Collection · 183 walks
Lake District walks by difficulty
Our walking routes grouped by the size of the day — the distance and total ascent measured from the GPS track. Easy is a short outing; Severe is a big mountain day you'd think twice about (over five hours and 1,200 m of climbing); in between is fine if you take your time. Size isn't the whole story, though — check the exposure flag on each route, our most serious safety axis, walked and confirmed where you see it. A short walk can still be seriously exposed, and a long one can be a gentle plod. Always check the live conditions and the mountain forecast before you go.
183
walks
0.6–27.6 km
distance range
from 0.1 hr
shortest day
Map
● routes
An interactive map of the route start points and the fells within about 5 km. Each marker links to its page; the same routes and fells are listed below.
Easy 35
Under about two hours of walking — a short outing you can fit round the rest of the day.
- The Bowder StoneExposure: EasyPlannedA very short, level stroll to Borrowdale's famous balanced boulder — the house-sized Bowder Stone, with a wooden ladder to climb to the top. Maximum reward for minimum effort, and a guaranteed hit with children.
- Stock Ghyll ForceExposure: EasyPlannedA short, steep-sided woodland loop from the middle of Ambleside to the 70-foot Stock Ghyll Force — at its thundering best after rain, and easily tacked on to a town visit.
- Hallin FellExposure: ModerateDecentPlannedA short, steep little climb from the Howtown steamer pier to a superb all-round viewpoint over Ullswater — maximum reward for minimum effort, and a fine car-free outing using the lake steamer.
- Slater Bridge & Cathedral CaveExposure: EasyPlannedA short, characterful loop from Little Langdale over the slate Slater Bridge and up to the cavernous Cathedral Cave, a relic of the old quarries. Uneven, rocky quarry ground in places — and a torch helps inside the cave.
- Binsey WalkExposure: EasyMarginalThe northern outlier, and the biggest view-per-minute in the Lake District. Binsey stands alone above the Solway plain with nothing between it and Scotland — forty minutes up a grassy path and you can see the whole Skiddaw massif on one side and the Galloway hills on the other. A first fell, an evening fell, a fell for a bad forecast everywhere else.
- LatriggExposure: EasyMarginalThe little fell on Keswick's doorstep with an outsized view — a short pull from the Gale Road car park to a grassy top looking straight down on the town, Derwentwater and the Borrowdale fells.
- Blea Tarn (Little Langdale)Exposure: EasyA short, lovely loop around little Blea Tarn, with the classic view of the Langdale Pikes mirrored in the water — one of the most photographed scenes in the Lakes for very little effort.
- Tarn Hows circuitExposure: EasyPlannedA gentle, near-level circuit of one of the Lake District's prettiest tarns, ringed by pines with the Coniston and Langdale fells beyond. Easy underfoot and genuinely pushchair-friendly, with National Trust parking, toilets and a seasonal refreshment van.
- Great Mell FellExposure: EasyDecentThe gentler of the two Mell Fells and an easy hour from the road — a single steady pull of 268 m to a domed summit with no mapped crags anywhere near the line.
- High RiggExposure: EasyDecentAn hour's round over Naddle Fell, and a great deal of view for 215 m of climbing — with one steep pull near the top and a stretch of pathless ground to keep it honest.
- Orrest HeadExposure: EasyPlannedWainwright's first Lakeland summit and still the best short introduction to the fells — a steady wooded climb from Windermere to a rocky crown with a sweeping panorama over the lake to the Coniston and Langdale skyline.
- Friar's Crag & the Derwentwater shoreExposure: EasyPlannedAn almost-level lakeshore stroll from Keswick to Friar's Crag — Ruskin's favourite view down Derwentwater to the Jaws of Borrowdale — on surfaced paths that suit pushchairs.
- Elterwater riverside loopExposure: EasyPlannedA short, near-level loop from Elterwater village along the River Brathay — easy, pretty and quick, with the Langdale Pikes ahead and plenty of water for a hot dog. A gentle leg-stretch or a lazy family afternoon.
- Rivings and LothwaiteExposure: EasyDecentPlannedA short, steep little round above Wythop — Rivings, Lothwaite and Sale Fell in 4.4 km, but with 271 m of climbing packed into it and a stage averaging 12%. Easy for length and exposure; a little over an hour.
- Gummer's How & Birch FellExposure: EasyPlannedThe short pull above the foot of Windermere — 4.8 km and 179 m, one of the shortest walks here. Easy for length and exposure, and about an hour and a quarter at a steady pace.
- Ling Fell & Sale FellExposure: EasyMarginalTwo small grassy tops near Wythop — 5 km and 417 m, and the only route in this group rated easy on every axis but steepness. A stage averages 16%. Well under two hours.
- Low Light HawExposure: ModeratePlannedA short, quiet loop onto Low Light Haw, one of the overlooked Bethecar Moor Birketts on the wild eastern side of Coniston Water. While the crowds file up the Old Man across the lake, this little top sees almost no one — a steep pull up through the woods onto open, heathery moor, a wide view over Coniston Water and the southern fells, and an easy return. Under 6 km, but with one genuinely steep climb: a fine short outing for a clear day and a bit of solitude.
- Grasmere lake circuitExposure: EasyPlannedA gentle circuit of Grasmere lake from the village — easy field paths along the eastern shore and undulating woodland on the west, with the fells reflected in the water and Wordsworth's Grasmere all around. About 4 miles, almost no climbing.
- Catbells: the short way upExposure: EasyMarginalThe friendliest big view in the Lakes. Under 6 km from Hawse End to the shapely little summit above Derwentwater and back — short enough for an afternoon, steep enough to feel like a proper fell, and reachable without a car by launch across the lake or the bus from Keswick.
- Knipe Scar - BirkettExposure: EasyPlannedA short limestone walk on Knipescar Common east of Haweswater — 5.7 km and 166 m, nothing steeper than about 6%, and easy for both length and exposure. Under an hour and a half.
- Raven Crag Easy WalkExposure: EasyMarginalThe short climb to the crag above Thirlmere — 5.8 km and 312 m with a stage averaging 20%. Easy for length, terrain, navigation and exposure alike; the gradient is the only thing rated hard. Under two hours.
- Loweswater circuitExposure: EasyPlannedA quiet, nearly-level lap of Loweswater, one of the most peaceful of the western lakes, taking in the lakeshore and the path through Holme Wood. Away from the crowds, and lovely with a dog.
- The Royal Oak Pub Walk (Ambleside)Exposure: EasyPlannedAn easy, near-level amble from the heart of Ambleside out along the River Rothay and back — parkland, riverbank and quiet lanes beneath the wooded flanks of Loughrigg, with barely 70 m of climbing across 6 km. A gentle leg-stretch to bookend lunch at the Royal Oak.
- The Sun Pub Walk (Coniston)Exposure: EasyPlannedA short circuit straight from the door of The Sun, climbing out of Coniston village toward the old Coppermines valley beside Church Beck before dropping back with the Old Man of Coniston at your shoulder and Coniston Water opening up ahead. Around 200 m of gentle climbing over 6.4 km — enough to earn a pint, not enough to spoil one.
- Rydal Water & Rydal CavesExposure: EasyA gentle 4-mile circuit of Rydal Water, taking in the old slate cavern of Rydal Cave above the southern shore and returning along the wooded Coffin Route. Low-level and scenic, with one short rougher stretch near the cave.
