Inn Way to the Lake District
The Inn Way to the Lake District is a 109 km circular route through the Lake District linking traditional country inns at Ambleside, Elterwater, Coniston, Hawkshead, Near Sawrey and Grasmere — a sociable circuit of the southern and central Lakes.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Inn Way to the Lake District
Mark Reid's Inn Way to the Lake District circles the fells and valleys of the southern and central Lake District in a route designed around comfortable overnight stays at traditional Lakeland pubs and inns. The circuit takes in Grizedale Forest, the Coniston fells fringe, the quieter western valleys and the Langdale approaches before finishing at Grasmere.
For trail runners it makes an excellent two to three day circuit on well-maintained paths. Hawkshead (Beatrix Potter country), Near Sawrey (Hill Top Farm) and the Tarn Hows viewpoint are the main cultural stops.
The route
Ambleside → Elterwater → Coniston → Hawkshead → Near Sawrey → Grasmere → Ambleside: The circuit stays mostly at valley level with optional fell-top diversions. The Langdale and Coniston sections offer the most dramatic views.
Getting there & logistics
Base: Ambleside. Bus connections from Windermere (train from Manchester and London Euston).
Best time: April to October. The Lake District is popular in summer — book accommodation well ahead.
Safety
The Inn Way stays mostly at valley level and is well-signed. The optional fell diversions above Coniston add mountain terrain. In an emergency: call 999 or 112. Lake District MRT teams cover the area. Pre-register SMS 999.
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