The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hayeswater
4.6
(5323)
50,830
hikers
228
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Hayeswater are situated in a dramatic mountain amphitheater in the Lake District, surrounded by prominent fells like The Knott and Gray Crag. The area features Hayeswater, a re-naturalized mountain tarn, and Hayeswater Gill, which flows from the tarn. Hikers will find paths winding through glacial moraines and an upland lake environment, offering a sense of wildness. The terrain includes steep slopes in places, providing varied hiking experiences.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Hayeswater
- The…
Last updated: July 13, 2026
4.9
(16)
198
hikers
13.4km
04:54
720m
720m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(9)
82
hikers
16.8km
06:11
810m
810m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.7
(3)
55
hikers
8.29km
03:48
620m
620m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(4)
55
hikers
13.6km
05:23
860m
860m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.7
(3)
50
hikers
4.15km
01:29
250m
250m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
We did the loop from Hartsop over The Knott, High Street, Thornthwaite Crag and back through the Pasture Beck valley. (12 km)
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High Hartsop Dodd is not really a mountain summit. It is the tail end of a marvellous ring of Wainwrights if you have been doing the Dovedale Round. There are fine views from here across to Hartsop Dodd itself and over Brothers Water. It has a small cairn on its smooth broad summit.
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Stony Cove Pike, which is alternatively known as Caudale Moor, sits on a complex ridge system, and when you come over from Harstop Dodd, you follow a long, rather scenic wall. There are good views to be had here over towards the Fairfield tops, including Red Screes.
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Hartsop Dodd looms over the village like a sleeping giant over the village from where it gets its name. Its 618-metre-high lush green bulk simply dominates the valley. There is no easy way up from this scenic valley, and the ascent going up is nothing short of lung-busting. However, the views of Gray Crag and Fairfield from here are simply super nice.
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Hartsop Above How sits between Hart Crag and Gale Crag by boggy undulating ground that drops northeast towards Patterdale. There is no prominent summit marker here, just an outcrop of just a broad mound of earth. I would have liked to have said something about the views, but I didn't see anything today.
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Dove Crag summit is quite unassuming, just a small cairn on a rocky ledge, but it offers a good vantage point with super nice expansive views over the eastern fells and back towards High Pike. It is quite a walk to get here from Ambleside; most do it as part of the Fairfield Horseshoe, but it is well worth it for the views. It is also famous for the hidden Priest Hole Cave located on its steep eastern cliff face.
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The trig-pointed summit of High Street is a broad, flat plateau rather than a dramatic, sharp peak or cliff edge as is common in the Lake District. It is a super good place for a rest break, as there are nearby stone walls for a windbreak. While barren, it has good views of the surrounding fells.
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Rampsgill Head summit, at 792 metres, is an unassuming cairned Wainwright summit sitting in between two other Wainwrights, namely High Raise and The Knott. It is a pleasant, airy plateau with excellent, dramatic, steep drops into the Ramps Gill valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there around Hayeswater?
The Hayeswater area offers a wide variety of hiking experiences. You'll find over 200 routes in total, with approximately 50 specifically rated as easy, making them suitable for families.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes near Hayeswater?
The terrain around Hayeswater is diverse. While some paths are relatively gentle, you should be prepared for areas that can be rough and steep, especially as you gain elevation. There might also be marshy sections, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Paths often thread their way around small glacial moraines, offering interesting features.
Are there any circular family walks available around Hayeswater?
Yes, there are several circular options suitable for families. For a relatively easy and scenic loop, consider the Hayeswater – Hayeswater Gill Waterfalls loop from Hartsop, which offers beautiful views and a chance to see the gill.
What natural features or landmarks can we see on family hikes?
Hayeswater itself is a stunning natural mountain tarn, nestled in a dramatic mountain amphitheater. You can follow the Hayeswater Gill as it flows down from the tarn. Keep an eye out for historical elements like the remains of Myers Head Mine, which hint at the area's past. The surrounding fells like The Knott and Gray Crag provide a picturesque backdrop.
Are there any trails that feature waterfalls?
Yes, the Hayeswater Gill is a prominent feature with waterfalls. A route like the Hayeswater Gill Waterfalls – High Street summit loop from Hartsop incorporates these beautiful cascades, though this specific route is rated difficult and might be better for families with older, more experienced hikers.
Is parking available for family-friendly trails in the Hayeswater area?
Yes, parking is generally available in nearby villages like Hartsop, which serves as a common starting point for many trails. For example, the Hartsop Village Car Park – Cairn on Hartsop Dodd loop from Hartsop starts directly from a village car park.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails around Hayeswater?
The komoot community highly rates the Hayeswater area, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the sense of wildness and tranquility, the stunning mountain scenery, and the variety of trails that cater to different abilities, including those suitable for families.
Can we bring dogs on the family-friendly hikes?
Many trails in the Lake District are dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially due to livestock. You may encounter sheep and potentially aggressive cows with calves during summer months. Always follow the Countryside Code and keep dogs on a lead where necessary.
What is the best time of year to visit Hayeswater for family hikes?
Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for family hikes, with longer daylight hours and milder weather. However, the Lake District weather can be unpredictable, so always be prepared for changing conditions regardless of the season.
Are there any longer, more challenging family hikes for older children?
For families with older children or teenagers who are experienced hikers, there are more challenging routes. The Hart Crag Summit – Dove Crag summit loop from Hartsop is a moderate option that offers significant elevation gain and panoramic views, providing a rewarding experience for more adventurous families.
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