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Best family friendly hikes in Cumbria
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Best family friendly hikes in Cumbria

Perfect for the whole family! These hikes offer fun for all ages and skill levels.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Cumbria.

Most popular hikes

1

Extra difficult

Skiddaw Walk

Cumbria, England · star 4.8 (4) · 16.4 km · Est. 4 hrs 45 min

2

Medium

Tarn Hows Circular Walk

Cumbria, England · star 4.9 (8) · 2.8 km · Est. 40 min

3

Medium

Loughrigg Fell

Cumbria, England · star 5.0 (1) · 4.7 km · Est. 1 hrs 22 min

4

Easy

Askham and Lowther Castle

Cumbria, England · star N/A (0) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 25 min

5

Medium

Black Crag from Tarn Hows

Cumbria, England · star 5.0 (1) · 6.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 31 min

6

Medium

Grasmere and Rydal Water Loop

Cumbria, England · star 5.0 (1) · 12.7 km · Est. 3 hrs

7

Easy

Talkin' Tarn and Gelt Woods Loop

Cumbria, England · star N/A (0) · 12.2 km · Est. 3 hrs 34 min

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Reviews for family friendly hikes in Cumbria

avatar

Skiddaw Walk

CampsiteTrotter14 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Paul Finlay avatar

Tarn Hows Circular Walk

Paul · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Good quality path. Paid parking, best to bring some coins. £5 for 2 hours. Suitable for families, maybe a good off road trike but definitely not buggy due to steepness.

Sally Aston avatar

Loughrigg Fell

salliiiiii · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Askham and Lowther Castle.

Vic Coward avatar

Black Crag from Tarn Hows

Vicwalks · reviewed 3 months ago

star star star star star

Very good conditions. Better to do early car parking is a nightmare in thr afternoon

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Cumbria

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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