The Lake District offers some of the finest dog walking in Britain. From gentle lakeside strolls to challenging fell climbs, woodland trails to waterfall walks, there's something for every dog and owner. The landscape here was made for walking, and dogs are welcome almost everywhere.
Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max and Molly have walked hundreds of Lake District miles between them. They've climbed Catbells at dawn, paddled in Tarn Hows on hot summer afternoons, and explored forest trails in every season. This guide shares our favourite routes along with everything you need to know about walking with dogs in this magnificent national park.
For places to stay near these walks, see our guide to dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District, and for refreshments afterwards, check out the best dog-friendly pubs.
Understanding Lake District Walks
Lake District walks broadly fall into these categories:
Lakeside walks: Relatively flat routes around or alongside the major lakes. Good for all fitness levels and often suitable for pushchairs.
Forest and woodland walks: Grizedale, Whinlatter and Dodd Wood offer miles of trails, often with good surfaces and the bonus of fewer sheep.
Low fell walks: Smaller hills that offer views without requiring serious climbing. Perfect introductions to fell walking.
Fell walks: Proper mountain walks requiring fitness, appropriate gear and navigation skills. The views are worth the effort.
Waterfall walks: Routes to the Lake District's many spectacular waterfalls, varying from short strolls to longer expeditions.
Easy Walks (Under 3 Miles, Minimal Climbing)
Tarn Hows
Perhaps the most photographed spot in the Lake District, and deservedly popular. This circular walk around a beautiful tarn offers mountain views without the climbing.
- Distance: 1.5 miles circular
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Well-maintained paths, suitable for pushchairs
- Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Parking: National Trust car park (free for members), LA22 0QE
- Dog notes: Dogs can swim in the tarn. Watch for other walkers on busy days.
The walk circles the tarn through mixed woodland with views towards the Langdale Pikes and Helvellyn. Red squirrels are often spotted here. For refreshments afterwards, the Drunken Duck Inn is a short drive away and welcomes dogs.
Extend it: Take the path down to Tom Gill waterfall, or climb up to Black Crag for panoramic views.
Stock Ghyll Force
A quick waterfall walk from the centre of Ambleside through beautiful woodland.
- Distance: 1 mile return
- Difficulty: Easy with some steps
- Terrain: Woodland paths, can be muddy
- Time: 30 to 45 minutes
- Parking: Rydal Road car park, Ambleside, LA22 9AY
- Dog notes: Keep on lead near steep drops. Can be busy at peak times.
The 70-foot double waterfall is spectacular after rain. The walk starts right from Ambleside town centre, making it perfect for a quick leg stretch before or after exploring the town.
Extend it: Continue up through Stock Ghyll Woods and climb to Wansfell for stunning views over Windermere.
Buttermere Lake Circuit
One of the most beautiful easy walks in the Lake District, circling Buttermere with minimal climbing.
- Distance: 4.5 miles circular
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Good paths, some rocky sections, one tunnel
- Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Parking: National Trust car park, Buttermere village, or Gatesgarth
- Dog notes: Some sheep, especially spring. Dogs can swim in the lake.
The walk offers constantly changing views of the surrounding fells reflected in the crystal-clear lake. Look out for Sourmilk Gill waterfall tumbling down from Bleaberry Tarn. The short tunnel section is an adventure in itself.
After your walk: The Fish Hotel and Bridge Hotel in Buttermere village both welcome dogs.
Rydal Water Circuit
A gentle walk around one of the smaller lakes with Wordsworth connections.
- Distance: 3 miles circular
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Good paths, some road walking
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Parking: White Moss Common car park
- Dog notes: Dogs can swim. On lead near road sections and Rydal Hall.
This walk passes Rydal Cave (an old quarry accessed via stepping stones), offers swimming opportunities, and connects two pretty villages. The views across the lake to the fells are lovely.
Extend it: Continue to Grasmere for a longer walk through the Wordsworth heartlands.
Derwentwater Lakeside Path
Walk along the shores of Derwentwater with views of Catbells and the surrounding fells.
- Distance: Various (up to 10 miles for full circuit)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Good paths, some road walking
- Time: Variable
- Parking: Multiple options in Keswick
- Dog notes: Some sections have sheep. Dogs welcome on Keswick Launch.
You can walk the full circuit or use Keswick Launch to do sections. Friars Crag offers a famous viewpoint just a short walk from Keswick, while the full circuit takes you through varied landscapes including woodland, lakeshore and farmland.
Moderate Walks (3 to 6 Miles, Some Climbing)
Catbells
The classic Lake District fell walk, and many people's introduction to the Wainwrights. The views are spectacular and the sense of achievement immense. If you only climb one fell, make it this one.
