The Lake District National Park is one of England’s most treasured areas, renowned for its glistening lakes, rugged mountains, and charming valleys. Although Lake District Falconry is based just outside of Windermere, in the south lakes, there is so much to discover while you are here.

Exploring this vast natural space without a reliable map is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. A detailed map not only shows the park’s geographical features but also guides you safely through its diverse landscapes. From the famous lakes to hidden trails, understanding the map means getting the most out of your visit.

Understanding the Geography of Lake District National Park

The Lake District spans over 2,290 square kilometres in Cumbria, that’s 912 square miles, soooooo much to explore! This beautiful area dots northwest England with 16 major lakes, a patchwork of peaks, and a whole lot of deep valleys.
A map of Lake District national park will give a clear indication of its wide coverage, from coastal estuaries in the west to the high fells in the east, and everything in between.

Key Lakes and Waterways

You’d think there’d be lots of lakes in the Lake District, but the actual, technical answer is that there is only one! Bassenthwaite Lake. The others are all regarded as ‘tarns,’ or ‘meres’ or ‘waters.’
Windermere is the largest and most famous span of water, stretching like a shimmering snake through rolling hills. Nearby, Ullswater offers quieter waters surrounded by steep slopes. Having a dedicated map of Lake District national park waters, tarns and meres will help pinpoint the location of these lakes, offering insight into where you can go canoeing, fishing, wild swimming, or simply enjoy the view.

Other notable lakes such as Coniston Water, Derwentwater, and Buttermere also appear prominently, each with surrounding paths and facilities marked clearly.

Mountain Ranges and Peaks

The Lake District’s dramatic skyline is dominated by the Cumbrian Mountains. Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England at 978 metres, stands proud within park boundaries. Some map of Lake District national park often use contour lines and shading to show elevation, helping visitors gauge the steepness and identify key summit points.

Other peaks like Helvellyn, Catbells, and Skiddaw also feature on most hiking maps, making it easier to plan routes that suit your fitness and experience. What you need to make sure you know is what area you want to explore and get the right map that will help you do just that.

Valleys and Trails

Valleys such as Borrowdale and Langdale serve as gateways to many popular routes. The extensive network of footpaths and bridleways runs through these valleys, connecting villages, campsites, and points of interest.

A map of Lake District national park highlights these trails with varying colours or thickness, indicating main routes, alternative paths, and longer distance journeys like the Coast to Coast Walk. Well-known tracks like the Cumbria Way or routes heading up to Scafell Pike are simple to follow with a good map.

Types of Maps Available for Lake District National Park

Choosing the right map depends on how you want to explore the park. Think about what you’ll be doing whilst you’re here, will you be hiking, boating, or sightseeing? Different types of maps cater to specific needs.

Ordnance Survey and Footpath Maps

The Ordnance Survey (OS) is the gold standard for detailed topographical maps in the UK. There are several OS map types available for the Lake District, including the 1:25,000 Explorer series which shows every footpath, landmark, and contour line with precision. These maps allow walkers to navigate the terrain confidently, spotting elevation changes and landmarks.

For casual walkers, footpath maps highlight popular trails, public rights of way, and viewpoints, focusing less on technical detail but more on practical route information.

Water and Activity Specific Maps

If your visit focuses on water sports or cruising on lakes like Windermere, specialised maps are available. These maps include navigational aids, safe boating zones, and emergency points, which are essential for safety on the water.

Some maps also highlight fishing areas, boat rentals, and waterside facilities, ensuring a smooth experience on the lakes.

Thematic and Recreational Route Maps

The Lake District offers a range of theme-based maps showing family-friendly walks, accessible routes, and cycling paths. These maps include multi-use tracks and sometimes feature recommended itineraries for different ability levels.

Recreational route maps also provide useful info about nearby visitor centres, picnic spots, and historical sites, making them a great companion for day-trippers and families.

How to Use Lake District Maps for Planning Your Visit

A good map of Lake District national park is only useful if you know how to use it well. Here are some practical tips to get the most from your Lake District map.

Planning Walking and Hiking Routes

Start by checking the distance, elevation, and terrain marked on the map. Contour lines reveal how steep your route will be, helping you avoid trails that might be too challenging. Look out for symbols indicating viewpoints, rest stops, or shelters.

Maps also show paths linking villages and landmarks, making it easy to plan a circular walk or a multi-day trek.

Navigational Tips and Safety

Combine your map reading with natural landmarks and, if possible, a GPS device. The Lake District’s weather can change quickly, affecting visibility, so familiarising yourself with the map before setting off is crucial.

Keep track of your location by identifying features like rivers, forests, or ridges. Maps often include grid references to help communicate your position in an emergency.

Finding Amenities and Points of Interest

Maps are a handy guide to facilities essential during a visit: car parks, toilets, campsites, and visitor centres are all clearly marked. Other points of interest like historic houses, museums, or well-known pubs might also be featured.

Using these maps helps you plan breaks and detours, making the day more enjoyable and less stressful.

Map of Lake District National Park

Here’s a list of where to find all the best maps of Lake District National Park, once you know what you want to do here, select the best map for that and start your adventure!

Southern Eastern Lake District Map – Windermere, Kendal & Silverdale

South-Western Area Map – Coniston, Ulverston & Barrow-in-Furness

North-Eastern Map – Penrith, Patterdale & Caldbeck

North Western Area Map – Keswick, Cockermouth & Wigton

Lake District Water & Lakes – this site has some great downloadable maps of the Lake District including lots of villages and places to explore.

Lake District Pathfinder Walking Guide

Lake District Visitors Map, A-Z – Extending from Cockermouth to Penrith, and Ulverston to Grange-over-Sands, this map includes primary routes as well as camping and caravanning sites.

This has a link to all the toilets and car parks across the Lake District