Coniston and Hawkshead walks

Grade descriptionsAll our walks are graded from 1 to 5, to ensure you can choose the walk that’s right for you. But what does each number mean? The grades are based on a combination of factors including: terrain, accessibility (gates, stiles, path width), gradient, length, duration, total ascent and highest point.Families are welcome on all of our walks, but not all are pushchair friendly so please read the route descriptions.Grade 1Walk length: 3 – 7 km (1.8 – 4.5 miles)Approximate duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hoursGrade 1 walks are easy and accessible walks that go at a leisurely pace and follow generally flat or rolling paths with gentle hills. The paths are wide, firm and have no barriers to access such as steep sections, steps or stiles. The walks are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.See all Grade 1 walksGrade 2Walk length: 3 – 5 km (1.8 – 3.1 miles)Approximate duration: 2 to 2.5 hoursGrade 2 walks are around villages and are focussed on a tour of historical and other points of interest. They may include some short ascents and descents. The path surface might be pavements, earth, grass or stone and – while generally firm – it may have some loose or uneven sections, or be soft underfoot after rain. You may also encounter steps, gates and narrow sections. Most of our grade 2 walks are very suitable for families, and some are pushchair friendly (please check route descriptions).See all Grade 2 walksGrade 3Walk length: 4 – 8.7 km (2.5 – 5.5 miles)Approximate duration: 2.5 to 5 hoursGrade 3 walks may include some moderate ascents and descents. The path surface might be earth, grass or stone and – while generally firm – it will have some loose or uneven sections, or be soft underfoot after rain. You will also encounter steps, gates or stiles and narrow sections. Most of our grade 3 walks are suitable for families.See all Grade 3 walksGrade 4Walk length: 6 – 12.5 km (3.7 – 7.8 miles)Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hoursGrade 4 walks are generally full day walks that include hilly ground and require a reasonable level of fitness. You might encounter climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces may be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, and you may also find yourself walking up irregular steps, over stiles or through narrow gates and gaps.See all Grade 4 walksGrade 5Walk length: 7 – 13 km (4 – 8 miles)Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hoursGrade 5 walks are our most challenging full day walks which involve going onto the fell summits. These walks require a good level of fitness and full walking kit appropriate for the weather conditions. Some people may find walking poles useful. You may encounter sustained climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces can be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, irregular steps, stiles or narrow gates and gaps.See all Grade 5 walksLocationsWe have guided walks across the Lake District National Park, fromKeswick,Ullswater,ThirlmereandButtermerein theNorthern Lakes, toWindermere,Coniston,Grasmere, Ambleside,Hawkshead,Eskdale and Ravenglassin theSouthern Lakes.Donate to the National ParkAll our walks are free to book. If you wish to make a donation to give back to the National Park, you can do so via theLake District Foundation.