- Distance: 3 to 5 miles depending on route
- Difficulty: Moderate with one short scramble
- Terrain: Fell paths, rocky summit section
- Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Parking: Limited roadside near Hawes End (arrive early), or start from Keswick
- Dog notes: Final scramble requires care with dogs. Some may need lifting on steeper sections.
The ridge walk offers panoramic views of Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite, and the surrounding fells. The short scramble near the summit is manageable for most dogs but take care with smaller breeds or those unfamiliar with rocky terrain. I've climbed Catbells with all six of ours, and the dogs generally handle the scramble better than some of the humans.
Starting points: The most popular start is from the roadside parking near Hawes End. This fills very early on sunny weekends, often by 8am. Alternatives include starting from Keswick (adding distance but solving parking), or taking the Keswick Launch across Derwentwater to Hawes End pier for an adventurous approach.
Route options: The direct route from Hawes End is shortest. For a longer day, continue along the ridge to Maiden Moor and High Spy, returning via the old mines in the Newlands Valley. This adds significant distance but the views are extraordinary.
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better light for photographs. Autumn brings spectacular colours in the woodland sections.
Loughrigg Fell
A small fell with big views, accessible from Ambleside or Grasmere.
- Distance: 4 to 5 miles circular
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Fell paths, can be boggy
- Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Parking: Rydal Road car park, Ambleside, or White Moss Common
- Dog notes: Swimming in Rydal Water. On lead near sheep.
The summit offers 360-degree views including Windermere, Grasmere, the Langdale Pikes and Helvellyn. The walk can include Rydal Cave and swimming in Rydal Water for a varied day out.
After your walk: The Copper Pot in Ambleside is a cosy, dog-friendly cafe with excellent food.
Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell
Combine the Lake District's most famous waterfall with a fell walk overlooking Ullswater.
- Distance: 4.5 miles circular
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Woodland paths, fell paths
- Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
- Parking: National Trust Aira Force car park, CA11 0JS
- Dog notes: On lead near waterfall (steep drops). Red squirrel spotting area.
Start with the beautiful walk through woodland to Aira Force, a 65-foot waterfall. Then climb through the trees to emerge onto Gowbarrow Fell with its stunning views across Ullswater. The crowds disappear as soon as you leave the waterfall area.
Wildlife note: This is one of the best areas for spotting red squirrels. Look for the National Trust feeding stations near the car park.
Grasmere to Easedale Tarn
A classic Lakeland walk to a beautiful mountain tarn.
- Distance: 5 miles return
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Fell paths, can be muddy, steady climbing
- Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
- Parking: Grasmere village car parks
- Dog notes: Sheep in early sections (leads essential spring). Dogs can swim in tarn.
The walk climbs steadily past Sour Milk Ghyll waterfall to reach Easedale Tarn, a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by fells. On hot days, the tarn offers wonderful swimming for dogs and owners alike.
After your walk: Grasmere has numerous dog-friendly cafes and the famous Sarah Nelson's Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.
Helm Crag
A short but steep climb to the distinctive Lion and the Lamb summit.
- Distance: 3 miles return
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep)
- Terrain: Fell paths, rocky summit
- Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Parking: Grasmere village car parks
- Dog notes: Rocky summit requires care. Sheep on lower slopes.
The recognisable summit rocks are visible from miles around. The climb is steep but short, making this an excellent introduction to fell walking. The views from the top extend across Grasmere and beyond.
Walla Crag from Keswick
A satisfying climb to a viewpoint overlooking Derwentwater.
- Distance: 5.5 miles circular
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Woodland, fell paths, can be boggy
- Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Parking: Keswick car parks
- Dog notes: Some sheep. Swimming in Derwentwater on return.
The route can include Ashness Bridge, the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lake District. The summit views over Derwentwater with Catbells beyond are memorable.
Forest Walks (Often Sheep-Free)
For dogs that struggle with livestock temptation, forests offer wonderful walking with fewer distractions.
Grizedale Forest
A woodland wonderland between Windermere and Coniston with multiple waymarked trails. This is the go-to destination for dogs who get excited around sheep, offering miles of largely livestock-free walking.
Trail options:
- Millwood Trail: 0.7 miles, easy, family-friendly, sculptures
- Bogle Crag Trail: 2.5 miles, moderate, sculptures to discover, some climbs
- Tarn Trail: 4 miles, moderate, visits Grizedale Tarn
- Silurian Way: 10 miles, challenging, climbs to Carron Crag (highest point in the forest)
- Parking: Grizedale Visitor Centre (pay and display, or pay online after)
- Facilities: Cafe (dogs welcome at outdoor tables), toilets, bike hire, Go Ape
- Dog notes: Largely sheep-free throughout the main forest. Off-lead on most trails. Watch for mountain bikers.
