Collection · 38 walks
Walks that are kind on the knees
Going up is lungs. Going down is knees. Most walk gradings tell you how hard a route is to climb, which is no help at all if the thing you are wary of is the descent. So this list is built from the descent alone. We take each route's recorded GPS track, slide a 250 metre window along it, and find the steepest sustained drop anywhere on the walk. A route only appears here if that worst drop stays under 18% — no sustained steep descent anywhere on the line. Two things this does not claim. It is a gradient measurement, not a surface one: it says nothing about wet rock, loose scree or big awkward steps, which can punish knees on ground that is barely tilted at all — each route guide has that detail. And it measures our recorded line, so a different way off the same fell may be steeper. Routes that did not make the list are not written off; they simply carry a steeper descent somewhere, and we would rather say so than let you find out at the bottom.
38
walks
0.6–13.2 km
distance range
from 0.1 hr
shortest day
23
dog-friendly
Map
● routes
An interactive map of the route start points and the fells within about 5 km. Each marker links to its page; the same routes and fells are listed below.
- The Bowder Stone0.6 km~11 m~0–0.5 hEasygentle descentA very short, level stroll to Borrowdale's famous balanced boulder — the house-sized Bowder Stone, with a wooden ladder to climb to the top. Maximum reward for minimum effort, and a guaranteed hit with children.
- Stock Ghyll Force2 km~90 m~0.5–1 hEasygentle descentA short, steep-sided woodland loop from the middle of Ambleside to the 70-foot Stock Ghyll Force — at its thundering best after rain, and easily tacked on to a town visit.
Blea Tarn (Little Langdale)2.7 km~34 m~0.5–1 hEasygentle descentA short, lovely loop around little Blea Tarn, with the classic view of the Langdale Pikes mirrored in the water — one of the most photographed scenes in the Lakes for very little effort.- Slater Bridge & Cathedral Cave2.2 km~92 m~0.5–1 hEasygentle descentA short, characterful loop from Little Langdale over the slate Slater Bridge and up to the cavernous Cathedral Cave, a relic of the old quarries. Uneven, rocky quarry ground in places — and a torch helps inside the cave.
Latrigg2.5 km~103 m~0.5–1 hEasygentle descentSummit likely clagged inThe little fell on Keswick's doorstep with an outsized view — a short pull from the Gale Road car park to a grassy top looking straight down on the town, Derwentwater and the Borrowdale fells.
Tarn Hows circuit2.9 km~61 m~0.5–1 hEasygentle descentA gentle, near-level circuit of one of the Lake District's prettiest tarns, ringed by pines with the Coniston and Langdale fells beyond. Easy underfoot and genuinely pushchair-friendly, with National Trust parking, toilets and a seasonal refreshment van.
Friar's Crag & the Derwentwater shore4.2 km~43 m~0.5–1 hEasygentle descentAn almost-level lakeshore stroll from Keswick to Friar's Crag — Ruskin's favourite view down Derwentwater to the Jaws of Borrowdale — on surfaced paths that suit pushchairs.- Elterwater riverside loop4.3 km~91 m~1–1.5 hEasygentle descentA short, near-level loop from Elterwater village along the River Brathay — easy, pretty and quick, with the Langdale Pikes ahead and plenty of water for a hot dog. A gentle leg-stretch or a lazy family afternoon.
- Orrest Head4.2 km~167 m~1–1.5 hEasygentle descentWainwright's first Lakeland summit and still the best short introduction to the fells — a steady wooded climb from Windermere to a rocky crown with a sweeping panorama over the lake to the Coniston and Langdale skyline.
- Gummer's How & Birch Fell4.8 km~179 m~1–1.5 hEasygentle descentThe short pull above the foot of Windermere — 4.8 km and 179 m, one of the shortest walks here. Easy for length and exposure, and about an hour and a quarter at a steady pace.
Grasmere lake circuit5.7 km~95 m~1–1.5 hEasygentle descentA gentle circuit of Grasmere lake from the village — easy field paths along the eastern shore and undulating woodland on the west, with the fells reflected in the water and Wordsworth's Grasmere all around. About 4 miles, almost no climbing.- Loweswater circuit5.9 km~56 m~1–1.5 hEasygentle descentA quiet, nearly-level lap of Loweswater, one of the most peaceful of the western lakes, taking in the lakeshore and the path through Holme Wood. Away from the crowds, and lovely with a dog.
- The Royal Oak Pub Walk (Ambleside)5.9 km~68 m~1–1.5 hEasygentle descentAn easy, near-level amble from the heart of Ambleside out along the River Rothay and back — parkland, riverbank and quiet lanes beneath the wooded flanks of Loughrigg, with barely 70 m of climbing across 6 km. A gentle leg-stretch to bookend lunch at the Royal Oak.