- The Old Dungeon Ghyll Pub Walk (Great Langdale)Exposure: EasyPlannedAn easy, near-level loop of the Great Langdale valley floor from the Old Dungeon Ghyll, walked entirely beneath the Langdale Pikes — Pike o' Stickle and Harrison Stickle rearing up on one side, Bowfell and the Band on the other. Barely a hundred metres of up-and-down across 6.6 km, so it's a proper leg-stretch with all of the drama and almost none of the grind — and it begins and ends at the pub.
- Aira Force & Gowbarrow FellExposure: ModerateMarginalAira Force's dramatic 65-foot waterfall, climbed on to the open top of Gowbarrow Fell for one of the finest aerial views over Ullswater. Easy-moderate — a steady pull on good National Trust paths above the falls.
- Pinnacle Howe and Four Stones HillExposure: EasyPlannedTwo low tops above Haweswater — 7.3 km and 262 m, nothing steeper than about 5%, easy for length and exposure. Rated hard to navigate on open moor. Under two hours.
- Whinlatter Forest: Tarbarrel Moss, Ullister Hill & Seat HowExposure: EasyPlannedA sheltered forest loop above Whinlatter — England's highest mountain forest — climbing on good tracks through the plantation to a trio of low, easily-missed tops. Tarbarrel Moss, Ullister Hill and rocky little Seat How give sudden, outsized views to Skiddaw, Grisedale Pike and the north-western fells for barely 250 m of climbing. A fine foul-weather or family day when the high tops are in cloud.
- Buttermere lake circuitExposure: EasyPlannedThe classic low-level lap of Buttermere — a flat, well-made path right around the lake beneath High Stile and Fleetwith Pike, passing the famous lone tree and a short rock-cut tunnel. One of the great easy walks in the Lakes.
- Hawkshead into the woodsExposure: EasyPlannedA quiet woodland circuit from Beatrix Potter’s Hawkshead that climbs to the great cairn on Latterbarrow — a little fell with a big reward, looking clean down Windermere and across to the Coniston fells — then drops back through the trees. Dappled, sheltered and dog-friendly, with a proper viewpoint in the middle.
- Elterwater & Skelwith ForceExposure: EasyPlannedA riverside walk from pretty Elterwater past Skelwith Force to the reedy shores of Elter Water, with the Langdale Pikes filling the skyline — gentle, varied and largely level.
- Birketts South of BurnbanksExposure: ModeratePlannedFour low tops in the woods and crags above Haweswater — Naddle Low Forest, Hugh's Laithes Pike, Wallow Crag and Naddle High Forest. Just 7.6 km and 265 m, easy for length but rated hard to navigate. About two hours.
- Castlerigg Stone Circle (from Keswick)Exposure: EasyA low-level circular of about 4.8 miles from Keswick out to the prehistoric Castlerigg Stone Circle and back through fields and woods. Gentle underfoot, but a genuine half-day walk rather than the quick roadside visit many expect.
- Wastwater Shore (the Screes view)Exposure: EasyPlannedA level walk along the Wastwater shore for the view across to the Screes — 8.8 km with 77 m of climbing and no summits at all. Easy on every axis but length; about 1.9 hours.
Moderate 74
Two to four hours — fine if you take your time, but a proper half-day on the fells.
- Stone Arthur from GrasmereExposure: EasyDecentThe steep little top above Grasmere, out and back in 6.8 km with 516 m of climbing. Easy for length, navigation and exposure — it is the gradient that makes it, rated hard. About 2.2 hours.
- Blencathra by Sharp Edge⚠ Exposure: SevereMarginalPlannedThe most exposed ridge in the Lake District that walkers routinely attempt — a narrow, airy arete of polished rock above Scales Tarn, followed by a steep pull onto Blencathra and a fine descent over Doddick and Scales Fell. It is a magnificent line. It is also the single most dangerous thing on this site, and we are not going to soften that.
- Place Fell and The KnightExposure: HardDecentPlannedStraight up from Ullswater to Place Fell and The Knight — 7.1 km and 514 m, with a stage averaging 16%. Easy for length but severe for steepness and hard for exposure. About 2.3 hours.
- Kirk Fell and Broom FellExposure: HardMarginalPlannedFour quiet tops in the Lorton fells — Kirk Fell, the Graystones pair and Broom Fell — in just 7.5 km with 486 m of climbing and a stage averaging 20%. Easy for length, severe for steepness; about 2.3 hours.
- North of Coniston BirkettsExposure: ModeratePlannedThree quiet Birketts on the Yewdale fells north of Coniston — Long Crag, High Wythow and Low Wythow — on a short but steep loop that most walkers pass over for the Old Man across the valley. Moderate for the legs, harder for the map: faint paths and a clear-day-only navigation challenge, rewarded with rarely-trodden tops and a fine view over Coniston Water.
- Dodd & WhitesideExposure: HardMarginalPlannedTwo tops, 7.9 km and 682 m — and a stage averaging 29%, which is what a short walk with that much ascent in it means. Easy for length, severe for steepness, hard for exposure. Under three hours.
- Scafell Pike from Wasdale, by Lingmell ColExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedThe most-walked way up the highest mountain in England, and the shortest — 8 km and 915 m straight out of Wasdale Head. It is a hard, stony climb up Brown Tongue into Hollow Stones, then a boulder-strewn haul to the roof of the country. Do not mistake ‘popular’ for ‘easy’.
- Dunnerdale FellsExposure: ModeratePlannedFive small rocky tops above the Duddon — Great Stickle, Stickle Pike and Raven's Crag among them — in 8.6 km with 484 m of climbing. Short but rated hard to navigate; about two and a half hours.
- Birketts Around Devoke WaterExposure: ModeratePlannedFive small tops circling Devoke Water — White Pike, Woodend Height, Yoadcastle, Water Crag and Rough Crag — in 8.6 km with 363 m of climbing and nothing steeper than about 7%. Short, but rated hard to navigate. Around 2.3 hours.
- Capple Howe & SallowsExposure: ModerateDecentPlannedSour Howes, Capple Howe and Sallows above Troutbeck — three modest tops in 8.7 km with 480 m of climbing and one stage averaging 16%. Rated hard to navigate; about two and a half hours.
- Top o' SelsideExposure: EasyPlannedThree quiet tops in the woods east of Coniston Water — Top o' Selside, Arnsbarrow Hill and Stang Hill. 8.7 km and 369 m, easy for exposure but rated hard to navigate. About 2.4 hours.
- Brunt Knott from StaveleyExposure: HardPlannedA single top straight out of Staveley — 8.8 km and 405 m, out and back, rated severe for steepness and hard for exposure but easy enough to follow. Under two and a half hours.
- Birketts by KirklandExposure: EasyPlannedA single quiet top at Godworth, out and back in 9.2 km with 239 m of climbing and nothing averaging steeper than about 5%. The ground and the route-finding are what make it, both rated hard; a little over two hours.
- Black Star Brandreth and othersExposure: HardMarginalPlannedStraight up from the Honister pass — Honister Crag, Fleetwith Pike, Brandreth and Grey Knotts in 9.2 km with 597 m of climbing. Short but severe for steepness and hard for exposure, with one stage averaging 15%. Under three hours.
- Cofa Pike Via Seat Sandal and DollywaggonExposure: HardMarginalPlannedThree tops but 1,142 m of ascent in only 9.2 km — the steepest ascent-per-kilometre of any route on the site, with a stage averaging 26%. Severe for steepness and hard for exposure; about 3.7 hours and a genuinely hard short day.
