Easy Lake District Walks for Kids: 10 That Actually Work
Ten short walks in the Lakes for children of about four to eight, sorted roughly from 'barely a walk' to 'they will moan at the hill'. With the ice cream, the loos and the honest warnings.
The short answer
For easy Lake District walks for kids, start with White Moss Common (1.1 km, about 30 minutes), Tarn Hows (3.3 km loop, 1 to 1.5 hours) or Loughrigg Tarn (2.75 km, about an hour). Aira Force waterfall is 20 to 30 minutes from the car park, and Orrest Head at Windermere is a short, steep hour with a big view at the top.
If you're after easy Lake District walks for kids, the trick is to lower your ambitions and raise your snack budget. I have a six year old and a seven year old, and I can tell you with some confidence that they will walk four miles for an ice cream and not one hundred yards for a view. So every route here is short, has a reason to keep going, and comes with the practical details: where to park, whether there's a loo, and what you can bribe them with at the end.
All the distances, times and start points come from the National Park's own route pages or the National Trust. The exceptions are stated. Treat the times as adult times with a decent pace and then double them, because a child will stop for every stick, puddle and slug. Paths change too, especially after storms, so check the official page for the day you go.
How far can a 4 to 8 year old walk?
Most children of that age can manage two to three kilometres without a meltdown, provided there's a bribe at the end and something to do on the way. Under fives will probably want a carrier for the return leg. Seven and eight year olds can often do a hilly hour, but I wouldn't bet the day on it. Every walk below is under about four kilometres, and a few are under two.
The 10 walks, easiest first
White Moss Common
The shortest walk on the list and the least stressful. The National Park route is 1.1 km, about half an hour, on a wide smooth stone path with a wooden footbridge, graded 'for all', which means it's fine with a pushchair. There's a longer extension of 1.25 km through Penny Rock Wood, but that has a gradient over 1 in 8 in places.
The bribe is right there. The route page says there are toilets with baby changing 40 metres from the car park and a seasonal ice cream van across the road. It's the sort of place where you can let a four year old run ahead and not worry about drops.
One warning from the official page: there's a 140 mm step off the first footbridge, with repairs pending, so a buggy may need a lift.
- Distance
- 1.1 km, about 30 minutes
- Start
- White Moss Common lower car park, LA22 9SD
- Bribe
- Ice cream van (seasonal), across the road
- Toilets/buggies
- Toilets with baby changing 40m from the car park; 'for all' grade, note the small step
- Check first
- Step off the first footbridge; car park charges
Friar's Crag and Derwent Water
Keswick's classic short lake walk starts at the Theatre by the Lake car park (CA12 5DJ). The National Park route is 3.17 km in total, or 2.5 km out and back to the viewpoint, about 1.5 hours, along the shore with views toward Cat Bells.
Here's the catch. The official page currently says access to the Friar's Crag viewpoint itself is restricted for safety, with the descent unsafe for wheels, and the path has some rough sections with potholes and steps. So walk the lakeshore and turn round where the signs tell you to. If you want a very flat, very short alternative, the National Trust also has a 1 mile accessible loop from the same car park through Cockshot Wood.
There's a cafe and a coffee takeaway at the start, and an accessible toilet in the car park.
- Distance
- 3.17 km total, or 2.5 km out and back
- Start
- Theatre by the Lake car park, Keswick, CA12 5DJ
- Bribe
- Cafe and coffee takeaway at the start
- Toilets/buggies
- Accessible toilet in the car park; pushchairs manageable on main sections, not the Crag descent
- Check first
- Viewpoint access restrictions and car park charges
Loughrigg Tarn Circuit
A gentle loop of 2.75 km, about an hour, and one of the best views-for-effort ratios in the Lakes. The National Park describes it as a level path above the tarn with a minor tarmac road return, and the Langdale Pikes make a good backdrop. The bridleway has been recently resurfaced by the National Trust.
The start is a small informal lay-by near Tarn Foot (LA22 9HF), so it fills up, and you can't reserve it. The first stretch is a short steep section through houses, and the road back has no pavements, so keep hands held for that bit. There's no public transport to the start.
There are no shops or loos on the route, so bring your own snacks. It's good with a picnic and a small child who likes throwing stones into water.
- Distance
- 2.75 km, about 1 hour
- Start
- Lay-by at Tarn Foot, LA22 9HF
- Bribe
- Picnic by the tarn (nothing on route)
- Toilets/buggies
- No toilets on the route; graded 'for many', short steep start
- Check first
- Lay-by parking is small; road return has no pavement
Elterwater to Skelwith Force
A 2.6 km one way walk (about an hour) from the National Trust car park at Elterwater (LA22 9HP) to Skelwith Bridge, past a waterfall. The National Park route notes lakeside meadow walking, a dramatically placed bridge, and Skelwith Force, a waterfall in a rocky gorge.
