Easy Autumn Walks in the Lakes

Here in the Lake District, autumn is amazing. The fells are ablaze with red, orange and rust tones and the beautiful woodlands and forests are resplendent in their full autumnal glory.

With crispy, crunchy leaves underfoot, golden leaved chestnut trees heavy with conkers and vivid, fiery colours splashed across hills, mountains and valleys, a refreshing walk in the autumn countryside can do wonders for body, mind and soul.

So throw on those wellies or lace up those boots and get out and about in the amazing autumn scenery in the Lake District with these easy autumn walks for all the family.

1. Tarn Hows

This is a stone-cold classic Lake District walk for any time of year for all abilities and ages – but at autumn it’s simply breath-taking. There’s nearby parking at the National Trust’s Tarn Hows Car Park. The gravelled paths are accessible for those using Trampers or families with push chairs and there are ample benches dotted along this circular walk where you can sit and absorb the iconic views. Directions are not needed, simply follow the paths around the tarn in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction which take in waterside, woodland and open countryside walking – spectacular and not to be missed during the autumn months. Perfect for those staying in or near Coniston looking for an easy walk with very special scenery throughout.

2. High Dam

ancient woodland, pine forests and, if the weather conditions are in your favour, fairytale toadstools all feature in this easy-to-follow walk for all the family. From the dedicated car park at High Dam near Lakeside, Stott Park and The Bobbin Mill, at the southern end of Windemere, head uphill through woodland, continue past the smaller Low Dam before emerging at High Dam. You can then choose to walk this section in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction before retracing your steps back down the hill to the parking area.

3. Stock Ghyll Waterfalls, Ambleside (extendable to Wansfell Pike)

This easy, short walk can be completed from Ambleside village centre. Take the lane named Cheapside behind The Lion Hotel which leads onto Stockghyll Lane. Head uphill on Stockghyll Lane, go past Stockghyll Brow then shortly after, take the wide footpath on your left signposted to the waterfalls. There is a circular route through the woods and up to and behind the impressive waterfalls – at their very best during the autumn months. Those seeking a longer walk can take the iron gate on the right near the top of the falls back to Stockghyll Land to visit the viewpoint of Wansfell Pike. A stile on the right of Stockghyll Lane leads to a pitched stone path to the summit if Wansfell Pike where you’ll be treated to beautiful lake views of Windermere.

4. Loughrigg from White Moss

From White Moss Car Park on the A591 between Ambleside and Grasmere take the wide, gravelled footpath in the south west corner. Cross the footbridge over the River Rothay and head south through the woods to emerge on the main Rydal to Grasmere footpath. Turn left, then soon after take a right to take the footpath uphill. As it approaches the woods at Red Bank, the path switches back to head south-east and uphill towards the top of Loughrigg Fell. Once reached the views from the summit are simply incredible, thanks to its relative isolation from other hills,  particularly in autumn. You’ll be treated, weather permitting, to remarkable views of many major Lake District mountains including the Langdale Pikes, the Scafells, Helvellyn, and Coniston Old Man to name but a few.

Retrace your steps back to White Moss once you’re ready.

5. Castle Crag, Borrowdale

At around 5 miles, this is a slightly longer walk although most definitely worth the effort. The route takes in Castle Crag, the smallest of all the Wainwright fells – although if you don’t fancy the short, sharp ascent up the slate-strewn paths of Castle Crag you can simply leave this section out.

For those who do make the climb to the compact summit, the views of Derwent Water are divine.

Throughout the walk the scenery is spectacular and varied, encompassing open fellside with far-reaching views of one of the most beautiful of all Lake District valleys, as well as pretty woodland and picturesque riverside. A classic family-friendly walk in a stunning setting.

A full route description and map can be found here:

6. Raven Crag, Thirlmere

This is short walk, around 2 miles in total, but somewhat steep. The reward for the climb is a magnificent view of Thirlmere, Helvellyn and surrounding fells from the viewing platform at the top.  

The walk starts at the free roadside parking, just north of Thirlmere on the lane which runs along it’s western shore. What3Words: ///middle.talkative.divide

Take signposted footpath opposite the parking area and stay on the footpath as it climbs upwards through the forest. You’ll come to a forest track, at which pint turn left to follow the track towards Raven Crag – the dramatic slopes of which soon appears ahead.

After the track sweeps round to the right, keep your eyes peeled for the footpath branching off to the left. When you come to the gate at the top of this path, turn left to make the final ascent up some wooden steps to the viewing platform at the top of Raven Crag.