- Helvellyn from Swirls: the walkers’ way upExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedThe straightforward way up England’s third-highest fell — no scrambling, no knife edges, just a long, honest climb from Thirlmere up Browncove Crags to the summit plateau, returning over Lower Man and White Side. This is the route to take if Striding Edge frightens you, and there is no shame whatever in taking it: the view from the top is exactly the same.
- Grasmere to Easdale TarnExposure: EasyPlannedOne of Lakeland’s loveliest short valley walks — from Grasmere village up the green trough of Easdale to its hidden tarn, ringed by crags with Sourmilk Gill tumbling down beside the path. Gentle underfoot with just enough climb to feel earned, and a firm favourite with dogs.
- Wray Castle & the Windermere west shoreExposure: EasyA roughly 6-mile circular taking in the mock-Gothic Wray Castle and the quiet western shore of Windermere. A varied, low-level day — flat underfoot but a fair distance.
- Two Birketts from Mardale HeadExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedBranstree and its north-east top above Haweswater, with two more summits on the way — 9.6 km and 512 m, a stage averaging 19%, and hard route-finding on featureless ground. Under three hours.
- Great Gable from Honister Slate MineExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedThe kindest way to England’s most-loved mountain. Honister starts you at 350 m, so the Grey Knotts–Brandreth–Green Gable ridge does most of the climbing for you before the final stony pull onto Great Gable. Four Wainwrights, a summit war memorial and the finest view in Lakeland down into Wasdale — but the top is a broad boulder plateau, and in cloud it is one of the great navigation traps.
- Swarth Fell and Loadpot HillExposure: HardMarginalPlannedFour far-eastern tops above Ullswater — Swarth Fell, Loadpot Hill, Brownthwaite Crag and Steel Knotts — in 9.7 km with 568 m of climbing. Severe for steepness, hard for navigation and exposure; under three hours.
- Loughrigg Tarn & Loughrigg FellExposure: EasyDecentPlannedA big little walk: the classic loop taking in reed-fringed Loughrigg Tarn and the knobbly top of Loughrigg Fell, with one of the finest low-level views in the Lakes — Windermere, Grasmere and the Langdale Pikes all at once. Under 400 m of climb, endlessly varied, and grand for dogs.
- Stile End, Outerside, Causey Pike, Rowling EndExposure: HardMarginalFour small Newlands tops in 9.9 km, though 682 m of ascent packed into that makes it steeper than the distance suggests, with one stage averaging 16%. Both the terrain and the exposure are rated hard along Causey Pike's knobbly crest. About 3.1 hours.
- Ambleside to the Old Post Office Tea Room, Troutbeck (over Wansfell)Exposure: EasyPlannedA proper half-day loop with a reward built in: climb out of Ambleside over Wansfell Pike for a huge view down Windermere, drop into pretty Troutbeck for tea and cake at the Old Post Office Tea Room, then circle back. Around 550 m of up and down — and dog-friendly throughout.
- St Sunday CragExposure: EasyMarginalThree tops and an outlier on the long Patterdale ridge — Arnison Crag, Birks and St Sunday Crag, with Gavel Pike a short detour off the summit. Steep in places, but the walking line stays well clear of the crags throughout.
- Hartsop Dodd, Stony Cove Pike, Thornthwaite Crag and Gray CragExposure: ModerateMarginalFour tops above Hartsop in 10 km with 832 m of climbing, including a stage averaging 35% — as steep as anything on the site. Severe for steepness but only moderate for navigation and exposure. About 3.4 hours.
- Watendlath & the packhorse bridgeExposure: ModeratePlannedA roughly 6.4-mile Borrowdale loop up to the hidden hamlet of Watendlath, its tarn and the much-photographed packhorse bridge, returning down the valley. A satisfying low-level half-day.
- Ambleside, Todd Crag, Rydal CaveExposure: EasyDecentThe classic Ambleside circuit of Loughrigg Fell — up through Rothay Park and over Todd Crag past Lily Tarn, across the undulating top to the summit trig point, then down to Loughrigg Terrace above Grasmere and back along the fell's flank via Rydal Cave. Low in height, big in views, and the best-value 10 km in the central Lakes.
- Middle Dodd Little Hart Crag and High Hartsop DoddExposure: HardMarginalA short round with a very long climb inside it — 521 m up to Middle Dodd in the first 4.3 km, including a sustained 56% pull, after which the ridge over Little Hart Crag and High Hartsop Dodd is easy going all the way down.
- The Tongue BirkettExposure: EasyMarginalPlannedThe Tongue and Bowscale Fell from the Mungrisdale side — 10.6 km with 689 m of climbing and a stage averaging 17%, which is what earns it a severe steepness rating. Easy for exposure once you are up; about 3.3 hours.
- Brown Crag and RaiseExposure: HardMarginalPlannedThree tops on the western flank of the Helvellyn range, Brown Crag through White Side to Raise. 749 m of ascent in 10.6 km with one stage at 15%. Navigation is only moderate here, the paths being clear enough, but exposure is rated hard once you are on the ridge. Roughly 3.4 hours.
- Loughrigg Terrace & Rydal WaterExposure: EasyPlannedA lake-and-terrace classic linking Grasmere and Rydal Water, taking in Rydal Cave, the old Coffin Route and the famous Loughrigg Terrace view down Grasmere. Easy-moderate, with a little climbing and some rougher ground.
- Black Sails & Great HowExposure: HardMarginalPlannedSix tops on the Coniston skyline — Hell Gill Pike, Little Carrs, Great Carrs, Swirl How and Great How — in 10.8 km with 773 m of climbing and one stage averaging 19%. Hard for navigation and exposure; about 3.4 hours.
- Around Loweswater to Fellbarrow and Low FellExposure: ModerateDecentA short north-western round over Low Fell, Sourfoot Fell, Smithy Fell and Fellbarrow — 10.8 km and 417 m, moderate on every axis except steepness. Under three hours at a steady pace.
- Castle How & Lang How - BirkettsExposure: ModeratePlannedLang How, Swinescar Pike and Castle How on the knolly ground above Grasmere — 10.9 km and 445 m, nothing steeper than about 10% on average, but rated hard to navigate among the hummocks. Just under three hours.
- Allan Crags & GlaramaraExposure: ModerateMarginalGlaramara's knobbly crest and Allen Crags, five summits linked along the ridge above Borrowdale. 806 m of climbing in 10.9 km, rated severe for steepness though navigation and exposure both stay moderate. About 3.5 hours.
- Carron Crag from GrizedaleExposure: EasyPlannedThe high point of Grizedale Forest, out and back in 11 km with 388 m of climbing and nothing steeper than about 9%. Easy for exposure but rated hard to navigate — forest tracks all look alike. Under three hours.
- Eycott HillsExposure: EasyPlannedEycott Hill and Little Eycott Hill on the open ground east of Skiddaw — 11 km with just 216 m of climbing and nothing averaging steeper than about 3%. Easy for both steepness and exposure; around 2.6 hours.
- Three Dodds and Calfhow PikeExposure: HardMarginalPlannedGrassy, rounded and quick underfoot: Stybarrow Dodd, Watson's Dodd and Great Dodd, with Calfhow Pike tucked between them. 11.1 km and 819 m, one stage at 16%. Exposure is rated hard, there being no shelter anywhere along the ridge. About 3.6 hours.
