The Cumbrian Escape: 3 Family Walks, Beginner Climbs, and Trail Runs in the Lake District

The Cumbrian Escape: 3 Family Walks, Beginner Climbs, and Trail Runs in the Lake District

Let’s be completely honest: getting the family out of the house for a weekend in the Lake District feels less like a holiday and more like a high-stakes tactical evacuation. By the time you’ve packed three pairs of muddy wellies, negotiated the precise number of snacks required for a simple two-mile walk, located the missing teddy bear, and packed enough spare socks to withstand a minor monsoon, you’re already physically and emotionally exhausted. And you haven’t even navigated the M6 yet.

But once you drive into the heart of Cumbria, and the dramatic, green-cloaked fells rise up around the shimmering waters of the lakes, the stress of the packing marathon melts away.

The Lake District is legendary for its wild terrain, but it is also one of the most accessible and supportive outdoor spaces in the UK. You don’t need to scramble up the exposed ridges of Helvellyn or Scafell Pike to find the magic. In fact, some of the most rewarding adventures are right on the valley floor or just a short jog from a quiet car park.

Here are three route ideas—a scenic, pram-friendly family walk, a classic beginner rock climb, and a solo trail run—to help you plan the perfect weekend escape around Coniston, Borrowdale, and Rydal.

1. The Family Walk: Tarn Hows Circular

If you want stunning alpine vistas, towering pine trees, and a path that won’t result in a stroller-pushing catastrophe, Tarn Hows is your absolute holy grail. Tucked away in the hills between Coniston and Hawkshead, this picturesque tarn is one of the most visited spots in the Lake District for a good reason: it is drop-dead gorgeous and completely accessible.

graph TD
    A[Tarn Hows Main Car Park] -->|0.8 miles smooth gravel| B[Tarn Shore & Pine Woods]
    B -->|0.5 miles lakeside path| C[The Jetty / Viewpoint]
    C -->|0.5 miles gentle return| A
  • Distance: 1.8 miles / 2.9 km circular
  • Time: 1 to 1.5 hours (budget extra time for stone throwing and spotting the Belted Galloway cows)
  • Difficulty: Easy. The path is wide, flat, and well-maintained with smooth gravel, making it ideal for pushchairs, balance bikes, and little legs.
  • Parking: Tarn Hows Main Car Park (National Trust), LA22 0PP (Pay & Display, free for NT members)

The Route

Starting from the main National Trust car park (where you can find accessible toilets and sometimes an information van), follow the clear path down towards the tarn. The route loops clockwise or counter-clockwise around the water, offering stunning views of the Coniston Fells and Langdale Pikes in the distance.

The path takes you through stands of mature spruce and larch, with plenty of wooden benches along the way for snack breaks. Kids will love looking for “money trees”—old fallen logs embedded with hundreds of copper coins hammered in for good luck. Keep your eyes peeled for the fuzzy, gentle Belted Galloway cattle that graze the area to help maintain the delicate landscape.

Real Talk: Tarn Hows is a victim of its own beauty. On a warm Saturday afternoon, the car park is a battleground and the circular path can feel like a pedestrian highway. To preserve your sanity, either arrive before 9:00 AM or head up after 4:00 PM when the light is golden, the crowds have cleared, and you can actually hear the birds instead of other people’s family negotiations. Also, the ice cream van is a permanent fixture in the summer—bring change, or prepare to explain why ice cream isn’t a substitute for lunch.

2. The Beginner Climb: Shepherds Crag (Brown Slabs)

Borrowdale is widely considered the climbing heart of the Lake District, but many of its crags are steep and intimidating. Enter Shepherds Crag—specifically Brown Slabs. This friendly, sloping buttress of rough, grippy volcanic rock sits just above the valley floor and offers the perfect introduction to outdoor rock climbing.

