The best walks and hikes around Patterdale

You can explore over 180 hiking routes around Patterdale. The trails range from easy lakeside paths to demanding ascents of the high fells, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels.

The region is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic fell scenery, the stunning views over Ullswater, and the rewarding challenge of the area's classic ridge walks and scrambles.

Yes, Patterdale is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. Many routes explore the surrounding valleys and fells before returning to the village. For a challenging high-level circuit, consider the The Deepdale Horseshoe from Patterdale, which takes in several peaks around the impressive Deepdale valley.

For a gentle walk suitable for families, the path along the eastern shore of Ullswater is a great choice. It's relatively flat and offers beautiful lake views. You can combine this with a trip on the Ullswater Steamers to make it a fun day out.

Yes, dogs are welcome on most trails in the Lake District, but it's important to keep them under control, especially near livestock. For a varied walk with your dog, the route combining ascents to viewpoints over Ullswater with sections along the lake shore, like the Ullswater, Sheffield Pike & Glenridding Dodd loop, is a great option.

The ascent to Helvellyn is a serious and challenging mountain walk that requires a good level of fitness, experience, and a head for heights. Routes like the Helvellyn loop via Striding Edge involve scrambling along narrow, exposed ridges. Always check the weather forecast before attempting this climb, as conditions can change rapidly.

Yes, the area is home to some beautiful waterfalls. Aira Force is a major local attraction and a highlight of many walks. You can follow trails through the surrounding Gowbarrow Park to see the impressive main cascade and several smaller falls along the beck.

For a shorter but rewarding hike, consider a walk up to Lanty's Tarn from the valley. It's a relatively brief ascent that provides lovely views over Ullswater and the surrounding fells without requiring a full day's commitment.

Patterdale is accessible by bus, primarily from Penrith, which has a mainline train station. The bus services run through the Ullswater valley, connecting Patterdale with Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. Timetables can vary by season, so it's best to check in advance.

There are several pay-and-display car parks in and around Patterdale and the nearby village of Glenridding, which are the main starting points for most popular hikes. For walks around Aira Force, the National Trust car park is the most convenient option. Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended.

Several excellent walks start and end near one of Patterdale's traditional pubs. A classic option is to take a low-level walk through the Grisedale valley and return to the village for refreshments. This allows you to enjoy the dramatic scenery without a major ascent.

Both Patterdale and Glenridding are excellent bases for walking and are located very close to each other at the southern end of Ullswater. Glenridding is slightly larger and is the starting point for the Ullswater Steamers and many popular Helvellyn routes. Patterdale offers direct access to trails into Deepdale and Grisedale, and often has a slightly quieter feel.