- Bampton FellExposure: EasyPlannedA single top on Bampton Common, out and back in 11.2 km with 455 m of climbing and nothing steeper than about 7% on average. Moderate throughout and easy for exposure — about 3 hours at a steady pace.
- Threlkeld Knotts & Clough HeadExposure: HardMarginalPlannedClough Head is the northern full stop of the Dodds, and this takes it with Threlkeld Knotts and Calfhow Pike. 11.2 km, 793 m, and a 16% stage that does most of the climbing early on. Severe for steepness, hard for exposure. Around 3.6 hours.
- HaystacksExposure: ModerateMarginalFleetwith Pike's front edge first, then the tarns and rocky knolls of Haystacks — the two finest small summits above Buttermere in a single round. There is a scramble to the true top, and a maze of paths up there that needs care in cloud.
- Lingmoor Fell from ElterwaterExposure: ModerateDecentPlannedThe best low fell in Langdale, and the one that shows you the valley properly. Lingmoor sits between Great and Little Langdale, so the Pikes rear up across the dale in front of you the whole way along the ridge. Side Pike at the far end throws in a famous rock squeeze. Half the effort of the big Langdale rounds and arguably a better view of them.
- Birketts to the South of UllswaterExposure: HardPlannedSleet Fell, Low Birk Fell and the Birk Fell tops on the quiet southern shore — five summits in 11.5 km with 663 m of climbing. Severe for steepness and hard for both navigation and exposure; about 3.4 hours.
- Heughscar Hill & Arthur's PikeExposure: EasyDecentPlannedTwo gentle tops on the limestone above Pooley Bridge — 11.7 km and 436 m, nothing steeper than about 8%, and easy for exposure. Moderate throughout otherwise: around 3.1 hours.
- Birketts around Grisedale PikeExposure: HardMarginalPlannedSeven tops on and around Grisedale Pike, taking in Hobcarton End, Hobcarton Crag and Sand Hill — 11.7 km and 598 m over eight stages, rated severe for steepness and hard for exposure. About 3.3 hours.
- Mellbreak and Crummock WaterExposure: HardDecentBoth Mellbreak tops above Crummock Water — 11.7 km and 530 m, severe for steepness and hard for exposure, with one stage averaging 14%. About 3.2 hours.
- Green Crag & Great Whinscale — the wild Birker Fell roundExposure: ModerateDecentPlannedA wild, trackless round over the knobbly tops of Birker Fell, in the empty south-western corner of the Lakes that most walkers never reach. From the Birker Fell road it crosses open, boggy moor past Devoke Water — the Lake District's largest tarn — to a cluster of five rocky little summits: Great Whinscale, Crook Crag, then Green Crag, the Wainwright and high point of the day, before Broad Crag and Great Crag on Birker Fell. Under 12 km but genuinely rough underfoot, with proper solitude and a big view over the Duddon, Eskdale and out to the sea.
- Hartsop Fells and Hart CragExposure: ModerateMarginalSix tops from Gale Crag over Hartsop Above How to Hart Crag — 11.9 km and 765 m, with one stage averaging 20%. Severe for steepness, moderate everywhere else; about 3.6 hours.
- Blencathra via Blease FellExposure: EasyMarginalPlannedA shorter, easier way up the great northern fell of Blencathra than my favourite round from Mungrisdale over Souther Fell. From Threlkeld it climbs the grassy shoulder of Blease Fell (Knowe Crags) to the summit, with a fine high traverse over Gategill Fell Top, Doddick Fell and Scales Fell, and it avoids the boggy ground of Mungrisdale Common. A grand viewpoint over the northern fells and the Eden valley for relatively modest effort — and well clear of the notorious Sharp Edge.
- Wansfell Pike and BaystonesExposure: EasyDecentThe pair above Ambleside — 11.9 km and 534 m, nothing steeper than about 12% on average, and easy for both navigation and exposure. A straightforward half-day at about 3.3 hours.
- Scar Crags, Causey PikeExposure: HardMarginalBarrow, Outerside, Scar Crags, Causey Pike and Rowling End above Newlands — five tops in 12 km with 850 m of climbing. Hard for terrain, navigation and exposure, severe for steepness; about 3.8 hours.
- Up to Skiddaw Round TripExposure: ModerateMarginalA compact way onto Skiddaw over Lonscale Fell — 12 km and 799 m — keeping off the tourist path for most of the climb. Burnt Horse Ridge is steep and often wet underfoot, the summit plateau is fully exposed to whatever the weather is doing, and the return is a sustained 519 m descent on stone and gravel.
- Birketts by GowbarrowExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedFive tops around Gowbarrow Park above Ullswater, including the Wainwright summit of Gowbarrow Fell — 12 km and 550 m, with one stage averaging 16%. Rated hard to navigate despite the modest scale. Around 3.3 hours.
- Scope End, Hindscarth & Dale Head from Little TownExposure: HardMarginalPlannedA proper Newlands mountain day that most walkers drive straight past. The shapely Scope End ridge lifts you out of Little Town onto Hindscarth, then an airy walk along Hindscarth Edge carries you over to Dale Head above the head of the valley before a long descent back to the start. It's about 12 km with 730 m of ascent, with no scrambling — but the pulls are steep and the tops are big and open. Walk it on a day the Catbells car parks are overflowing and you'll have the ridge largely to yourself.
- Awkward Around Swinside FellExposure: ModeratePlannedStoupdale Head, White Combe and Stoneside Hill in the far south-west — 12.2 km and 415 m, and nothing on it averages steeper than about 5%. The name is earned by the navigation, which is rated hard. Around 3.1 hours.
- Langdale Pikes RoundExposure: ModerateMarginalA grand round of the Langdale Pikes and the fells behind them. From Great Langdale it climbs past Stickle Tarn to take in Pavey Ark (by the walkers' line, not Jack's Rake), Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle and Loft Crag, then loops over Thunacar Knott, High Raise and Sergeant Man before dropping back to the valley. It's a simpler line than my previous version, which added Blea Rigg — boggy on the approach from Sergeant Man. Handily, there are toilets at the car park at the end.
- Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell from KeswickExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedA proper fell day that starts and finishes on foot from Keswick — no car needed. Walla Crag gives one of the great Derwentwater views for very little effort; Bleaberry Fell behind it is a rougher, boggier, quieter proposition that most people skip. Together they make a satisfying half-day horseshoe straight out of the town.
- Ulthwaite RiggExposure: EasyPlannedOne top on the Shap fells, out and back in 12.6 km with 362 m of climbing and nothing steeper than about 5%. The navigation is rated SEVERE — the only route here to carry that on any axis but steepness. About 3.1 hours.
- Caudale Moor & St Raven's EdgeExposure: HardMarginalPlannedHartsop Dodd, Stony Cove Pike and the Caudale Moor tops — four summits in 13 km with 724 m of climbing, and one stage averaging 35%, which ties the steepest on the site. Hard for navigation and exposure; about 3.8 hours.
- High Stile, Seat via ButtermereExposure: HardMarginalFive tops along the High Stile ridge with Buttermere below you the whole way. 836 m of ascent in 13 km, and a stage averaging 20% to gain the ridge in the first place. Exposure is rated hard where the crags drop straight to the lake. Roughly 4 hours.
- A quiet BirkettExposure: EasyMarginalPlannedThree low tops on the empty northern edge of the fells — Green How, Lowthwaite Fell and Longlands Fell — in a 13 km round with 587 m of climbing. No stage averages steeper than about 6%, and it is easy for exposure: about 3.6 hours of quiet walking.
