Lake District Circular Walks

Lake District Circular Walks

A collection of circular walking holidays visiting the lakes and mountains of the Lake District National Park.

3 to 13 nights
12-77 miles
Easy to Strenuous

From £360 per person

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About the trail

Book your self-guided walking holiday in the Lake District. This UNESCO World Heritage site is England's only true mountain region and contains some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It provides an enchanting mix of rugged mountains, deep valleys, shimmering lakes, powerful waterfalls and attractive stone-built villages.

Our selection of circular walking trails in the Lake District National Park provide an enticing mixture of scenery, terrain and challenge. Our easier short breaks offer a unique snapshot of the region's finest scenes, while veteran hikers can test their endurance on the epic Bob Graham Round. Whether you are looking for fabulous views, picturesque settlements, fascinating history or literary inspiration, each of these walks offers something different, and are ideal for an active but tranquil retreat into the Great British countryside.

Choose your route

  • This route includes dog friendly tour options North Lakes Short Break
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South Lakes Short Break
  • Bob Graham Round
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Lakeland Round
  • Lakeland Three Passes Walk
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Derwentwater Round - Stile-Free

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

About this route

6 to 13 nights
74 miles
Moderate to Demanding
27th March to 31st October
Includes Dog-Friendly Tours

From £790 per person

Lakeland Round

The Lake District National Park is a magical mix of rocky mountains, tumbling waterfalls, lush valleys, shimmering lakes, tranquil woodland, sturdy stone-built villages and dry-stone walls. This delightful circular walk explores the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lake District, following ancient tracks and taking in all of the major valleys in the Lake District.

Along the way, the trail crosses eight mountain passes, visits twelve lakes and explores several attractive Lakeland villages and towns. This is an ideal walk for first time visitors to the Lake District, as it visits many of the most famous beauty-spots as well as a few little-known gems.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
LAKR1 A circular trail beginning at Ambleside 6 nights, 5 days walking Demanding £790
LAKR2 A circular trail beginning at Ambleside 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £905
LAKR3 A circular trail beginning at Ambleside 13 nights, 12 days walking Moderate £1665

Short breaks

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
NLSB A circular trail beginning at Keswick 4 nights, 3 days walking Moderate / Demanding £505
"Murphy at the Lakeside" by Liz Scowcroft (2022) "Murphy at the Lakeside" by Liz Scowcroft (2022)
"Exploring the Lake District" by Liz Scowcroft (2022) "Exploring the Lake District" by Liz Scowcroft (2022)
"Murphy Ready for the Pub" by Liz Scowcroft (2022) "Murphy Ready for the Pub" by Liz Scowcroft (2022)
"Along the Trail" by Liz Scowcroft (2022) "Along the Trail" by Liz Scowcroft (2022)
"Slater Bridge in Little Langdale" by Jackie Mersich (2019) "Slater Bridge in Little Langdale" by Jackie Mersich (2019)
"Leaving Wastwater" by Jackie Mersich (2019) "Leaving Wastwater" by Jackie Mersich (2019)
"Eskdale Valley" by Jackie Mersich (2019) "Eskdale Valley" by Jackie Mersich (2019)
"Between Buttermere and Keswick" by Jackie Mersich (2019) "Between Buttermere and Keswick" by Jackie Mersich (2019)
"Between Boot and Buttermere" by Jackie Mersich (2019) "Between Boot and Buttermere" by Jackie Mersich (2019)
"Approaching Buttermere" by Jackie Mersich (2019) "Approaching Buttermere" by Jackie Mersich (2019)

Customer reviews from the Lakeland Round

“Lake District was beautiful.”
Mr Hamity, USA
“Overall a good experience. This was our third walking holiday with Contours.”
Mrs Burke, UK
“Excellent walk for dogs with good dog friendly accommodation and very stress free.”
Mr Jackson, Scotland
“Overall it went very well. Good job Contours! Overall, the accommodation was very good for a walking holiday with a dog in tow. All of the places were warm and everyone was helpful and considerate, very important after a strenuous walking day. No problems anywhere having the dog with us. We enjoyed much of the walk, especially the fantastic views The Lakes have to offer.”
Mr Young, UK
“You are organized with accommodation and transport of luggage.”
Mrs Cober, Canada
“Absolutely wonderful hikes and outstanding response by Christine Saul when my husband had knee problems. She arranged our continuation of our Lake District trip.”
Ms Vaughn, USA
“The walking was excellent.”
Dr Paerlman, UK
“Very hospitable and comfortable accommodation. Excellent choice of route. Clear instructions.”
Mr Borin, UK
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