If you were taking a fit novice tonthe Lake District, which walks would you do?

[Penstick]

I love the Lakes and have done all the high level walks, not so many of the shorter walks.

I'm going with a friend, a man in his 40s, who's very fit in a soft southern road runner kind of way, but not used to the mountains.

The first time he came with me, we had what could have been a dreadful accident attempting Scafell Pike, when he literally fell off the side of the path (it crumbled under him) and if it hadn't been for a tree that caught him, would have had a fall of several metres. We turned back and understandably he's nervous about another attempt.

Tell me your best "mountains" where he'll feel comfortable?

We obviously have short days at this time of year too so looking for short walks of maybe 5 hours or so.

@EmptyInTheValley

I presume you've not done Crib Goch then.

That's an "interesting " walk

@cakeorwineprobably not, as I don’t spend enough time with my cousins for them to know how much I love The Black Bull, and The Britannia in Elterwater

No posting pictures of you and DH drinking in the Black Bull on the family WhatsApp

My cousin is exactly the kind of person who'd be on MN so if you recognise yourself, Hi Cus

Taking notes!
Back to the Lakes next summer, cottage already booked, but I’m slightly less mobile now than before because of arthritis 😞

Looks like I’ll have to visit The Black Bull!

Catbells is pretty easy. Went up with the DC when they were small.

It still has 2 rocky scrambly sections though, if the friend is spooked after the rocky paths of Scafell Pike,

Unless you approach from the South, maybe over Maiden Moor.

I'm not 100% sure what the OP is looking for - but the guy is fit and can presumably cover a good walk. Just not rocky narrow paths.

He'll get his legs in soon enough, presumably!

Oh my days. That gives me the heebie-jeebies just looking at it.

Avoid also Sharp Edge, Jacks Rake, and Swirral Edge.

I will most definitely avoid them! Prefer a walk that takes in coffee and cake these days. My scrambling days are over.

From what people are saying I think I might be on the wrong track here , but for a quick very pretty , mostly flat walk I love Tarn Hows. About an hour , I think 2 miles ish , but I am more of a dog walker walker than a "proper" walker. However if you found another longer walk you might be able to fit this in on the same day to make up the 5 hours. Sorry - I realise it's not quite the brief but just a suggestion.

How about Helvellyn from the Thirlmere side?

Ullswater via silver bay is gorgeous but not a fell.