Lakes, Meres and Waters
The Lakes, Meres and Waters is a 160 km route through the Lake District and into the southern fells and tarns — a lower-level circuit that visits the major lakes (Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston, Derwentwater) on paths around their shores.
Route description only — GPX file coming soon.
Varies / check source Don't rely on this alone — carry OS 1:25,000 maps and know the line before you go.
About Lakes, Meres and Waters
Unlike most Lake District challenges that head for the summits, the Lakes, Meres and Waters stays at valley level — circuiting the shores of the major lakes and tarns in a comprehensive tour of Lakeland's famous water landscape. Windermere, Coniston Water, Esthwaite, Rydal Water, Grasmere, Thirlmere, Ullswater, Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater are all visited.
For trail runners it is an excellent two to three day route on good, well-maintained lakeside paths — faster and less demanding than the fell routes but with the unique pleasure of running alongside England's most famous lakes. The reflections on still mornings are worth the early start.
The route
The circuit visits the lakes in a rough clockwise order from Windermere — south Lakeland first (Coniston, Esthwaite), then Grasmere and Rydal, north to Thirlmere and Derwentwater, east to Ullswater, and back south to Windermere.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Windermere or Ambleside. Train to Windermere from Manchester and London Euston.
Accommodation throughout in lakeside towns — Ambleside, Coniston, Keswick, Pooley Bridge.
Best time: Year-round, but lake paths can flood in winter.
Safety
The Lakes, Meres and Waters is a low-hazard route — always near roads and habitation. The lakeside paths can be slippery when wet. In an emergency: call 999 or 112. Good mobile signal for most of the route.
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