13 Valleys Trail

This is a 113.5-mile (182.6 km) circular route. The distance is the complete circuit from Crow Park in Keswick back to Crow Park, rather than one side of a loop. It links the Lake District's 13 named valleys, including Borrowdale, Buttermere, Wasdale, Eskdale, Langdale, Coniston, Grasmere, Haweswater, Ullswater, Thirlmere, Ennerdale, Duddon, and Windermere. Treat it as a multi-day mountain journey, not a normal day hike.

The broad sequence runs from Keswick and Derwent Water through the Borrowdale and Buttermere country to Honister, Black Sail, and Wasdale, then across Eskdale and Coniston. It continues via Windermere and Wray Castle, Langdale, Borrowdale, Grasmere, and Ambleside before crossing the Kentmere and High Street country to Hayeswater, Glenridding, Sticks Pass, Threlkeld, and Keswick. The appeal is the changing character of every valley, from lakeshore paths and woodland to remote high passes.

Expect steep climbs, rocky and muddy ground, open fell paths, farm tracks, lanes, and occasional tarmac. Several high sections are exposed to wind and cloud, and some parts are not waymarked. Carry a detailed map and a charged navigation device, and know how to navigate when the path fades in mist. The longest days combine substantial ascent with remote terrain and limited easy exits. Allow about 65 hours of walking time, normally divided across several days with planned accommodation, food, and transport between sections.

Start at Crow Park in Keswick. Use signed public parking in Keswick and walk to the lakefront start, or arrive by public transport. The circuit returns to Keswick, but a section walk still needs a plan for buses, taxis, or a second vehicle at the finish. The line follows public rights of way and ordinary access routes, so no single trail permit is normally needed; follow local parking, access, and land-management notices. Dogs may use public rights of way, but keep them under close control and on a lead where livestock or wildlife requires it. There are no dependable facilities between every valley, so carry water, food, spare layers, and a power bank.