The cafes are at either end, which is a very good way to run a walk. The route page lists the Britannia Inn, Slates Cafe and Chesters Cafe, with toilets at both Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge. Bus 516 connects Ambleside to Elterwater year-round, so you can walk one way and bus back if legs give out.
The path is stone slab and natural ground, and the National Park calls it bumpy for pushchairs and prone to flood erosion, so wellies are worth having.
- Distance
- 2.6 km one way, about 1 hour
- Start
- National Trust car park, Elterwater, LA22 9HP
- Bribe
- Cafes at Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge
- Toilets/buggies
- Toilets at both ends; bumpy for pushchairs
- Check first
- Bus 516 times if you plan to walk one way
Tarn Hows
Everyone knows Tarn Hows, and it's popular for a reason. It's a Victorian-made tarn surrounded by small wooded hills, and the loop is 3.29 km, about 1.5 hours with children, on smooth compact stone with a few steeper sections. The National Trust puts the circuit at about 2 miles and says the main path is suitable for pushchairs, though the National Park route grades it 'for some' because of a few rougher, steeper bits.
The start is the main car park (LA22 0PW), a pay and display for non-members, and it gets busy. Toilets are in the car park, and the National Park page mentions a seasonal food and ice cream van. Dogs on leads are welcome. On a hot Saturday the path will feel like a queue at the post office, so go early or in the evening light.
The National Trust says an all-terrain mobility scooter can be borrowed free (book ahead).
- Distance
- 3.29 km loop, about 1.5 hours
- Start
- Tarn Hows main car park, LA22 0PW
- Bribe
- Seasonal food and ice cream van at the car park
- Toilets/buggies
- Toilets and baby changing at the car park; main path suitable for pushchairs per the National Trust, with some steeper bits
- Check first
- Car park fills early; charges for non-members
Aira Force
A 65 foot waterfall with a viewing platform, in ancient woodland, and the National Trust says it takes about 20 to 30 minutes at a steady pace from the main car park. That's an easy walk for most under eights, though it has steps and a lot of stone, so hold hands near the water.
There's a tea room selling hot and cold drinks, cakes and sandwiches (with a 25p discount if you bring a reusable cup), and toilets at the car park. The National Trust runs a children's La'al Adventure Box during school holidays from February to October. Dogs are welcome on leads.
The main car park fills by about 11am at peak times, according to the National Trust, so this is an early start walk. There's a bus, the 508 between Penrith and Patterdale, that stops right at Aira Force, and you can also arrive by Ullswater Steamers from Glenridding.
- Distance
- About 20 to 30 minutes to the waterfall
- Start
- Aira Force National Trust car park, CA11 0JS
- Bribe
- Tea room; La'al Adventure Box in school holidays
- Toilets/buggies
- Toilets at the car park; not a pushchair route to the falls
- Check first
- Car park charges (check the National Trust page); arrive before 11am in peak season
Fell Foot
Fell Foot isn't so much a walk as a playground with a lake, which is why it works for small children. The National Trust lists an outdoor play area with swings, climbing frames and a small slide, a nature trail with rubbing plaques, four orienteering courses, and paddling on Windermere. There's a 1.6 mile heritage circuit and a 0.5 mile accessible short loop with lakeshore views.
The Boathouse Cafe (9.30am to 5pm) does hot meals, sandwiches and cakes, and there's an ice cream parlour in summer. Dogs on leads are welcome, and they're allowed off the lead in the south meadow except when cows are grazing.
Parking is not cheap. At the time of writing, the National Trust lists 7 pounds for two hours, 8.50 for four hours and 10 for all day, free for members. Postcode LA12 8NN.
- Distance
- 0.5 mile short loop or 1.6 mile heritage circuit
- Start
- Fell Foot car park, LA12 8NN
- Bribe
- Boathouse Cafe, ice cream in summer, the play area
- Toilets/buggies
- Toilets in the main car park; lakeshore path is buggy-friendly
- Check first
- Parking charges; cows in the south meadow
Blea Tarn
A short, wild-feeling walk. The National Park route is 1.42 km each way, about 30 minutes, from a National Trust car park (LA22 9PG), on a compacted stone path with benches. The tarn sits under the fells and feels a lot more remote than the walk suggests.
It's graded challenging, and the honest reason is the return: the way back is rougher and rockier with gradients up to 1 in 6, and the first descent is steep, so not a pushchair route. For a confident five year old with a fizzy pop promised at the end of the day, it's fine. For a two year old who wants to be carried, less so.
There are no facilities on the route, so bring a flask, snacks and a change of socks.
- Distance
- 1.42 km each way, about 30 minutes
- Start
- National Trust car park, LA22 9PG
- Bribe
- Bring your own; nothing on route
- Toilets/buggies
- Not pushchair friendly; no toilets on route
- Check first
- Steep, rocky return; weather (exposed)
Orrest Head
The classic first Lakeland summit. The route is 3.5 km round trip, about an hour, starting on a narrow lane beside the lower entrance of the Windermere Hotel (LA23 1AW), with 120 metres of climbing through Elleray Wood to a 238 metre top. The summit gives a 360 degree view over Windermere and the central fells.
