7 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 miles (6km)  

Ascent: 600ft (180m) 

We’ll stroll alongside one of the Lake District's prettiest lakes, Rydal Water, and have time to explore the grounds of Rydal Hall. It’s then on to Grasmere following the route of an old coffin trail. Keep an eye out for red squirrels on the way.  

What your kids will love: Paddling in Rydal Water and seeking out the grotto in the grounds of Rydal Hall. It was built by Sir Daniel Fleming in 1668 to frame the waterfalls, with Wordsworth even describing the view in his poem An Evening Walk.  

Distance: 6.5 miles (11km)  

Ascent: 1,050ft (320m)  

Starting from the bustling town of Ambleside we’ll follow the River Rothay to Rydal passing the impressive Rydal Hall. We continue above the north shore of Rydal Water, following the same section of coffin trail as option one, but take a slightly longer route into Grasmere. This picture-perfect Lakeland village is famous for being the home of William Wordsworth.        

What your kids will love: Finding William Wordsworth’s grave in the village churchyard and sampling tasty Grasmere Gingerbread. 

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)  

Ascent: 2,000ft (620m) 

An opportunity to climb Helm Crag, one of the most distinctive Lakeland fells with the ‘Lion and the Lamb’ rock formations on the summit. We’ll follow the ridge to Gibson Knott and Calf Crag before descending via Far Easedale.  

What your kids will love: It's a steep climb to the top of Helm Crag, but the views over the nearby lakes are a worthy reward. Channel your inner artist and draw what you see. 

Distance: 10 miles (16km) 

Ascent: 2,900ft (900m) 

We’ll leave the beautiful village of Grasmere and ascend to Easedale Tarn, before taking on the climb to the summit of Sergeant Man. On a clear day we’ll be treated to superb views of Langdale. We follow paths across to Calf Crag, and then stride out along on a fantastic ridgeline, ticking off the tops of Gibson Knott and Helm Crag. It’s then a steep descent back to Grasmere. 

What your kids will love: Reaching the famous summit rock formation, the ‘Lion and the Lamb’ – see if you can make out their shape. 

Each week there’s a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, play in the grounds or visit local places of interest.  Here’s our pick of the very best things to see and do within easy travelling distance of Monk Coniston. 

Coniston Water Boating Centre  

Just a skip away from Monk Coniston, the friendly team at Coniston Water Boating Centre can help get your family afloat. They have a whole host of different boats available to hire, including electric motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. During the holidays the centre can get very busy, so it’s always best to book in advance.  

Grizedale Forest 

Set in the heart of the Lake District between Windermere and Coniston, explore this vast forest on two wheels or by foot. There are endless trails to discover. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for unique sculptures dotted throughout the forest. There’s also a visitor centre, tearoom, adventure playground and Go Ape course onsite, so plenty to keep everyone happy.   

The World of Beatrix Potter 

An enchanting Lake District attraction, Beatrix Potter's magical tales of Peter Rabbit and his friends are brought to life in three dimensions. Interactive exhibits tell the story of Potter's writing and her importance to Lakeland conservation. This award-winning family attraction is not to be missed.   

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: 4 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 840ft (250m)  

Starting in Ambleside, we’ll climb steadily through Skelghyll Wood, past Jenkins Crag. We’ll admire the views over Windermere whilst traversing the open hillside on a good bridleway, before descending to Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre.  

What your kids will love: Summiting the Mountain Tower and crossing the rope bridge at Brockholes woodland playground. There’s also mini-golf, zip-lining, kayaking, archery and much more. Some attractions incur a charge which is payable locally. 

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km) 

Ascent: 1,150ft (350m)  

From the centre of Ambleside, we’ll first visit Stockghyll Force waterfall, before joining the route taken by option one. Rather than taking the more direct paths to Brockhole, we continue our walk along Robin Lane, passing by the National Trust property, Townend, on our way to the Visitor Centre.   

What your kids will love: Guessing how high the water crashes down at Stochghyll Force (hint: it’s 70ft). 

Distance: 6.5 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 1,850ft (550m)  

A fabulous walk, again starting in the popular market town of Ambleside. We’ll ascend the open fellside to reach the summit of Wansfell before descending gently towards Troutbeck Village. We cross fields and countryside to arrive at Brockhole. 

What your kids will love: Spotting boats and swimmers in Windermere from Wansfell summit. 

Distance: 10 miles (16km)  

Ascent: 3,300ft (1,000m)  

The famous Fairfield Horseshoe, one of the finest mountain walks in the Lake District. Tick off eight separate Wainwright Fells on this day of fantastic high-level walking.  

What your kids will love: The bragging rights of having bagged eight separate Wainwright’s on one very challenging walk.  

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.