3 Family Friendly Walks in the Lake District this Autumn

Autumn is a great time of year to get outside. If, like me, you are perpetually hot (thanks perimenopause), it’s a cooler and a much more comfortable experience compared to summer. If you’re lucky, there is often a good amount of clear, sunny days left to enjoy the great outdoors. Add in the autumn colours, and the fact that you can catch a sunset or sunrise at a much more sociable hour, and it lends itself to some stunning walks and outdoor adventures.

It can be tempting to hunker down once summer has gone and settle in for the colder months, but honestly if you do that you are missing out on so much! If you fancy an autumn outdoor adventure but need it to be family friendly, I’ve got you!

Here are three of our favourite family friendly walks in the Lake District that are perfect for autumn exploring.

Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is cared for by The National Trust and is a scenic 1.75 mile circular accessible route. It has a cafe, toilets and picnic area, so it makes a great stop off point or it can be part of a longer route. The views are stunning and it’s close to both Coniston and Lake Windermere.

Tarn Hows might not be the longest walk, but it really punches above its weight and delivers some knockout views. It’s particularly worth a visit in the autumn when the colours make it especially picturesque.

Aira Force

We’ve been to Aira Force a couple of times, but it was at its best when we went after it had rained – it was a raging torrent and very impressive! The autumn months are a great time to go waterfall spotting, the higher levels of rain make for some great views, plus they tend to be a bit quieter than in the height of summer.

Aira Force is also managed by the National Trust and so has all the facilities you would expect – toilets, picnic area and a tearoom. It is right next to Ullswater so is a great area to explore and boasts lots of family friendly walks nearby. If the car park is full, you can park at Glencoyne and walk there.

Aira Force was looking amazing after the rain. This photo doesn’t convey just how powerful the water was

Derwent Water

Derwent Water is a great place for a family friendly walk as it is so close to the town of Keswick with all its amenities. It’s an easy walk from the Lakeside Car park (CA12 5DG) or the main central car park in town, to the Lake. From here you can walk to Friars Crag viewpoint, which is a great place to enjoy the views over Derwent Water.

From here you can loop back to Keswick, or enjoy a longer walk. If you have older or more adventurous kids, Catbells is just across the water and makes a great first Wainwright as it’s not too long a walk.

Have you done any of these walks? Where is your favourite place to explore in the autumn months?