- Grike, Crag Fell and Lank RiggExposure: EasyMarginalFour quiet tops in the far western fells — Grike, Crag Fell, Whoap and Lank Rigg — on a clear line throughout with no mapped crags beside it. Rough grass and big skies, and you will likely have it to yourself.
- The Borrowdale Fells (Rosthwaite Fell round)Exposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedA wild, little-trodden round of the rough Borrowdale fells above Rosthwaite and Stonethwaite — Bessyboot, Dovenest Top and Thornythwaite Fell — a maze of rocky knolls, hidden tarns and peat hags with huge views to the Scafells. Quiet and full of character, but pathless and boggy: a fair-weather fell day, not a wet-day plod.
- Crummock Water shore circuitExposure: EasyThe full circuit of Crummock Water — about 8.2 miles around one of the loveliest of the western lakes. Largely level but long, and boggy in places along the quieter western shore.
- North of SkiddawExposure: EasyMarginalEight tops in the quiet grassy country north of Skiddaw — Longlands Fell, Brae Fell, the two Sca Fells, Meal Fell and Great Cockup among them. Gentle underfoot and rarely busy, but nearly a fifth of the line is featureless ground where a compass earns its keep.
- Swineside Knott & GowbarrowExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedA satisfying loop over the heather tops of Gowbarrow above Ullswater, starting from the busy Aira Force car park — but climbing quickly away from the waterfall crowds onto quiet, rolling moorland that most of them never reach. The round takes in Brown Hills, Swineside Knott and Common Fell before the open summit of Gowbarrow Fell, a Wainwright with one of the finest views over Ullswater, which stays with you for much of the way. Moderate, with one steep early pull — save it for a clear day and let the lake do the rest.
- Ashness Bridge & Surprise ViewExposure: ModerateA circular of about 8.3 miles along the eastern shore of Derwentwater taking in the iconic Ashness Bridge and the Surprise View over the lake. Mostly low-level (it passes below Walla Crag, not over it).
- Brown Rigg & Blea TarnExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedFour tops on the boggy watershed above Thirlmere — Brown Rigg, Shivery Knott, Middle Crag and High Tove — in 13.5 km with 481 m of climbing. Rated hard to navigate, which is the whole character of this ground. About 3.5 hours.
- Whinlatter LoopExposure: EasyMarginalA quiet north-western round above Whinlatter that opens with a brutal 32% climb onto Graystones. After that it is undulating grass and forest over Broom Fell, Lord's Seat and Barf — boggy in places, and Lord's Seat is marked by the remains of an old fence post rather than a cairn.
- Holme Fell and Black FellExposure: EasyCrackingTwo low wooded tops between Coniston and Tarn Hows, and a fine half-day when the high fells are under cloud — nothing above 315 m, though 50 path junctions near the line mean it pays to keep track of which one you are on.
- Around Sele BottomExposure: HardPlannedBuck Barrow, Whitfell and Burn Moor on the quiet western fells — 14.3 km and 641 m, with nothing steeper than about 8% on average. The difficulty is navigation and exposure, both rated hard: open, trackless ground. About 3.9 hours.
- Standing Crag, High Tove, ArmbothExposure: ModerateMarginalSix tops on the wet watershed between Thirlmere and Borrowdale — Standing Crag, Shivery Knott, Middle Crag, High Tove and Armboth Fell. 14.3 km and 545 m, rated hard for length, steepness and navigation. About 3.8 hours.
- Scale Fell and Mellbreak⚠ Exposure: SevereDecentPlannedScale Knott and both Mellbreak tops — 14.7 km and 561 m, with a stage averaging 19%. The only route in this group rated SEVERE for exposure, and hard for length and navigation too. About 3.9 hours.
Hard 61
Four to five hours — a full fell day that needs planning, food and daylight.
- Skiddaw via Ullock Pike and DoddExposure: ModerateMarginalA grand horseshoe of the northern Skiddaw group from the forest at Dodd Wood. The walk climbs the clean, shapely ridge over Ullock Pike and along airy Longside Edge to Long Side, then drops to the col by Carl Side before the stiff, loose scree pull onto Skiddaw itself — and one of the great Lakeland summit views, out across the Solway Firth to Scotland. The return crosses back over Carl Side and takes a careful, GPS-checked line down to the wooded little top of Dodd before the drop home through the trees. Five Skiddaw-group Wainwrights — Ullock Pike, Long Side, Carl Side, Skiddaw and Dodd — on a satisfying, varied loop: clean ridge, real summit, quiet forest to finish.
- Helvellyn via Striding Edge & Swirral Edge⚠ Exposure: SevereMarginalThe most famous — and most serious — way up England's third-highest mountain, over the knife-edge arêtes of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, taking in shapely Catstye Cam. I haven't personally walked this exact line, and it's a genuinely dangerous route that demands a head for heights, sure footing and settled conditions; it sees accidents every year. If the edges aren't for you, the far safer walkers' option is to climb via White Side from Thirlmere. In winter the edges become full mountaineering terrain needing an ice axe, crampons and the experience to use them.
- The Buttermere Ridge⚠ Exposure: SevereMarginalPlannedOne of the finest ridge walks in the Lakes — Seat, High Crag, High Stile and Red Pike strung above Buttermere, with plunging drops into Ennerdale on one side and the lake on the other. Earned by the loose, relentless grind of Gamlin End and paid for again on the red scree chute off Red Pike: 13.4 km, 975 m of climbing, and severe for steepness.
- Stonesty Pike, Great Knott & Wrynose FellExposure: HardMarginalPlannedFive tops on the rough ground between Wrynose and Cold Pike — 13.6 km and 1,033 m, severe for steepness and hard for both navigation and exposure. About 4.4 hours.
- Mardale Ill Bell, High Street, The Knott, Rampsgill Head, High Raise and Kidsty PikeExposure: HardMarginalSix far-eastern tops from Mardale Ill Bell over High Street to Rampsgill Head — 13.7 km and 862 m. Rated hard for terrain, navigation and exposure together, which few routes here manage. About 4.2 hours.
- Catbells, Maiden Moor & High SpyExposure: ModerateMarginalA lovely, accessible ridge walk above the western shore of Derwentwater, and a great introduction to the fells. From Hawes End it climbs the shapely little peak of Catbells, then follows the airy but easy ridge south over Maiden Moor to High Spy, with Derwentwater and the Newlands valley spread out below. There are a few easy scrambly steps on Catbells that some guides don't mention, but nothing most people can't manage. A modest, rewarding day with some of the best views in the northern Lakes for the effort.
- Birketts North of ThirlmereExposure: HardPlannedCastle Rock, Wren Crag and the High Rigg tops above Thirlmere — six summits in 13.8 km with 910 m of climbing, and one stage averaging 28%, the steepest in this group. Hard for exposure; about 4.3 hours.
- Blake Fell, Gavel Fell, Hen CombExposure: ModerateMarginalFive quiet tops behind Loweswater — Burnbank Fell, Blake Fell, Gavel Fell, Hen Comb and Little Dodd — in 14 km with 732 m of climbing and nothing steeper than about 10% on average. Hard for length, steepness and navigation alike; about 4 hours steady.
- Castle Crag, Brund Fell & Great CragExposure: ModerateMarginalBorrowdale's small rough summits in one round — Castle Crag, King's How, Brund Fell and Great Crag. Nothing higher than 440 m, but with 58 path junctions near the line and four mapped crag features, it is a surprisingly easy day to wander off.
