4 Night Southern Lake District Family Walking Adventure

Distance: 4 miles (7km)  

Ascent: 800ft (260m)  

We’ll ascend through woodland to reach the picturesque Tarn Hows, a famous beauty spot. We’ll circuit the tarns, enjoying the full range of majestic mountain views on offer, before descending through countryside back to Monk Coniston.  

What your kids will love: Looking out for Belted Galloway cattle – their distinctive markings might just remind you of an Oreo cookie. 

Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)  

Ascent: 800ft (260m)  

This option follows the same route to Tarn Hows, but we’ll also explore the countryside a little further. Rather than complete a full circuit of the tarn, we head north on the Cumbria Way for a short section, before returning to Monk Coniston. On the way we’ll pass by Yew Tree Tarn and Yew Tree Farm.  

What your kids will love: Being on a film set. Yew Tree Farm starred as Beatrix Potter’s home, ‘Hill Top’, in the 2006 film Miss Potter. 

Distance: 8.5 miles (14km) 

Ascent: 1,750ft (540m) 

We’ll ascend through woods and walk across open fields to Iron Keld Plantation. Then we’ll traverse open fell to reach our high point of the day, the summit of Black Crag, a recognised Wainwright for anyone bagging fells. After enjoying the impressive panoramic views, we’ll continue to Hollin Bank, where we join the Cumbria Way and return to Monk Coniston via Tarn Hows. 

What your kids will love: Standing proud on the summit of Black Crag where the 360-degree views are breathtaking. What can you see from the top? 

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km) 

Ascent: 2,650ft (800m) 

A grand day out in the mountains, our most challenging route reaches the top of Wetherlam, after a mild but exciting scramble up Wetherlam Edge. 

What your kids will love: Taking on the challenge of scrambling up ‘The Edge’. From the top, imagine the area busy with mining and quarrying activity in complete contrast to today’s total serenity. 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km) 

Ascent: 250ft (80m)  

A gentle stroll from Skelwith Bridge. We’ll walk along the valley following the Cumbria Way, passing through the villages of Elterwater and Chapel Stile until we arrive at New Dungeon Ghyll. 

What your kids will love: Counting the Herdwick sheep grazing in Great Langdale. Fun fact: Beatrix Potter kept and bred her own flock of Herdwicks and won prizes at various shows. 

Distance: 7 miles (11km)  

Ascent: 700ft (220m)  

This walk is an extension of option one. We’ll join the Cumbria Way at Hollin Bank, and pass Colwith Force on our way to Skelwith Bridge. We then walk down the Langdale Valley and watch the increasingly grand scenery unfold. Keep a look out for Dippers bobbing in Great Langdale Beck. 

What your kids will love: Gazing up at the spectacular waterfalls of Colwith Force and Skelwith Force.  

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km) 

Ascent: 2,050ft (640m) 

Starting at the New Dungeon Ghyll, we head up on a good path beneath Side Pike, to the road col over to Little Langdale. Here we turn and continue our ascent to the rocky summit of Pike o’Blisco. We head down via Oxendale and make our way back past the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. 

What your kids will love: It’s a steep climb to the summit, but you’ll feel on top of the world as you look out from this impressive peak.  

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km) 

Ascent: 3,200ft (980m) 

Heading into Oxendale we ascend towards Red Tarn to join the classic Crinkle Crags ridge – be prepared for rocky and rugged terrain. We then head via the col at Three Tarns to the imposing peak of Bow Fell. Our descent follows 'The Band' down to the valley. 

What your kids will love: By the end of this walk, you’ll have bagged two of Wainwright’s finest fells – an amazing achievement.   

Distance: 5 miles (8km)  

Ascent: 720ft (220m)  

We’ll walk on good tracks to Miners Bridge in the Coppermines Valley, then gently descend beside Church Beck to Coniston Village. We’ll continue down to the jetty on beautiful Coniston Water and have plenty of time to enjoy the lakeshore. From here it’s just a short stroll through fields back to the house.  

What your kids will love: Paddling on the shores of Coniston Water and seeing who can skim a stone the furthest. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Steam Yacht Gondola.  

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 1,250ft (380m) 

We’ll follow in the footsteps of miners and walk further into the historic Coppermines Valley. We’ll return via the jetty and lakeshore, so we won’t miss out on the chance to play by the water’s edge or enjoy a well-deserved ice cream.   

What your kids will love: Spotting the remains of mining in the Coppermines Valley and imagining what life would have been like working as an ore picker.  

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)  

Ascent: 1,750ft (540m) 

A slightly longer option, we’ll start by walking along the shores of Coniston Water before heading up into the Coppermines Valley. We continue the climb to Levers Water and walk through Boulder Valley. Along the way we’ll see plenty of mining remains and the gigantic Pudding Stone.  

What your kids will love: Playing the role of a history hunter. We’ll have lots of fun exploring the fells, uncovering finds, and learning facts about the Coniston copper mines.

Distance: 11 miles (17.5km) 

Ascent: 3,250ft (980m) 

Challenge yourself on this high-level route taking in two iconic mountains. It’s a tough climb to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston, but there’ll be lots of interest and fun along the way. We’ll pass through old slate quarries and admire Low Water, a spectacular corrie tarn. After snapping a photo at the top, we’ll continue to Dow Crag and descend back to the village along the Walna Scar Road.  

What your kids will love: The incredible sense of accomplishment looking back towards the Old Man of Coniston, knowing you stood at the very top.