Step straight from your hotel door onto some of the most spectacular walking routes in the Lake District National Park.
When it comes to exploring the Lake District on foot, few places offer a better base than Grasmere. Surrounded by iconic fells, picturesque valleys and spectacular viewpoints, this much-loved village has long attracted walkers seeking everything from gentle scenic strolls to challenging mountain adventures.
One of the greatest advantages of staying at The Grand at Grasmere is that many of the area's most rewarding routes can be accessed directly from our doorstep. There's no need to spend your morning searching for parking spaces or driving between trailheads - simply lace up your boots and set off.
After a day in the hills, guests can return to comfortable surroundings, enjoy a well-earned meal and make use of our dedicated boot room, complete with heated drying racks to ensure walking boots and outdoor gear are ready for the next day's adventure.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer walking holiday, here are five routes that showcase some of the finest scenery the area has to offer.
1. Helm Crag
Distance: 6 km (3.5 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Perhaps the most recognisable summit overlooking the village, Helm Crag is famous for its distinctive rocky outcrop known as the "Lion and the Lamb". While the ascent is relatively short, it provides a satisfying climb and delivers spectacular rewards once you reach the top.
The route begins with a steady climb through woodland before opening onto the fellside, where increasingly expansive views emerge with every step. From the summit, walkers are treated to a breathtaking perspective across the surrounding valleys, lakes and mountains.
For many visitors, Helm Crag provides the perfect introduction to fell walking. It's challenging enough to feel like an achievement while remaining accessible for those with a reasonable level of fitness.
Why you'll love it:
- Iconic summit formation
- Incredible views for a relatively short walk
- Easy access from the village
- Perfect for a half-day adventure
2. Silver How
Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Silver How often flies under the radar compared to some of its more famous neighbours, but many experienced walkers consider it one of the area's hidden gems.
The route passes close to Allan Bank before climbing steadily onto open ground. As the landscape unfolds, walkers are rewarded with sweeping views in every direction, taking in rugged mountain ranges, rolling valleys and shimmering water below.
What makes Silver How particularly appealing is the balance between effort and reward. The climb is manageable, yet the summit delivers the kind of panoramic scenery often associated with much larger mountains.
Why you'll love it:
- Outstanding 360-degree views
- A quieter alternative to busier peaks
- Rich literary and historical connections
- Ideal for a shorter outing
3. Loughrigg Fell
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Loughrigg Fell is often described as one of the most rewarding walks in the central Lakes, combining varied terrain, beautiful scenery and exceptional viewpoints.
The route weaves through woodland, open fellside and rocky paths before reaching a summit that offers magnificent views across nearby waters and surrounding peaks. Thanks to its relatively modest height, the climb feels achievable while still delivering the sense of standing high above the landscape.
Photographers are particularly fond of Loughrigg Fell, with countless opportunities to capture dramatic vistas throughout the route.
Why you'll love it:
- Varied and interesting terrain
- Panoramic summit views
- Excellent photography opportunities
- Accessible for most walkers
Planning a walking break?
The Grand at Grasmere offers comfortable accommodation, hearty dining and dedicated facilities for walkers, making it the perfect base for exploring the surrounding fells.
4. Fairfield Horseshoe
Distance: 18 km (11 miles)
Difficulty: Strenuous
For those seeking a full-day challenge, few routes rival the Fairfield Horseshoe.
This classic ridge walk links a series of impressive summits, creating one of the most celebrated mountain circuits in the Lake District. The route demands good fitness, suitable equipment and favourable conditions, but the rewards are substantial.
Throughout the day, walkers are treated to ever-changing views across some of the National Park's most dramatic landscapes. Long ridgelines, distant peaks and expansive valleys combine to create an unforgettable mountain experience.
It's a route that frequently appears on walkers' bucket lists and remains a favourite among seasoned fell enthusiasts.
Why you'll love it:
- A true mountain adventure
- Multiple summits in one route
- Exceptional high-level scenery
- One of the region's classic ridge walks
5. Easedale Tarn
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Not every memorable day outdoors has to involve a major summit. Easedale Tarn offers a gentler but equally rewarding experience, making it a favourite among visitors of all ages.
The route follows a scenic valley path alongside Sour Milk Gill, passing waterfalls and rocky outcrops before arriving at the tranquil waters of the tarn itself. Surrounded by rugged hills, the setting feels wonderfully peaceful and provides the perfect place to pause and take in the landscape.
For more ambitious walkers, the route can easily be extended to incorporate neighbouring fells, transforming a leisurely outing into a more demanding day in the hills.
Why you'll love it:
- Beautiful waterfalls along the route
- Accessible for a wide range of abilities
- Stunning mountain scenery
- Flexible options for longer walks
"Many of these routes also pass through landscapes closely associated with William Wordsworth and the area's rich literary heritage."
A Comfortable Base for Your Walking Adventure
A great walking break is about more than the routes themselves. Having somewhere comfortable to return to at the end of the day can make all the difference.
At The Grand at Grasmere, we welcome walkers throughout the year and understand the practicalities that come with spending long days outdoors. Our dedicated boot room with heated drying racks is designed to help guests prepare for whatever the weather brings, while our comfortable accommodation and dining options provide the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge.
With some of the Lake District's most celebrated routes beginning just moments from the hotel, it's easy to see why so many guests choose to make The Grand at Grasmere their base for exploring the fells.
Whether you're tackling your first summit, working through a list of favourite Wainwrights or simply looking to spend more time in the great outdoors, you'll find plenty of inspiration waiting right outside our front door.
Ready to Start Exploring?
Book your stay at The Grand at Grasmere and discover why generations of walkers have chosen this corner of the Lake District as their gateway to adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best walk for beginners?
Easedale Tarn is a popular choice for those looking for a relatively gentle route with rewarding scenery.
Which walk has the best views?
Many walkers would choose Helm Crag or Loughrigg Fell for their spectacular viewpoints and manageable distances.
Can you walk directly from The Grand at Grasmere?
Yes. Several popular routes can be accessed directly from the hotel without needing to drive.
Where can I dry my walking gear?
Guests can make use of our dedicated boot room with heated drying racks.
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