The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Thirlmere

Thirlmere offers a fantastic selection of routes suitable for families. Our guide features nearly a thousand hiking trails in the area, with over 300 classified as easy, perfect for a relaxed family outing. You'll find a diverse range of options to explore with your loved ones.

Thirlmere is rich in natural beauty. Along the trails, you can discover the serene Thirlmere Reservoir itself, the charming Hawes How Island, and the picturesque Launchy Gill Waterfall and Thirlmere Western Shore. The area is also known for its dense woodlands and dramatic fells, offering stunning views.

Yes, there are several circular routes that are great for families. For an active family, the Thirlmere Dam Tower – Thirlmere Reservoir loop offers a comprehensive experience around the lake, providing varied scenery and a good distance for older children. Many shorter, easier circular paths can also be found within the woodlands surrounding the reservoir.

Thirlmere is beautiful year-round, but for family hiking, spring and autumn are particularly pleasant. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is also great, but trails can be busier. Winter can be magical, but requires more preparation for colder, potentially icy conditions, especially on higher fells.

Many trails around Thirlmere are dog-friendly, allowing your furry family members to join the adventure. However, it's always important to keep dogs under close control, especially near livestock or in nature conservation areas. Some routes might require dogs to be on a lead. Always check local signage.

Parking is available at various points around Thirlmere. A convenient option is the Thirlmere Pay and Display Car Park. There are also other smaller car parks and lay-bys, particularly near popular starting points for trails. Arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak season, is advisable to secure a spot.

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience in Thirlmere, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 16,000 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the stunning views of the reservoir and fells, and the variety of paths suitable for different ages and abilities within a family.

While popular spots can get busy, Thirlmere generally offers a more tranquil experience compared to some other Lake District areas. To find less crowded trails, consider exploring the paths through the conifer woods on the eastern side of the reservoir or some of the less-trafficked routes on the western fells like Armboth Fell, which offer quiet solitude and beautiful views.

Ascending Helvellyn from the Thirlmere side, for example, via the Helvellyn Summit – Helvellyn Summit Shelter loop, is considered a less crowded and more straightforward route than from the eastern side. However, it is still a demanding climb with significant elevation gain (over 700m) and is best suited for active families with older, experienced children. Ensure you have appropriate gear, plenty of water, and check weather conditions.

While many trails involve uneven terrain, some sections around the reservoir and within the woodlands offer flatter, wider paths that might be suitable for sturdy strollers or toddlers. The eastern forest road, which is closed to through traffic, provides a relatively flat and quiet surface. Always check the specific trail conditions and descriptions for suitability before heading out.

Public transport options to Thirlmere are limited but available. Buses serve some of the main roads in the Lake District, and you might find services that stop near Thirlmere. However, for greater flexibility with family and gear, driving is often the preferred option. Always check current bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.

Thirlmere is known for its tranquil and less commercialized atmosphere, meaning fewer direct amenities like cafes or pubs right on the trails compared to other areas. It's advisable to pack a picnic and plenty of snacks and drinks for your family hike. You might find options in nearby villages like Grasmere or Keswick, which are a short drive away.