Rivings and Lothwaite4.4 km~271 m~1–1.5 hEasygentle descentDry, firm underfootA short, steep little round above Wythop — Rivings, Lothwaite and Sale Fell in 4.4 km, but with 271 m of climbing packed into it and a stage averaging 12%. Easy for length and exposure; a little over an hour.- Knipe Scar - Birkett5.7 km~166 m~1–2 hEasygentle descentA short limestone walk on Knipescar Common east of Haweswater — 5.7 km and 166 m, nothing steeper than about 6%, and easy for both length and exposure. Under an hour and a half.
- The Old Dungeon Ghyll Pub Walk (Great Langdale)6.6 km~106 m~1.5–2 hEasygentle descentAn easy, near-level loop of the Great Langdale valley floor from the Old Dungeon Ghyll, walked entirely beneath the Langdale Pikes — Pike o' Stickle and Harrison Stickle rearing up on one side, Bowfell and the Band on the other. Barely a hundred metres of up-and-down across 6.6 km, so it's a proper leg-stretch with all of the drama and almost none of the grind — and it begins and ends at the pub.
- The Sun Pub Walk (Coniston)6.4 km~202 m~1.5–2 hEasygentle descentA short circuit straight from the door of The Sun, climbing out of Coniston village toward the old Coppermines valley beside Church Beck before dropping back with the Old Man of Coniston at your shoulder and Coniston Water opening up ahead. Around 200 m of gentle climbing over 6.4 km — enough to earn a pint, not enough to spoil one.
- Buttermere lake circuit7.4 km~66 m~1.5–2 hEasygentle descentThe classic low-level lap of Buttermere — a flat, well-made path right around the lake beneath High Stile and Fleetwith Pike, passing the famous lone tree and a short rock-cut tunnel. One of the great easy walks in the Lakes.
- Rydal Water & Rydal Caves6.5 km~216 m~1.5–2.5 hEasygentle descentA gentle 4-mile circuit of Rydal Water, taking in the old slate cavern of Rydal Cave above the southern shore and returning along the wooded Coffin Route. Low-level and scenic, with one short rougher stretch near the cave.
- Elterwater & Skelwith Force7.6 km~164 m~1.5–2.5 hEasygentle descentA riverside walk from pretty Elterwater past Skelwith Force to the reedy shores of Elter Water, with the Langdale Pikes filling the skyline — gentle, varied and largely level.
- Wastwater Shore (the Screes view)8.8 km~77 m~1.5–2.5 hEasygentle descentA level walk along the Wastwater shore for the view across to the Screes — 8.8 km with 77 m of climbing and no summits at all. Easy on every axis but length; about 1.9 hours.
Whinlatter Forest: Tarbarrel Moss, Ullister Hill & Seat How7.3 km~243 m~1.5–2.5 hEasygentle descentA sheltered forest loop above Whinlatter — England's highest mountain forest — climbing on good tracks through the plantation to a trio of low, easily-missed tops. Tarbarrel Moss, Ullister Hill and rocky little Seat How give sudden, outsized views to Skiddaw, Grisedale Pike and the north-western fells for barely 250 m of climbing. A fine foul-weather or family day when the high tops are in cloud.- Castlerigg Stone Circle (from Keswick)7.7 km~185 m~1.5–2.5 hEasygentle descentA low-level circular of about 4.8 miles from Keswick out to the prehistoric Castlerigg Stone Circle and back through fields and woods. Gentle underfoot, but a genuine half-day walk rather than the quick roadside visit many expect.
- Hawkshead into the woods7.5 km~283 m~2–2.5 hEasygentle descentA quiet woodland circuit from Beatrix Potter’s Hawkshead that climbs to the great cairn on Latterbarrow — a little fell with a big reward, looking clean down Windermere and across to the Coniston fells — then drops back through the trees. Dappled, sheltered and dog-friendly, with a proper viewpoint in the middle.
- Birketts South of Burnbanks7.6 km~265 m~2–2.5 hEasygentle descentFour low tops in the woods and crags above Haweswater — Naddle Low Forest, Hugh's Laithes Pike, Wallow Crag and Naddle High Forest. Just 7.6 km and 265 m, easy for length but rated hard to navigate. About two hours.
- Wray Castle & the Windermere west shore9.6 km~114 m~2–3 hModerategentle descentA roughly 6-mile circular taking in the mock-Gothic Wray Castle and the quiet western shore of Windermere. A varied, low-level day — flat underfoot but a fair distance.
- Birketts by Kirkland9.2 km~239 m~2–3 hModerategentle descentA single quiet top at Godworth, out and back in 9.2 km with 239 m of climbing and nothing averaging steeper than about 5%. The ground and the route-finding are what make it, both rated hard; a little over two hours.
Grasmere to Easdale Tarn9.5 km~237 m~2–3 hModerategentle descentOne of Lakeland’s loveliest short valley walks — from Grasmere village up the green trough of Easdale to its hidden tarn, ringed by crags with Sourmilk Gill tumbling down beside the path. Gentle underfoot with just enough climb to feel earned, and a firm favourite with dogs.- Eycott Hills11 km~216 m~2.5–3.5 hModerategentle descentEycott Hill and Little Eycott Hill on the open ground east of Skiddaw — 11 km with just 216 m of climbing and nothing averaging steeper than about 3%. Easy for both steepness and exposure; around 2.6 hours.
