high on top of the fell.
12. Lake District Things to Do
Whether you like hiking, exploring, swimming, shopping or a nice day out around a National Trust castle, there are so many things to see and do in the Lake District. Checkout my full guide above for over 150 suggestions.
Kit list for traveling around the Lake District
As mentioned, it's essential to bring the right kit especially if you’re planning a few walks. Here's a list of essential items to bring. Quick note, this section contains affiliate links which, when clicked and an item is purchased, I’ll get a very small percentage of the final sale from Amazon. This helps me afford to continue building these free resources and to help more people plan their next adventure. Thanks!!
Sturdy walking boots and socks with good ankle support
You can get a decent pair of boots from Cotswold Outdoors, Mountain Warehouse or Blacks. You don’t need to spend a load of money, but anything with ankle support should do the job. I have the Scarpa Rush TRK Gore-Tex boots and they are fantastic!
Hiking socks: I personally use Smartwool merino wool socks which are incredibly comfy, help keep my feet dry
Daypack: when out walking in the Lakes, I always take my Osprey Talon 44L bag. I recommend the Osprey daypacks such as the Talon range for men and Tempest range for woman.
Waterproof jacket and trousers - even in the summer, taking a waterproof jacket that offers protection from the wind is key
You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but if you are going to be hiking often then investing in a good waterproof may be a good idea
Warm layers
Fleece - My go-to warm layer - Patagonia R1 Fleece
Warm gloves or mittens: I personally use the Rab Mens Pivot GTX Gloves and these worked well on my recent winter hiking trips.
Lightweight Gloves: For lower hills I recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. I personally use the Sealskinz unisex waterproof gloves if it is raining and the Montane Prism gloves if it is dry but windy (they are lighter and a little more comfy.
Neck bandana or scarf: For the chilly days on the mountain, I recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana. I recommend the Buff unisex bandana.
Map and compass (and the ability to use them)
Trekking poles: Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. I recommend adjustable Black Diamond or Leki trekking poles
Food and water
Kendal Mint Cake is my favourite snack for any walk and is a famous snack still made in the Lake District
Water bladder / bottles: When out in the fells, I aim to drink at least 1L of water. I recommend the Osprey 2 litre water badder which can be used in most backpacks.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray
First aid kit - a small mix of plasters, Savalon (for bites and stings) and antiseptic wipes will do
Head torch: You will need a head torch with a decent power for any trips to the loo and more importantly the summit hike. I personally use a Petzl ACTIK® 600 CORE which is affordable and has a decent battery life. You’ll also need spare batteries as the cold will drain them quicker.
Mobile phone (with a full battery) + portable charger.
I recommend any Anker Power Bank as they are reliable and well made. I use the USB-C 10,000 maH with 20W model. It charges my phone and watch when wild camping and is a great lightweight option
Maps and guidebooks
The Lake District route is well sign-posted, however, a downloaded version of both your route and itinerary is helpful (don’t forget to download this guide as a PDF here)
Camera and/or binoculars
The views are INCREDIBLE. I took hundreds of photos throughout the trip, which can be seen here or if you’d prefer a video, you can watch my Lake District videos here
View my other Lake District guides and resources
Have a question about visiting the Lake District or planning your trip?
Send me a message using the below form and I’ll get back to you in the next 48 hours
Lake District
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Lake District 〰️