The forest contains over 90 sculptures by artists from around the world, hidden amongst the trees. Hunting for sculptures turns a walk into a treasure hunt, and many are whimsical enough to make both adults and dogs look twice. The visitor centre cafe serves good food and welcomes dogs at the outdoor seating.
Why we love it: On days when we want guaranteed off-lead time without livestock worries, Grizedale is our first choice. The varied trails mean we can match the walk to energy levels, and the forest atmosphere is magical in all seasons. The canopy provides shelter on rainy days and shade on hot ones.
Best for: Dogs who struggle with livestock temptation, families wanting worry-free walking, rainy days when shelter is welcome, hot days when shade is needed.
Whinlatter Forest
England's only true mountain forest, with trails for all abilities and osprey viewing in season.
Trail options:
- Comb Beck Trail: 1.5 miles, easy
- Two Gills Trail: 4 miles, moderate, lake views
- Whinlatter Summit: 6 miles, challenging
- Parking: Whinlatter Visitor Centre
- Facilities: Cafe (dogs welcome outside), toilets, bike hire
- Dog notes: Sheep-free in main forest. Off-lead friendly.
The forest offers views across to the Scottish hills on clear days. Ospreys nest here and can be watched via live camera or from viewing points during spring and summer.
Dodd Wood
A smaller forest on the slopes of Dodd fell with osprey viewing and red squirrels.
- Distance: 3 miles to summit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Forest trails, clear summit
- Time: 2 hours
- Parking: Dodd Wood car park
- Dog notes: Largely sheep-free in forest. Summit has open fell.
The climb through the trees emerges onto an open summit with spectacular views in all directions. Combine with osprey watching at Bassenthwaite viewing points.
Challenging Walks (6+ Miles or Significant Climbing)
Helvellyn
One of England's highest peaks with spectacular ridge walks. Only for fit dogs and experienced walkers.
- Distance: 7 to 9 miles depending on route
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Terrain: Mountain paths, exposed ridges, scrambling on some routes
- Time: 5 to 7 hours
- Parking: Glenridding or Wythburn
- Dog notes: Striding Edge is NOT suitable for dogs. Use Swirral Edge or alternative routes.
The views from England's third-highest peak are extraordinary. Avoid Striding Edge with dogs as it requires scrambling along an exposed ridge. Swirral Edge is easier or choose the longer but safer route via Helvellyn Gill.
High Street
Walk along an ancient Roman road with far-reaching views.
- Distance: 8 to 10 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Terrain: Mountain paths, sustained climbing
- Time: 5 to 7 hours
- Parking: Hartsop village
- Dog notes: Some sheep on lower slopes. Summit is open fell.
The Roman road that gives High Street its name crosses the flat summit plateau. The mountain was once used for horse racing and shepherds' meets. Views extend across the Lake District and into the Yorkshire Dales.
Old Man of Coniston
The iconic peak above Coniston village with mining history and stunning views.
- Distance: 5 to 7 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Terrain: Mountain paths, steep sections
- Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Parking: Coniston village
- Dog notes: Old mines present hazards. Keep dogs close near shafts.
The climb passes old copper mines with their spoil heaps and ruined buildings. The summit offers views across to Morecambe Bay, the Irish Sea and the central fells.
Waterfall Walks
Aira Force
The most famous Lake District waterfall, accessible via a short walk.
- Distance: 1 to 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time: 1 hour
- Parking: National Trust car park, CA11 0JS
- Dog notes: On lead near waterfall. Steep drops.
The 65-foot waterfall is accessed via woodland paths with viewing points from stone bridges above and below the falls. The site inspired Wordsworth's poem about a knight who sleepwalks to his death.
Scale Force
The tallest waterfall in the Lake District at over 170 feet.
- Distance: 4 miles return from Buttermere
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Parking: Buttermere village
- Dog notes: Can be boggy. Some sheep.
The walk follows the shore of Crummock Water before climbing to the spectacular waterfall hidden in a narrow ravine.
Skelwith Force and Colwith Force
A walk linking two beautiful waterfalls via pretty countryside.
- Distance: 5 miles circular from Elterwater
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Parking: Elterwater village
- Dog notes: Sheep in some fields. Swimming in River Brathay.
This walk passes through some of the prettiest countryside in the central Lakes, linking two waterfalls with woodland, riverside paths and traditional farmland.
Practical Tips for Dog Walking
Sheep and Livestock
The Lake District is farming country. Sheep are everywhere, and dogs must be controlled around them. This is the single most important rule for dog walking in the Lakes.