- Great Gable & Kirk FellExposure: HardMarginalTwo of Wasdale's hardest tops in one round — 14.1 km and 1,146 m, rated hard on every axis the site measures: length, terrain, navigation and exposure, with steepness severe. About 4.7 hours, and none of them easy.
- Fusedale CircuitExposure: HardMarginalA quiet ~15 km circuit of the Far Eastern fells from Howtown on Ullswater — Hallin Fell, Steel Knotts, Wether Hill, Loadpot Hill, Arthur's Pike and Bonscale Pike — broad grassy tops with grandstand views over the lake. A fine Steamer-and-walk outing.
- Alternative Hardknott Round (Green Crag, Harter Fell & Hard Knott)Exposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedA rugged Eskdale round over three characterful, quiet tops — Green Crag, Harter Fell and Hard Knott — through some of the wildest, least-walked country in the Lakes, with the Scafells filling the skyline. Rocky, boggy and lightly pathed: a proper fell day for those who like their hills empty.
- Seathwaite, Green Gable, Base BrownExposure: HardMarginalBoth Seathwaite Fell tops with Green Gable and Base Brown — four summits in 14.8 km and 938 m, rated hard for terrain, navigation and exposure and severe for steepness. About 4.5 hours on properly rough ground.
- Ullscarf, Eagle Crag & Sergeant's CragExposure: HardMarginalA rugged ~15 km round from Stonethwaite over three Wainwrights — the bold rocky nose of Eagle Crag, neighbouring Sergeant's Crag, and the broad whaleback of Ullscarf — returning down the quiet head of Borrowdale.
- Slight Side & Sca FellExposure: HardMarginalThe long southern approach to Scafell over Slight Side — two tops, 14.9 km and 933 m, hard for terrain, navigation and exposure and severe for steepness. About 4.5 hours, and the quieter way onto the mountain.
- Gowbarrow Fell and Little Mell FellExposure: EasyMarginalA linear crossing above Ullswater from Gowbarrow Fell to Little Mell Fell — two quite different tops, the first a rocky shoulder over the lake, the second a bare grassy dome. Not a loop, and about a fifth of it is pathless.
- Mardale HorseshoeExposure: HardMarginalSeven tops around the head of Mardale, from Kidsty Pike over High Street to Harter Fell and back down to Haweswater. The going is easy underfoot and the tops are flat — but there is almost no shelter up there beyond a single stone wall.
- Birketts by Carrock FellExposure: HardMarginalPlannedEight tops on the northern fells from Carrock Fell over Round Knott, Miton Hill and Great Lingy Hill — 15.3 km and 668 m, with one stage averaging 16%. Hard for navigation and exposure both: open ground with few landmarks. About 4.2 hours.
- West of GrasmereExposure: ModerateMarginalSix tops on the rough ground west of Grasmere — Tarn Crag, Codale Head, Sergeant Man, Blea Rigg and Swinescar Pike — in 15.4 km with 806 m of climbing. Hard for length and steepness; about 4.4 hours.
- Helvellyn & Nethermost Pike via Seat SandalExposure: HardMarginalHelvellyn the steep way — 728 m of climbing inside the first 3.5 km at 21% average, before the ridge eases over Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike and comes back over Seat Sandal. At 1,121 m of ascent it is the biggest day of this group.
- Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route⚠ Exposure: SevereMarginalPlannedA grander, more interesting way up England's highest mountain than the Wasdale tourist path — the Corridor Route threads beneath the crags from Seathwaite in Borrowdale, with Lingmell a worthwhile detour for the finest view of the Scafell face. I haven't walked this exact line myself, and there are plenty of accounts of people struggling on certain sections, so read up or watch a route video first. Whatever you do, never be tempted onto Broad Stand. It's a long, rough and serious day on the highest ground in England.
- Helm Crag & Far EasedaleExposure: ModerateMarginalThe full skyline of Far Easedale from Grasmere — Helm Crag's rocky top first, then Gibson Knott, Calf Crag and Steel Fell around the rim of the valley. A long day at 15.9 km, and the head of Easedale can be vague in cloud.
- Ulpha BirkettsExposure: ModeratePlannedFive tops on the quiet Duddon fells — The Pike, Hesk Fell, Yoadcastle, White Pike and Stainton Pike — in 15.9 km with 719 m of climbing. Hard for length, steepness and navigation; about 4.4 hours.
- Great Borne & Starling DoddExposure: ModerateMarginalRed Pike, Starling Dodd and Great Borne along the western end of the High Stile ridge — three tops, 16 km and 1,100 m, with one stage averaging 20%. Hard for length, severe for steepness; about 5 hours.
- Coledale RoundExposure: HardMarginalOne of the great north-western horseshoes, and a properly big mountain day from Braithwaite. From the little car park tucked behind the trees on the Whinlatter Pass road — or straight off the bus — a steady wake-up climb leads up over Kinn and Sleet How before Grisedale Pike shows its hand: a steep, craggy pull the map never quite warns you about, with hands needed on rock near the top. From its rocky summit the round opens out — the airy ridge over Hobcarton Crag to Hopegill Head's tiny, wind-blown perch, the broad sweep to Crag Hill and Sail, then a long, satisfying horseshoe back over the quieter tops of Outerside, Stile End and Barrow. Six Wainwrights, a handful of Birkett tops, and some of the best ridge-walking in the Lakes for the effort.
- The Grasmoor RoundExposure: HardMarginalOne of the hardest starts in the Lakes — a gruelling 26% climb over loose scree onto Whiteside — followed by superb high ridge walking over Hopegill Head and Grasmoor. There is mild Grade 1 scrambling near the top, a broad plateau that disorients in fog, and a narrow descent along Whiteless Edge.
- The Grasmoor round: Whiteside, Hopegill Head and Whiteless PikeExposure: HardMarginalPlannedTen tops and the finest ridge walking in the North Western Fells — up Whiteside, along the narrow crest of Gasgale Crags to Hopegill Head, over the great whaleback of Grasmoor, then out along Wandope and down the elegant cone of Whiteless Pike to Rannerdale. Sixteen kilometres, a thousand metres of climbing, and views over Crummock Water all the way round.
- Birketts above UllswaterExposure: EasyMarginalPlannedTen Birkett tops strung along the Dodds above Ullswater, from Low How and Randerside over Great Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd — 16.4 km and 694 m across eleven stages. Rated hard to navigate and easy for exposure; about 4.4 hours.
- Carrock Fell and KnottExposure: ModerateMarginalFive northern tops from Carrock Fell over Miton Hill and High Pike to Knott — 16.6 km and 718 m, with one stage climbing at an average of 25%. Severe for steepness, hard for length, but only moderate to navigate. About 4.5 hours.
- Whin Rigg, Illgill Head & the Wastwater ScreesExposure: HardMarginalPlannedThe high, airy walk along the top of the Wastwater Screes — England’s most dramatic lakeshore, seen from directly above. A long Wasdale round over Whin Rigg and Illgill Head, the ground falling away in a single sweep to the deepest lake in the country. Big, wild and exposed, and best saved for a clear, dry day.