  • Distance: 10-minute flat approach from the car park
  • Time: 1.5 to 3 hours (depending on queues and how many pitches you climb)
  • Difficulty: Beginner. A classic Very Difficult (VD) multi-pitch climb with massive, secure handholds and plenty of ledge rests.
  • Parking: Kettlewell Car Park (National Trust), CA12 5UN, or the small laybys near High Lodore Farm

The Route

From the Kettlewell car park, cross the road and follow the public footpath heading north-west along the base of the crag, passing Shepherd’s Cafe. Brown Slabs is the prominent, friendly-looking rock structure on the left side of the crag.

The climb itself is a joy. The rock is highly textured and offers huge, positive holds that feel like climbing a giant staircase. It is an ideal spot to hire an instructor or go with a seasoned partner to learn the ropes of multi-pitch traditional climbing. The climb climbs in three short, gentle pitches, leading to a spacious grassy plateau at the top where you can sit back, soak in the views of Derwentwater, and scramble back down the easy descent path.

Real Talk: Shepherds Crag is traditional climbing territory. There are no bolts here—you are placing cams, nuts, and slings. If you don’t know your D-clips from your clove hitches, hire a local guide (there are plenty based in Keswick). Additionally, because of the easy access, Brown Slabs can get very busy. If there’s a queue, do not stress; head to the legendary Shepherd’s Cafe at the base for a tea and a slice of their famous tiffin while you wait.

3. The Trail Run: Loughrigg Fell & Rydal Caves Loop

Need to slip away for some solo headspace before the morning routine dissolves into chaos? This classic loop climbs out of the Rydal Valley, sweeps over the top of Loughrigg Fell, and descends past the massive, atmospheric Rydal Caves.

  • Distance: 5 miles / 8 km circular
  • Time: 50 minutes to 1.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate. A steep, heart-pumping climb to the summit of Loughrigg Fell (335m), followed by a technical, rocky descent and flat gravel lakeside paths.
  • Parking: Pelter Bridge Car Park (Lake District National Park), LA22 9LW (Pay & Display, space is limited)

The Route

Start at the Pelter Bridge car park. Cross the bridge and follow the tarmac lane past the cottages, then take the gate on the right heading onto the fellside.

Begin the climb up the eastern flank of Loughrigg Fell. The path quickly transitions into steep stone steps that will test your lung capacity, but the views back towards Windermere are a fantastic excuse to pause and “admire the scenery.” Once you reach the summit trig point at 335m, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree panorama over Grasmere, Rydal Water, and the surrounding peaks.

Descend northwest towards Loughrigg Terrace. The path is rough and rocky, requiring active concentration. As you reach the terrace, loop back eastward along the lower path to find the entrance to Rydal Cave—a massive, historic slate quarry cave complete with stepping stones across its flooded floor. Run the flat, flowing shoreline trail along Rydal Water back to the Pelter Bridge lane.

Real Talk: Loughrigg Fell is relatively low, but its summit plateau is a confusing maze of hummocks, boggy hollows, and branching paths. In low cloud or mist, it is surprisingly easy to lose your way and descend into the wrong valley (trust us, running back from Ambleside when your car is in Rydal is a humbling experience). Keep a GPS route on your watch or phone, and wear trail shoes with aggressive lugs—the wet grass and slate steps can be slicker than Teflon.

Gear Checklist for the Lake District

Before you head off to Cumbria, ensure your daypack is stocked with these essentials:

  • Sturdy Trail Footwear: Hiking boots are ideal for Shepherds Crag’s approach, while sticky trail running shoes are a must for Loughrigg’s wet grass and slate.
  • Reliable Waterproofs: The Lake District wouldn’t be so green without a lot of rain. Pack a high-quality waterproof shell, even if the sky is clear.
  • Mid-layer / Fleece: Temperature drops quickly as you climb, and the wind on top of Loughrigg can be biting.
  • OS Explorer Map OL7: Keep a physical map handy. Mobile signal in the Borrowdale valley is practically non-existent.
  • Trail Bribes: Pack double the snacks you think you need. A packet of jelly babies is the ultimate fuel for negotiating that last half-mile of a family walk.

Get Out. Get Muddy. Be Brave.

Heading to the lakes? Share your weekend adventure photos with us on Instagram using #BraveNewOutdoors.