It's not flat, and the National Park grades it 'for some', with steep sections. But it's a proper little mountain for a six or seven year old and the whole thing takes an hour or so. The route follows a restored Victorian carriageway on gravel for much of the way.
It's a three minute walk from Windermere station, so it works if you've come by train. Toilets, cafes and shops are on Broad Street in Windermere village, which is where the bribe lives.
- Distance
- 3.5 km round trip, about 1 hour
- Start
- Lane beside Windermere Hotel lower entrance, LA23 1AW
- Bribe
- Cafes on Broad Street in Windermere
- Toilets/buggies
- Toilets at Broad Street; gravel path but steep, not ideal for pushchairs
- Check first
- Steep sections; Broad Street car park charges
Buttermere lakeshore
The National Park gives two versions of this one. The first, graded 'for all', is 1.5 km and ends at a footbridge with big views across the lake to the fells. The second, 3.75 km, carries on through Burtness Wood on rougher ground. Either takes about 1.5 hours with children, and the shorter one is the right size for most under eights.
Start in Buttermere village (CA13 9XA), where the National Park car park has accessible toilets. The Honister Rambler bus (77 and 77A) runs March to November if you'd rather leave the car.
The route page notes rough sections due to washout at the moment, and steep culverts on the longer route, so check it before setting off.
- Distance
- 1.5 km (for all) or 3.75 km (for some), about 1.5 hours
- Start
- Buttermere village car park, CA13 9XA
- Bribe
- Bring your own; check what is open in the village
- Toilets/buggies
- Accessible toilets at the car park; first 750m is suitable for all
- Check first
- Washout damage on the path; bus times
What to pack for a short walk with small children
- Wellies or waterproof shoes. Lakeland paths are wet, even in a dry week.
- More snacks than seems sensible, and one that's a proper bribe.
- A spare pair of socks and trousers per child. Someone will fall in a beck.
- Cash or a card for the ice cream van or tea room, since signal can be poor.
- A plan B. If the weather closes in, see my guide to rainy day options.
I've stopped promising a summit. I promise a stick, a stream and an ice cream, and if a view happens by accident, I take the credit.
Easy Lake District walks for kids: how to choose
Pick by the child, not by the view. If yours is under five, go for White Moss Common or the Fell Foot loop, both with loos and something to eat close by. If they're six or seven and confident, Loughrigg Tarn or Elterwater to Skelwith Force are lovely and gentle. If you fancy a small summit, Orrest Head is the one. And if you want a waterfall, Aira Force is the obvious choice, though be at the car park before eleven.
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Questions people ask
What is the easiest Lake District walk for kids?
White Moss Common near Rydal is the easiest on this list. The National Park route is 1.1 km, about 30 minutes, on a wide smooth path graded 'for all', with toilets and a seasonal ice cream van near the car park.
What is a good short Lake District walk with a waterfall?
Aira Force near Ullswater takes about 20 to 30 minutes at a steady pace from the main National Trust car park. Elterwater to Skelwith Force is 2.6 km one way and passes a waterfall in a gorge.
Can a 4 year old walk Orrest Head?
Many can, but it is steep in places. The National Park route is 3.5 km round trip with 120 metres of climbing, and takes about an hour for adults, so allow more with small legs.
Which easy Lake District walks are suitable for pushchairs?
White Moss Common is graded 'for all' by the National Park, and Fell Foot has a buggy-friendly lakeshore path. Tarn Hows is described as pushchair friendly by the National Trust, though the National Park notes steeper, rougher sections.
Do you have to pay to park at these walks?
Often. Fell Foot lists 7 pounds for two hours (free for National Trust members), and Tarn Hows is pay and display for non-members. Check each official page for current charges.
When is the best time to go with children?
Early in the day, especially at Aira Force and Tarn Hows, where car parks fill up. Spring and autumn are quieter than school holidays.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked against these pages on Tuesday 29 September 2026. Opening times and prices change, so confirm with the venue.
- White Moss Common, Lake District National Park (Miles Without Stiles 9)
- Friar's Crag, Lake District National Park
- Loughrigg Tarn Circuit, Lake District National Park
- Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge, Lake District National Park
- Tarn Hows, Lake District National Park
- Tarn Hows circular walk, National Trust
- Aira Force and Ullswater, National Trust
- Fell Foot, National Trust
- Blea Tarn, Lake District National Park
- Orrest Head, Lake District National Park
- Buttermere Lakeshore, Lake District National Park
- Derwent Water and Cockshot Wood accessible loop, National Trust
- Miles Without Stiles accessible routes, Lake District National Park