- Fairfield HorseshoeExposure: HardMarginalOne of the classic Lakeland rounds and a fine first big horseshoe. From the car park at Rydal it's a steady, moderate climb with only a minor amount of scrambling — my kids, then 7 and 10, managed it, though they found it a long day. You can easily start from Ambleside instead: stock up at the shops on the way out and finish at the Royal Oak for a well-earned pint. The full round takes in eight tops, with Fairfield's broad summit the high point and Windermere laid out behind you on the descent.
- Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell, High Seat, High Tove and Armboth FellExposure: EasyMarginalThe long boggy ridge south from Keswick — five tops in 17 km with 792 m of climbing, hard for both length and steepness but easy for exposure. About 4.7 hours.
- Coniston Old Man RoundExposure: ModerateMarginalA satisfying round of the Coniston fells, and a simpler approach to the Old Man than my longer outing. From Coniston it climbs to the Old Man itself, then follows the high ridge over Brim Fell and Swirl How and back over Wetherlam, with Grey Friar an easy extra along the way. You can extend it further by adding Dow Crag. Big views over the southern fells and the sea, old copper-mine history underfoot, and a proper mountain feel without the biggest mileage.
- Dale Head Hindscarth and RobinsonExposure: HardMarginalPlannedThree big Newlands tops — Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson — linked by a fast, airy ridge, reached by a lung-bursting pull straight off Honister Pass with no warm-up at all. A linear day rather than a round: 17.5 km and 808 m of climbing, of which the last 11.7 km is the valley walk-out to Keswick after the final summit.
- Mardale circuitExposure: HardMarginalThe full circuit of the head of Haweswater — up the Rough Crag ridge to High Street, then Harter Fell, Branstree and Selside Pike around the far side. 17.5 km and 1,099 m, with eight mapped crag features near the line.
- Birketts by Kentmere HorseshoeExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedNine lesser tops around the Kentmere valley — Cocklaw Fell, Hollow Moor and Green Quarter Fell among them — in 17.6 km with 754 m of climbing and nothing steeper than about 10%. Hard for length and navigation; about 4.8 hours.
- Blencathra to Mungrisdale Common and over the backExposure: ModerateMarginalBlencathra by its southern ridges — Scales Fell and Doddick Fell onto Hallsfell Top — then over the back for the quieter Bannerdale Crags and Bowscale Fell, taking in Mungrisdale Common on the way. Nine tops, 17.6 km and 961 m, rated severe for steepness but only moderate for navigation and exposure. About 5.1 hours steady.
- Great Calva, Knott, High Pike and Carrock FellExposure: ModerateMarginalCoomb Height, Knott and Great Calva in the empty country behind Skiddaw — 17.6 km and 656 m, nothing averaging steeper than about 8%. Hard for length and terrain, severe for steepness; about 4.6 hours.
- Longsleddale Round (Kentmere Pike, Tarn Crag, Grey Crag & Shipman Knotts)Exposure: HardMarginalA long ~18 km round from Sadgill in quiet Longsleddale over five Wainwrights — Grey Crag, Tarn Crag, Kentmere Pike, Harter Fell and Shipman Knotts — across some of the loneliest, broadest grass tops in the Far Eastern fells. Real navigation in cloud.
- Esk Pike and Great EndExposure: ModerateMarginalEsk Pike and Great End, the two big tops at the head of Eskdale, reached by a 17.7 km round with 1,099 m of climbing. Nothing on it averages steeper than about 11%: the difficulty is the scale rather than any one pull, and both navigation and exposure are rated only moderate. Allow around 5.4 hours.
- Rossett Pike, Allen Crags, Great End and moreExposure: HardMarginalA five-summit traverse of the high central ground, taking in Rossett Pike, Allen Crags, Great End, Esk Pike and Bowfell. The 1,176 m of ascent is spread over 17.7 km so no stage averages more than about 10%, but exposure is rated hard and the rock underfoot barely lets up. Around 5.5 hours.
- Birketts by LoweswaterExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedNine tops above Loweswater, from High Pen and Knock Murton round by Carling Knott — 18.7 km and 995 m, with no stage averaging steeper than about 10%. Hard for length, steepness and navigation alike: about 5.4 hours.
- Around LoweswaterExposure: ModerateMarginalThe full circuit of the fells around Loweswater — six tops from Darling Fell round to Blake Fell, 19.1 km and 1,019 m, with no stage averaging steeper than about 8%. A long day rather than a hard one: roughly 5.5 hours steady.
- Lonscale Fell, Skiddaw Lesser Man, Skiddaw and Bakestall in the sun!Exposure: EasyMarginalSkiddaw the long way, taking in Lonscale Fell and Bakestall — 19.2 km and 1,116 m, with a 22% lung-buster onto Lesser Man and loose slate underfoot high up. The plateau is fully exposed to the wind, and the round commits you to a 9.7 km walk out from Bakestall.
- Honister to Keswick: over the Newlands fellsExposure: HardMarginalPlannedA big Newlands horseshoe walked one–way from the top of Honister Pass to Keswick. You climb straight onto Dale Head, trace the broad grassy tops over Hindscarth and Robinson, drop to Newlands Hause and pick up the quieter Knott Rigg–Ard Crags ridge, then walk out down the Newlands valley into town — six summits and a proper day out, with no car to collect.
- Brock Crags, Angletarn Pikes, Beda Fell & Place FellExposure: EasyMarginalPlannedA big, varied Far Eastern round above Patterdale and the quiet Boredale and Bannerdale valleys — over Brock Crags to lovely Angle Tarn (one of the prettiest sheets of water in the Lakes), along the grassy whaleback of Beda Fell, and up characterful Place Fell for its superb view down Ullswater. Nearly 20 km and a proper day out, but rarely hard underfoot.
- Ard Crags & Knott RiggExposure: ModerateMarginalPlanned<AI-GENERATED for planned routes; replaced with Lee's own account once Revised>
- Birketts by Dunnerdale FellsExposure: HardPlannedA big day on the Coniston side — Walna Scar, White Maiden, White Pike, Pikes and Caw, eight tops in 19.8 km with 1,036 m of climbing. Severe for steepness, hard for length and exposure; about 5.7 hours steady.
- Harrop Pike & Ancrow Brow - BirkettsExposure: HardMarginalPlannedEight Birkett tops above Longsleddale in a 20 km round — only 601 m of ascent, which is modest for the distance, but one stage climbs 294 m in 1.2 km at around 24%, and the ground is rated hard for both navigation and exposure. About 5 hours steady.
- Kentmere HorseshoeExposure: ModerateMarginalThe classic round of the Kentmere valley — a 20 km, ~1,030 m horseshoe over eight Wainwrights: up over Yoke and the shapely Ill Bell ridge to Thornthwaite Crag, then back over Mardale Ill Bell, Harter Fell, Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts. A long, high, broad-ridged day in the Far Eastern fells.
- Boat How, Great Bank & WainwrightsExposure: HardMarginalPlannedBoat How, Illgill Head and Whin Rigg above Wasdale — only three tops but 20.7 km and 1,170 m to reach them, severe for both length and steepness. Hard for exposure too — Illgill Head and Whin Rigg are the Screes tops above Wastwater. Around 6.1 hours.
- Helm Crag, Gibson Knott, Calf Crag, Steel Fell and Tarn CragExposure: ModerateMarginalThe full Far Easedale horseshoe from Grasmere, and a longer, wetter day than Helm Crag alone suggests. The true summit — the Howitzer — needs an exposed scramble, and beyond Gibson Knott the ground turns to peat hags and bog that stay wet in all seasons, with Brownrigg Moss the hardest crossing of the day.
