komoot
  • Routes
  • Route planner
  • Features
Photo: Biene
Discover
Hikes
United Kingdom
England
North West England

Cumbria

The best walks and hikes in Cumbria

6,204hikes

4.7

(20,191)

237,246 people hiked here

Put simply, Cumbria is a mecca for hikers. The finest walks in Cumbria rank amongst the most scenic in Britain. England’s third largest county is home to its highest mountains, longest and deepest lakes, and the UK’s most popular national park: The Lake District. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017, the Lake District is one of the most picturesque regions you are likely to experience on these shores. From flowing hills to classic Lakeland landscapes, you would be hard pushed to find a better place to hike than Cumbria.


However, hikes in Cumbria offer more than just the Lakes. Stroll along the gorgeous Solway Coast, gazing across the estuary to Scotland and admire the many species of bird that glide above the tides. Follow the historic Hadrian’s Wall on its intrepid journey east towards Northumberland. Or explore the wild Pennines for stunning views back towards Lakeland and across to the Yorkshire Dales. All this and more awaits in this beautiful corner of England.

Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding — Lake District National Park
Expert
05:10
13.1 km
Intermediate
02:03
7.81 km
Expert
06:01
17.7 km
Intermediate
04:45
17.3 km
Intermediate
02:27
7.09 km
Intermediate
02:16
6.96 km
Expert
05:09
9.14 km
Easy
00:51
3.19 km
Expert
06:22
18.8 km
Intermediate
02:38
8.42 km

Plan. Save. Navigate. Your best adventures await.

Start today with a free komoot account.

  1. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1
    1
    05:10
    13.1 km
    2.5 km/h
    810 m
    810 m
    Expert

    4.9

    (197)

    2,672

    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
    View
  2. 2
    02:03
    7.81 km
    3.8 km/h
    60 m
    60 m
    Intermediate

    4.9

    (200)

    2,576

    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
    View
  3. Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

    With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures in Cumbria and beyond.
  4. 3
    06:01
    17.7 km
    2.9 km/h
    890 m
    890 m
    Expert

    4.8

    (206)

    2,256

    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
    View
  5. 4
    04:45
    17.3 km
    3.6 km/h
    260 m
    260 m
    Intermediate

    4.8

    (205)

    2,047

    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
    View
  6. 5
    02:27
    7.09 km
    2.9 km/h
    360 m
    360 m
    Intermediate

    4.9

    (117)

    950

    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
    View
  7. 6
    02:16
    6.96 km
    3.1 km/h
    300 m
    300 m
    Intermediate

    5.0

    (131)

    1,526

    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
    View
  8. 7
    05:09
    9.14 km
    1.8 km/h
    940 m
    940 m
    Expert

    4.4

    (47)

    703

    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
    View
  9. 8
    00:51
    3.19 km
    3.7 km/h
    40 m
    40 m
    Easy

    4.9

    (37)

    815

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
    View
  10. 9
    06:22
    18.8 km
    2.9 km/h
    930 m
    930 m
    Expert

    4.8

    (38)

    679

    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
    View
  11. 10
    02:38
    8.42 km
    3.2 km/h
    290 m
    290 m
    Intermediate

    5.0

    (92)

    509

    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
    View

to see 6,194 more hikes in Cumbria.

More Information

The magnificent Lake District

When it comes to walks in Cumbria, there is a lifetime of possibilities. The main draw for many hikers is the incomparable Lake District, which sits in the heart of the county. Its legendary mixture of lake and mountain scenery has inspired artists and poets – such as Wordsworth and Coleridge – for generations. Meanwhile, the charming farmsteads and villages that are dotted amongst its picturesque valleys are responsible for the works of world-famous children’s book author and illustrator Beatrix Potter.

Hillwalking - following Wainwright’s footsteps

For hillwalkers, there are hundreds of dramatic mountains and rugged hills to explore both in the Lake District and the broader Pennines to the east. Many set out to attain the summits of the 214 Wainwright fells – named after the prolific guidebook writer and illustrator Alfred Wainwright. 

Some of the best hiking trails in Cumbria include conquering England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike as well as smaller family favourites, such as Catbells and Haystacks and the exciting ridge traverses on the likes of Helvellyn and Blencathra. The Wainwrights are a pleasure to explore and – in good weather – the whole family can enjoy and attain any of the summits. However, in winter conditions the higher fells are the preserve of mountaineers and winter walkers with appropriate skills and equipment.

Down in the Lakeland Valleys

The low-level valley walks of the Lakes also rank amongst the finest hikes in Cumbria. Find peace and calm in one of the national park’s various woodland areas where you might run into rare wildlife, such as the red squirrel. Or take in the spacious panoramas from the trails that line the many lake shores, exploring nearby streams and gushing waterfalls. Such routes are deservedly popular, with dramatic mountain views that stretch for miles. 


After a busy day exploring the region, check out the pubs, restaurants, cafes and gear outlets in the Lake’s characterful towns. This is the outdoor capital of England, after all.


loading
Discover More Tours around Cumbria
Last updated:
June 21, 2024

Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.

Learn more

Popular around Cumbria

Find the perfect Tour

in

Explore the most popular Tours in Cumbria

Road Cycling Routes in Cumbria

Discover the most popular attractions in Cumbria

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out more Hikes throughout Cumbria below and find the perfect Tour in your destination.

Explore more of North West England: Browse the best Hikes in other regions.