Lake District Circuit

Walk Overview

The Lake District Circuit is a circular walk starting and finishing in the lively lakeside town of Ambleside. It is, arguably, the best long-distance Lakeland walk as it focuses entirely on the true heart of the Lake District and visits many of the most famous beauty spots. The path follows mountain pass routes used by ancient drovers (thus making summits optional) and takes in all the major valleys, lakes and attractive villages.

The Lake District is England’s only true mountain region with lush green valleys and deep lakes radiating from a central massif. The impressive valleys are linked by remote mountain passes which provide spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The Lake District Circuit hones in on this central mountainous region. So, rugged peaks are your constant companions including the famed Old Man of Coniston, the jagged Skiddaw, the brooding Helvellyn and England’s highest mountain - the mighty Scafell Pike.

The majesty of these mountains is balanced by the serenity of the valleys and lakes, and this walk visits the area’s most iconic lakes including Coniston Water, Ullswater, Derwentwater, Elterwater, Windermere and England’s deepest lake- Wastwater. Coniston Water inspired several writers and artists including Beatrix Potter, Arthur Ransome and John Ruskin.

Walkers also pass through traditional Lakeland villages such as Coniston, Buttermere, Patterdale and Grasmere. The English poet William Wordsworth lived at Dove Cottage in Grasmere and then, subsequently, Rydal Mount in nearby Rydal. Both homes are now excellent public museums.

The outdoor activities hub of Keswick is a popular spot for a rest day as there is so much to do there. Aside from the multitude of adrenaline-inducing activities, Keswick is home to many hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, theatre, galleries and museums.

The Lake District Circuit covers 119 kilometres (74 miles) and is typically completed in about six days of walking. Your total trip duration then depends on whether you incorporate rest days into the walk and, if so, how many.

Further information:

• A six day itinerary is described below.

• The itinerary involves an average daily walking distance of 19 kilometres (12 miles).

• For more information on walking in The Lake District, click the button below.

Itinerary

The walk takes about 6 days to complete. A typical 6 day itinerary is shown below.

Day 1

Ambleside to Coniston

Distance: 16 km

Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast; camping

Day 2

Coniston to Boot

Distance: 21 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

Day 3

Boot to Buttermere

Distance: 21 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast; camping

Walk Options

Guided

Currently there are no tour operators offering the Lake District Circuit as a guided trip. However, there are tour operators offering similar walks on a guided basis.

Some guided tour operators provide accommodation at one central base (usually spacious and comfortable) with walkers being transferred to a different section of the walk each day. Others utilise the available accommodation along the route, meaning the accommodation is more variable.

Typically, the package offered by the guided tour operators includes:

• Walking tour with professional guides

• Accommodation

• All meals

• Transfers between the path and the accommodation (where applicable)

Assisted self-guided

Several tour operators offer the Lake District Circuit (or a very similar walk) as a self-guided trip.

Typically, the service includes:

• Track notes, maps and information pack

• Accommodation, usually with ensuites (the range and quantity of accommodation available in some villages is limited; also, the basic package offered by some tour operators might not always extend to ensuites)

• Luggage transport between accommodation (and sometimes, where necessary, vehicle transfers between track and accommodation)

• Breakfasts and optional packed lunches

• 24/7 support

The duration of the self-guided options varies depending upon how far you wish to walk each day. Accommodation options range from comfortable through to luxury, again depending upon the size of the village or town and the purchased package.

Independent

There are camping grounds along the route that make camping on all or most nights a possibility. It’s also quite feasible to book accommodation along the route yourself and, if you require luggage transfers, to arrange that independently.

For those considering this option, it’s worth noting that the self-guided tour operators often have preferred rates with accommodation providers and luggage transfer companies. They also often have reserved allocations at the best-located/most suitable accommodation for the particular walk, so sometimes when accommodation shows no availability to an independent inquiry there’s still availability through a self-guided operator.

Essential Information

Access

The start and finish for the Lake District Circuit is Ambleside in the county of Cumbria. 

Ambleside is readily accessible by public transport. 

There are regular trains between London’s Euston station and Windermere. Visitors then take a bus from Windermere to Ambleside (and the buses are regular).

Best time

The best time to do the walk is between April and October.

In the Spring months of April and May, the countryside is very green and adorned with abundant wildflowers. The summer months are ideal as it rarely gets too warm for walking and the long evenings provide plenty of opportunity for relaxation. The autumn months of September and October are also very pleasant - walker numbers are down and the weather is still fine for walking. 

In the high season, some self-guided tour operators do not permit a start date on a Friday or Saturday due to accommodation restrictions in Ambleside.

Difficulty

This walk is rated at a difficulty level of moderate. It includes some rocky mountainous terrain and several steep ascents and descents. The route is reasonably easy to follow as long as you keep the track notes to hand.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options at Ambleside and, generally, plenty along the way. Accommodation options range from camping, hostels and basic B&B’s to luxury hotels.

Many of the accommodation providers near to the track are attuned to walkers’ needs or offer amenities suited to walkers.  

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Dining

We can assist you in choosing some special dining options along the route.

Other activities

As a popular tourist destination, the Lake District offers many attractions in addition to the Lake District Circuit.

Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can explore these other attractions. Some walkers will do that through rest days along the trail; others prefer ‘add-ons’ at the end of the walk. Some do both!

Coniston and Keswick are popular spots for extra days as they offer many activities. In Coniston, there are boat trips on Coniston Water, the climb to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston and museums linked to literary figures such as Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and John Ruskin. Keswick is a hive of activity including boat trips on Derwentwater, museums, art galleries, a theatre by the lake and walks including Castlerigg Stone Circle and Mt. Skiddaw.

It’s worth noting that Keswick hosts its annual Keswick Mountain Festival in mid-May. This festival involves live music, sporting events, various outdoor activities and guest speakers. The festival is a popular event so Keswick is quite crowded during this time.

We can assist walkers to explore the many attractions of the Lake District.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.