English region
Walking in North West England
England's highest fells and largest lakes, with quiet moorland, a vast bay and miles of coast.
Dated walks
Upcoming walks in North West England
15 dates coming up. Check each listing for the meeting point and how to join.
Walk any day
Walking routes in North West England
A few of the 25 routes shared in North West England, each with a map, distance and time estimate.
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Derwentwater Walk: full lakeside circuit from Keswick
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Stocks Reservoir: full circuit from School Lane
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Bolton-le-Sands to Hest Bank: Lancaster Canal Towpath Return
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Waverton to Chester Shot Tower: Shropshire Union Canal Return
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Quarry Bank: Styal Village and Arthur's Wood Long Loop
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Delamere Forest: Blakemere Moss woodland circuit
More routes by county: Cumbria Lancashire Greater Manchester Merseyside Cheshire
Community
Walkers in North West England
82 walkers based in North West England have public profiles. Say hello, or find someone to walk with.
Clifford
@cliff
Burnley
Johan
@Johan
Chester
Sophie
@sophielou
Keswick
Ann-marie
@amo71
Northwich
Jackie
@Jstevens28
Lancaster
Tom
@cumbriantom
Kendal
Region guide
About walking in North West England
The Lake District is the headline: a national park and World Heritage Site with England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, its largest lake, Windermere, and a dense network of fell, lakeshore and valley paths. Part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park also lies in Cumbria, and the North Pennines rise along the region's eastern edge.
Lancashire's Forest of Bowland and the Arnside and Silverdale coast are quieter alternatives, Morecambe Bay has guided walks across the sands, and the West Pennine Moors and the western edge of the Peak District are within easy reach of Manchester and Liverpool. Cheshire adds the Sandstone Trail and gentle canal and woodland walking.
Hill and upland guides: Lake District
Landscapes and trails in North West England
Lake District National Park
Fells, lakes and valleys, from lakeshore paths around Derwentwater and Buttermere to Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain.
Explore Lake District National ParkForest of Bowland
Open moorland, gritstone fells and quiet villages, with far fewer people than the Lakes.
Arnside & Silverdale
Limestone woods, pavement and saltmarsh on the edge of Morecambe Bay.
Morecambe Bay
Vast sands and fast tides. Only ever cross on an organised walk led by the official Guide to the Sands.
Hadrian's Wall Path
The western half runs through Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway, on the edge of the Solway Firth.
Sandstone Trail
A wooded ridge walk across Cheshire from Frodsham to Whitchurch, with views over the Cheshire Plain.
Go local
Counties in North West England
Each page has its own routes, dated walks, towns and local walkers.
Good to know
Questions about walking in North West England
Are there group walks in North West England?
Yes. Walkmates currently lists 15 upcoming dated walks in North West England. Each listing shows where to meet and how to join, and you can browse them without an account.
Where should I start walking in the Lake District?
For an easy start, try a lakeshore loop around Buttermere, Tarn Hows or Derwentwater. Catbells above Keswick is a popular first fell. Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and the Langdale Pikes are serious mountain days that need settled weather, navigation skills and proper kit.
Can you walk across Morecambe Bay?
Yes, but only on an organised crossing led by the official Guide to the Sands. The bay has fast tides, quicksand and channels that move, so never attempt to cross it on your own.
Conditions, access and opening arrangements change. Check the route, the forecast and any organiser's instructions before you set off, and see our walking safety guide.
Find someone to walk with in North West England
Join Walkmates free to save routes, join dated walks and meet walkers near you.
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