Inn Way to the Lake District

The Inn Way to the Lake District is a 90 mile circular walk starting and finishing in the popular tourist town of Ambleside. This scenic trail explores some of the more remote corners of the region, guiding you through the Lake District’s stunning deep sided valleys, along lake shores and over high mountain passes – as well as past over 40 traditional Lakeland inns. This is a challenging walk in places, and you will need to be proficient in map reading and navigating with a compass.

The trail takes you through the popular tourist towns of Ambleside, Coniston, and Grasmere, the site of Dove Cottage, former home of the Romantic poet Wordsworth, as well as through a few of the Lake District’s most impressive valleys – Borrowdale, Ennerdale, and Great Langdale, linked by high mountain passes with breathtaking views of the surrounding fells. A particular highlight is Wasdale Head, a remote and atmospheric spot in the shadow of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.

The Inn Way offers a true cross-section of the Lake District’s diverse landscapes, taking in the busier valleys and towns of the central Lake District, such as Ambleside, Coniston, Langdale, and Borrowdale, as well as the more remote, quieter places of the western Lakes, including Buttermere, Wasdale, and Eskdale.

Why is it called the Inn Way to the Lake District? Because it is carefully devised so that each day the route passes a traditional Lakeland pub at lunchtime, and at each overnight stop, you’ll never be far from a welcoming inn. With log fires, locally brewed ales, and hearty meals made from local produce, the Inn Way to the Lake District offers the perfect blend of spectacular walking and classic Cumbrian hospitality.

‘The Inn Way’ is a Registered Trademark of Mark Reid, author of ‘The Inn Way’ series of guidebooks.

Our Holidays

We have 3 options on the Inn Way to the Lake District. You can walk the whole route over 7 or 8 days, or do either the eastern section over 3 days, or the western section over 4 days.

The eastern section takes you through the more popular tourist hot-spots of the Central Lakes such as Coniston, Ambleside, and Grasmere, as well as the iconic valleys of Great Langdale and Borrowdale.

The western section takes in the quieter, western Lake District, a pleasant walk along the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere before heading into Ennerdale and Wasdale, two of the more remote valleys of the Lake District.

Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two miles to get to your overnight stop.

Inn Way to the Lake District

Ambleside to Ambleside 90 miles/145 km

This is the whole route, a challenging but rewarding round of Lakeland's most dramatic valleys. Both of these itineraries can also be booked with dog-friendly accommodation. Please select the code ending D if you would like to bring your dog with you.

Code Length Average per day Price range
LI8 7 days walking (8 nights) 13 miles/21 km £1043 - £1324 Full Info Book
LI8D 7 days walking (8 nights) 13 miles/21 km £1138 - £1419 Full Info Book
LI9 8 days walking (9 nights) 11 miles/18 km £1169 - £1491 Full Info Book
LI9D 8 days walking (9 nights) 11 miles/18 km £1266 - £1588 Full Info Book

Inn Way to the Lake District: The Western Lakes

Braithwaite to Coniston 51 miles/82 km

Explore the quieter Western Lakes, though the remote valleys of Ennerdale, Wasdale, Eskdale and Dunnerdale. A great walk through the less visited side of the Lake District. This holiday can also be booked with dog-friendly accommodation. Please select the code ending D if you would like to bring your dog with you.

Code Length Average per day Price range
LIW5 4 days walking (5 nights) 13 miles/21 km £769 - £930 Full Info Book
LIW5D 4 days walking (5 nights) 13 miles/21 km £806 - £967 Full Info Book

Inn Way to the Lake District: The Central Lakes

Coniston to Braithwaite 39 miles/63 km

The eastern part of the Inn way, taking in the popular villages and valleys of the Central Lakes. A challenging walk, but slightly easier than the western part. This holiday can also be booked with dog-friendly accommodation. Please select the code ending D if you would like to bring your dog with you.

Code Length Average per day Price range
LIE4 3 days walking (4 nights) 13 miles/21 km £599 - £719 Full Info Book
LIE4D 3 days walking (4 nights) 13 miles/21 km £644 - £764 Full Info Book

Client Feedback

We just returned from doing the Cleveland Way and are so appreciative of all that Mickledore did to make this a fabulous walking trip! From the prompt emails to the excellent accommodations to the helpful advice – this is a wonderful company, and one we’ll book with again!

Cleveland Way, July 2024
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We booked back-to-back walking holidays with Mickledore. They quickly arranged 2 separate 10-day holidays, Cotswold Way and South Downs Way, with rest and transition days. Because of their service, our 30 days in the UK were an absolute delight. This was our second booking with Mickledore, and we plan to book with them again.

South Downs Way, June 2024
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Thank you very much for a lovely holiday and for arranging a fantastic itinerary. Overall we had a fantastic experience.

Cotswold Way, July 2024
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