Essential rules:
- Keep dogs on leads around livestock, always
- Lambing season (March to May) requires extra vigilance
- Farmers can legally shoot dogs worrying sheep
- Even friendly interest from your dog can cause sheep to panic
- Pregnant ewes can abort lambs if chased or frightened
Understanding the issue: Sheep worrying is a serious problem that costs farmers livelihoods and causes animal suffering. Even a dog that would never harm a sheep can cause damage simply by chasing or causing panic. Dogs off-lead can cover ground quickly and catch farmers and walkers off guard.
Sheep-free options: Grizedale Forest, Whinlatter Forest and Dodd Wood are largely livestock-free. These are excellent choices for dogs with high prey drive or unreliable recall around livestock.
Weather Preparation
Lake District weather changes rapidly. What starts as a sunny morning can turn to mist, rain and wind within an hour. The fells create their own weather systems, and conditions at altitude differ significantly from the valleys.
Always bring:
- Waterproof jacket for yourself (not optional, even on nice days)
- Extra warm layers
- Map and compass (phone GPS can fail in poor signal areas)
- Food and water for you and your dog
- Dog towels for the car
- Basic first aid kit including tick remover
Seasonal considerations:
- Spring: Changeable weather, lambing season, longer days, wildflowers
- Summer: Busiest period, heat can be challenging for dogs, longest days, midges near water
- Autumn: Stunning colours, fewer crowds, mushrooms and berries, shorter days
- Winter: Short days, snow on higher fells, ice on paths, quietest time, magical light
Parking
Popular walks have limited parking that fills early, especially on sunny weekends and school holidays.
Tips:
- Arrive before 9am for popular spots like Catbells and Tarn Hows
- Consider alternative starting points
- Many walks can be accessed by bus
- Keswick Launch, Ullswater Steamers and Coniston Launch offer boat access to walks
Navigation
Many fell walks require navigation skills. Paths can be unclear in mist.
Recommendations:
- Carry an OS map (OL4, OL5, OL6 or OL7 depending on area)
- Download offline maps to your phone as backup
- Know how to use a compass
- Turn back if conditions deteriorate
After Your Walk
For post-walk refreshments, see our guide to dog-friendly pubs in the Lake District. Most welcome muddy dogs and many have treats behind the bar.
Walks by Area
Near Keswick: Catbells, Walla Crag, Derwentwater circuit, Whinlatter Forest, Dodd Wood, Latrigg
Near Ambleside: Stock Ghyll Force, Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Water, Wansfell Pike
Near Grasmere: Helm Crag, Easedale Tarn, Loughrigg Fell (from Rydal), Rydal Water
Near Coniston: Old Man of Coniston, Grizedale Forest, Tarn Hows
Near Windermere: Orrest Head, Grizedale Forest, lakeside paths
Buttermere area: Buttermere lake circuit, Scale Force, Rannerdale Knotts
Ullswater area: Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell, Hallin Fell, Ullswater Way
Book Your Stay
Planning a walking holiday in the Lake District? Find dog-friendly accommodation with easy access to the best routes.
Book Your Dog-Friendly Lake District Stay
Choose cottages near Keswick for northern fells access, or properties near Ambleside for central Lake District walks.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed on Lake District fells?
+Do I need to keep my dog on a lead in the Lake District?
+What is the best easy dog walk in the Lake District?
+Can dogs climb Catbells?
+Where can I walk my dog off-lead in the Lake District?
+Are there dog-friendly walks near Windermere?
+What should I bring for a Lake District dog walk?
+Can I walk my dog in the Lake District during lambing season?
+Final Thoughts
The Lake District rewards those who explore on foot. Every valley holds new discoveries, every summit offers fresh perspectives, and dogs are welcome companions throughout. Whether you're looking for a gentle lakeside stroll or a challenging mountain adventure, there's a perfect walk waiting.
Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max and Molly each have their favourites. Charlie loves the challenge of the fells. Buster and Ember will walk anywhere there's water to swim in. Simba and Max are happiest in the forests, noses to the ground tracking scents. Molly prefers the easier paths but enjoys every moment.
Find your own favourites and return to them through the seasons. The Lake District is never the same walk twice.
Happy walking.
Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, Molly and Luke
Continue Planning Your Trip
Discover more Lake District adventures: lakeside beaches, dog-friendly pubs, attractions and accommodation.
For walks elsewhere in the UK, explore our complete guide to dog walks covering destinations from Cornwall to Scotland.
Weather conditions change rapidly in the Lake District. Always check forecasts, carry appropriate equipment, and be prepared to change plans if conditions deteriorate.
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