Loughrigg Tarn & Loughrigg Fell9.8 km~382 m~2.5–3.5 hModerategentle descentDryA big little walk: the classic loop taking in reed-fringed Loughrigg Tarn and the knobbly top of Loughrigg Fell, with one of the finest low-level views in the Lakes — Windermere, Grasmere and the Langdale Pikes all at once. Under 400 m of climb, endlessly varied, and grand for dogs.
Loughrigg Terrace & Rydal Water10.7 km~288 m~2.5–3.5 hModerategentle descentA lake-and-terrace classic linking Grasmere and Rydal Water, taking in Rydal Cave, the old Coffin Route and the famous Loughrigg Terrace view down Grasmere. Easy-moderate, with a little climbing and some rougher ground.- Carron Crag from Grizedale11 km~388 m~2.5–3.5 hModerategentle descentThe high point of Grizedale Forest, out and back in 11 km with 388 m of climbing and nothing steeper than about 9%. Easy for exposure but rated hard to navigate — forest tracks all look alike. Under three hours.
- Ambleside to the Old Post Office Tea Room, Troutbeck (over Wansfell)9.9 km~546 m~2.5–4 hModerategentle descentA proper half-day loop with a reward built in: climb out of Ambleside over Wansfell Pike for a huge view down Windermere, drop into pretty Troutbeck for tea and cake at the Old Post Office Tea Room, then circle back. Around 550 m of up and down — and dog-friendly throughout.
- Crummock Water shore circuit13.2 km~191 m~3–4 hModerategentle descentThe full circuit of Crummock Water — about 8.2 miles around one of the loveliest of the western lakes. Largely level but long, and boggy in places along the quieter western shore.
- Green Crag & Great Whinscale — the wild Birker Fell round11.9 km~478 m~3–4.5 hModerategentle descentDry, firm underfootA wild, trackless round over the knobbly tops of Birker Fell, in the empty south-western corner of the Lakes that most walkers never reach. From the Birker Fell road it crosses open, boggy moor past Devoke Water — the Lake District's largest tarn — to a cluster of five rocky little summits: Great Whinscale, Crook Crag, then Green Crag, the Wainwright and high point of the day, before Broad Crag and Great Crag on Birker Fell. Under 12 km but genuinely rough underfoot, with proper solitude and a big view over the Duddon, Eskdale and out to the sea.
- The Tongue Birkett10.6 km~689 m~3–4.5 hModerategentle descentSummit likely clagged inThe Tongue and Bowscale Fell from the Mungrisdale side — 10.6 km with 689 m of climbing and a stage averaging 17%, which is what earns it a severe steepness rating. Easy for exposure once you are up; about 3.3 hours.
Wansfell Pike and Baystones11.9 km~534 m~3–4.5 hModerategentle descentDryThe pair above Ambleside — 11.9 km and 534 m, nothing steeper than about 12% on average, and easy for both navigation and exposure. A straightforward half-day at about 3.3 hours.- A quiet Birkett13 km~587 m~3.5–5 hModerategentle descentSummit likely clagged inThree low tops on the empty northern edge of the fells — Green How, Lowthwaite Fell and Longlands Fell — in a 13 km round with 587 m of climbing. No stage averages steeper than about 6%, and it is easy for exposure: about 3.6 hours of quiet walking.
Nothing matches those filters — .
Common questions
How do you decide a walk is kind on the knees?
By measuring, not by opinion. For every route we take the recorded GPS track and slide a 250 metre window along its whole length, looking for the steepest sustained drop. That worst figure is the route's verdict:
- Under 18% — gentle descent. These are the walks on this list.
- 18–30% — steep in places. Jarring on tired knees, and we say where on the route it happens.
- Over 30% — tough descent.
The window matters. A single steep step is not what hurts; a quarter-mile of steep is. Measuring over 250 m finds the second and ignores the first.
Does this mean the walk is easy?
No, and the two come apart more often than you would think. A route can be long, boggy, hard to navigate or genuinely remote and still have no steep descent on it — several walks here are full days out. It measures one thing: whether the way down is sustained-steep anywhere. Check the overall grading beside each route for the rest.
What about wet rock and big steps?
Not captured, and worth being plain about. This is a gradient measurement taken from elevation along the track. Polished pitched stone in the rain, loose scree, or a series of awkward knee-high steps can hurt on ground that is barely tilted, and none of that shows up in a percentage. Read the route guide for the surface; use this list for the profile.
Could a walk not on this list still suit me?
Very possibly. A route is excluded the moment any 250 m of its descent passes 18%, even if that is one short section on an otherwise gentle day — and each route page names the point where it happens, with the distance mark, so you can judge whether that one stretch is a problem or whether a pole and five slow minutes covers it.