7 of the best moderate hikes in the Lake District National Park
Walking is easily the best way to enjoy the incredible mountain scenery and landscape that the Lake District National Park has to offer.
With 214 fells, 197 tarns, and thousands of miles of of paths, tracks, and trails to choose from, there are a bounty of routes available for walkers of all ages and abilities.
Unfortunately the abundance of choice can sometimes make deciding which route to pick seem slightly overwhelming.
In this blog I share 7 of my favourite moderate hikes in the Lake District National Park.
I would characterise these hikes to be challenging, involving a good amount of elevation gain over steeper sections of terrain.
A proper hiking app (or a map and compass), appropriate footwear, and the correct clothing will be needed to tackle these walks.
At a glance
Rannerdale Knotts, Buttermere
Glenridding Dodd, Ullswater
Raven Crag, Thirlmere
Angletarn Pikes, Patterdale
Catbells, Derwentwater
Gowbarrow Fell and Aria force
Black Combe, Broughton in Furness
Rannerdale Knotts
Hike type: Loop
Hike distance: 4.5km
Elevation gain: 300m
Hike time: 2 hours
Parking: National Trust Buttermere
One of the less challenging walks on this list.
This short loop takes you up to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts which affords you terrific views over Crummock Water and down the Buttermere valley towards Fleetwith Pike.
I’d recommend tackling this route in an anticlockwise direction as the climb is more gentle.
You will also finish off your walk off by skirting around the edge of Crummock Water, which is a delightfully tranquil spot to go for a wild swim to cool off.
During the spring there is also a hidden valley of Bluebells situated behind Rannerdale Knotts which you can scramble down from the summit to visit.
Glenridding Dodd, Ullswater
Hike type: Loop
Hike distance: 5.5km
Elevation gain: 385m
Hike time: 2-3 hours
This peak gives unprecedented and unobstructed views over the entirety of Ullswater.
The route starts from the delightful Glencoyne Bay on the shores of Ullswater. The car park is across the road from a tranquil shoreline which perfect for wild swimming post hike.
You also avoid the mad crowds which can swarm on Glenridding during the summer months.
Because of these views, Glenridding Dodd or Glencoyne Bay are a great choice for sunrise.
Raven Crag, Thirlmere
Hike Type: Out (up) and back
Hike distance: 3.2km
Elevation gain: 262m
Hike time: 1.5-2 hours
Parking: ///deserved.rehearsed.initiates
Short but savagely steep, if your in a rush and want epic views then Raven Crag is a sure bet.
The summit affords you a terrific view looking south over Thirlmere and is a great choice for sunrise or sunset.
The route climbs sharply through the forest from the outset, it levels out briefly for around 100m before kicking again for a short push to the summit.
Parking is a tricky one as the road which leads to the base of the trail is closed due to it undergoing emergency road maintenance caused by a landslide.
Angle Tarn Pikes, Patterdale
Hike type: Out and back
Hike distance: 8km
Elevation gain: 471m
Hike time: 3 hours
Parking: White Lion Inn, Patterdale
Angle Tarn is and enchanting glacial lake situated above the village of Patterdale and was described by described by Alfred Wainwright as 'the best of Lakeland tarns'.
Situated at an altitude of 500m, the tarn is enveloped by the Lake Districts majestical mountainous terrain with the best views coming from the 567m high Angletarn pikes.
The lake itself contains two rocky islands and its shoreline extremely popular with wild campers due to its sheltered location and picturesque views.
Parking is available in front of the Patterdale Hotel (£4 for 24 hours) and from here it’s a 4km hike up to the Tarn.
Catbells, Derwentwater
Hike type: Out and back
Hike distance: 4km
Elevation gain: 364m
Hike time: 2 hours
Parking: ///sonic.lifestyle.storyline
A classic hike which features in pretty much every ‘best hikes in the lake district’ guide.
It does so for good reason, situated just outside of Keswick the views from the summit over Derwentwater and towards Skiddaw and Blencathra are sensational.
The undulating peak is easy to access and not that difficult to climb, especially when there are several flat sections which allow you to catch your breath and take in the scenery.
Although I would recommend hiking all the way to the summit, you only have to make the short 750m walk up to Skellgill Bank, which is the first of the hills viewpoints, in order to be granted great views
As there is limited parking at the base, I would get here early or late to avoid the crowds.
Green Hill, Gowbarrow Fell, and Aria Force
Hike type: Loop
Hike distance: 5.6km
Elevation gain: 363m
Hike time: 2-3 hours
Parking: Park Brow Car Park or Aira Force Car Park
Another peak on the shores of Ullswater which offers incredible mountain vistas.
Green hill only sits at an elevation of 443m but it certainly packs a punch, offering terrific views over Ullswater alongside some incredible mountain vistas.
Although you don’t get a full view of Ullswater like that from Glenridding Dodd, you are treated to a great view looking east towards Pooley Bridge and south west towards the Helvellyn Range.
There is no trig point for this peak and the terrain of the hill is very undulating and lumpy meaning it can be hard to find. The good news is there are plenty of spots on the hill which offer great views over the lake.
This loop which also ties in a visit to Gowbarrow fell is incredibly varied, calling by both Aria and High Force, which are two of the most popular waterfalls in the Lake District.
There are two options for parking as Aria Force can get extremely busy.
Black Combe, Broughton in Furness
Hike type: Out and back
Hike distance: 7km
Elevation gain: 560m
Hike time: 2.5-4 hours
Parking: St Mary's Church
Situated on the coast in south-west corner of the Lake District, this 600m peak is a bit of an under visited and under appreciated gem of the National Park.
Because Black Combe stands in some 10 miles away from any higher ground, the view from from its isolated summit is unique, offering a terrific 360 degree panoramic view of land and sea on a clear day.
Half the view is the glittering sea, with the Isle of Man seen clearly to the west, and the hills of Wales and Scotland seen as shadowy silhouettes.
Free parking is available at St Marys church and from the car park its a steady 3.5km plod up to the summit.
On the way up to Black Combe
So there we have it, seven of the best moderate walks in the Lake District National Park.
If I had to pick a favourite it would be Raven Crag closely followed by Cat Bells.
What are your thoughts on the blog post and these hikes? Let me know in the comments below.
If you did find it helpful, I’d appreciate you giving it a share or giving me a follow on social media, every bit of support goes a long way.
You can find more Lake District inspiration in the following blogs;
The best viewpoints in the Lake District - 12 easy to access locations
The hardest hikes in the Lake District National Park - 14 challenging routes
35 of the best hikes in the Lake district - From beginner to advanced
You can find more hiking inspiration in the following blogs
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