- Crookdale BirkettsExposure: EasyPlannedNine tops around Crookdale on the Shap fells — Robin Hood, Harrop Pike, Wasdale Pike and Sleddale Pike among them — in 20.9 km with 635 m of climbing and nothing steeper than about 6%. Severe for length, easy for exposure; about 5.2 hours.
- Carrock Fell High Pike, Knott and Great CalvaExposure: HardMarginalPlannedNine tops on the northern fells in a 21 km round with 826 m of climbing, linking Carrock Fell, High Pike, Knott and Great Calva. One stage pulls 432 m up in 1.7 km, averaging 25%, and the open ground is rated hard for both navigation and exposure. About 5.6 hours steady.
- Pooley Bridge to ShapExposure: ModeratePlannedA one-way crossing from Ullswater to the edge of the Shap fells: over Heughscar Hill and the old Roman road on Askham Fell, past the stone circles of Moor Divock, then south over open ground to Four Stones Hill before dropping to Bampton and following the valley out to Shap. One real summit, a lot of sky, and a walk that gets somewhere rather than returning to the car.
- Borrowdale BirkettsExposure: ModeratePlannedSeven tops in the eastern Borrowdale — the one near Shap, not the Lakeland valley — from High House Bank and Robin Hood round to Lamb Pasture. 21.2 km and 820 m, with no stage steeper than about 6%. Severe for length; about 5.6 hours.
- Bannisdale Fell - Long CragExposure: ModeratePlannedA quiet Birkett round in Bannisdale, off to the east of the main fells — nine tops in 21.6 km with 774 m of climbing and no stage averaging steeper than about 11%. The difficulty here is navigation rather than gradient: it is rated hard to navigate and severe for its length. About 5.6 hours steady.
- Birketts West of ThirlmereExposure: HardMarginalPlannedTen tops on the rough ground west of Thirlmere — Wythburn Fell, Standing Crag and the Coldbarrow Fell saddles among them — in 23.1 km with 1,047 m of climbing and nothing steeper than about 10%. Severe for length; roughly 6.4 hours.
- West of Wet Sleddale - BirkettsExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedNine tops on the empty Shap fells — Seat Robert, High Wether Howe, Nabs Moor, Selside Pike and Hare Shaw among them — in 23.8 km with 856 m of climbing. Severe for length; about 6.2 hours.
- Cockup at the White Hause and other BirkettsExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedA long round on the northern fells over Great Cockup, Great Sca Fell, Knott and Little Calva — 23.9 km and 1,160 m, with no stage averaging steeper than about 10%. The distance rather than the gradient is what makes it a full day: roughly 6.7 hours of steady walking.
- Hart Side, Stybarrow Dodd, Raise, Watson's Dodd and moreExposure: ModerateMarginalA long day on the eastern Dodds — 24.4 km of rounded, grassy tops where the navigation, not the climbing, is the difficulty. Stybarrow Dodd and Great Dodd are vast featureless domes that need strict compass work in cloud, and the round finishes with a 6.4 km walk back along the Old Coach Road.
Severe 13
Over five hours and 1,200 m of climbing — a big mountain day you’d think twice about.
- Glenridding Dodd, Sheffield Pike, Catstye Cam, Birkhouse MoorExposure: HardMarginalA hard round above Glenridding by every measure the site records — 1,209 m of ascent in 15.6 km. A steep pull straight out of the valley leads over Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike, then the notoriously wet ground at Nick Head, the fine cone of Catstye Cam, and a long 554 m descent that tells on tired knees.
- High Snockrigg, Eel Crag & Lad HowsExposure: HardMarginalPlannedA big north-western day — seven tops from High Snockrigg over Whiteless Pike to Crag Hill, 15.7 km and 1,399 m, with one stage averaging 22%. About 5.5 hours.
- Extended Mosedale HorseshoeExposure: HardMarginalPillar, Scoat Fell, Steeple and Red Pike around the head of Mosedale, with Yewbarrow to finish — 1,303 m of ascent packed into 16.6 km, rated severe for steepness and hard for exposure. About 5.5 hours steady. It also goes by bus: the Wasdale Explorer works for this round if you turn for home at Yewbarrow by 16:58.
- Middle Fell, Haycock Seatallan and BuckbarrowExposure: HardMarginalSeven Wasdale tops in a 17.8 km round with 1,253 m of climbing and one stage averaging 24%. Hard for length, navigation and exposure, severe for steepness — about 5.6 hours on ground that stays rough throughout.
- Langdale HorseshoeExposure: HardMarginalPlannedThe full Langdale Horseshoe — fifteen tops, 1,500 m of ascent and one of the hardest days in the Lakes that involves no rope. The Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, the whole Crinkle Crags ridge and Pike of Blisco in a single round. It is long, rough, and the Crinkles will try to lead you down the wrong side. Do not start it late.
- The Coniston HorseshoeExposure: HardMarginalThe full Coniston Horseshoe — the grand ~21 km, ~1,280 m round of seven Wainwrights above Coniston: Wetherlam, the steep Prison Band onto Swirl How, Great Carrs, Grey Friar, Brim Fell, the Old Man of Coniston and Dow Crag. The big day out; for the shorter version see the [Coniston Old Man round](/routes/coniston-old-man-round.html).
- Angletarn Pikes and the Martindale roundExposure: EasyMarginalPlannedA long, quiet circuit of the Far Eastern fells above Patterdale — over Rest Dodd and out to the remote peak of The Nab, then back across Brock Crags to the twin tops of Angletarn Pikes, and home over Beda Fell and Place Fell. Twenty-two kilometres and six summits in some of the emptiest country in the National Park.
- Long Hike to Fairfield from AmblesideExposure: HardMarginalA big horseshoe day from Ambleside — 1,350 m of ascent in 22.4 km, opening with a relentless 738 m pull onto Red Screes. Fairfield's flat summit plateau is notoriously hard to navigate in cloud, and the day ends on the jarring stone steps down Nab Scar.
- Finishing of the Far Eastern FellsExposure: HardMarginalPlannedRest Dodd, The Nab, Brock Crags and the Angletarn Pikes — six tops in 22.5 km with 1,279 m of climbing. Severe for both length and steepness and hard for navigation and exposure: about 6.6 hours and a full day out.
- Birketts North of SkiddawExposure: ModerateMarginalPlannedThe full northern sweep over Skiddaw itself — Bakestall, the Middle and South Tops, Sale How and more, nine tops in 23 km with 1,434 m of climbing. Severe for length; about 7 hours of steady walking and the biggest day in this group.
- Birketts West of HaweswaterExposure: HardMarginalPlannedHigh Street, Rampsgill Head, High Raise and Low Raise on the far-eastern tops — eight summits in 23.8 km with 1,235 m of climbing. Severe for both length and steepness, hard for navigation and exposure: about 6.8 hours.
- Very Long Day OutExposure: ModerateMarginalThe Wasdale head round at its longest — 26.8 km and 1,743 m over twelve tops, from Yewbarrow out to Steeple, Haycock and Caw Fell and back over Seatallan and Middle Fell. One stage climbs 546 m in 2.1 km, averaging 26%, and the whole day is rated severe for both length and steepness: about 8.3 hours of steady walking.
- Sour Howes, Sallows, Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick and Troutbeck Tongue in the sun!Exposure: HardMarginalThe longest day in this group — 27.6 km and 1,395 m over six tops of the Kentmere and Troutbeck skyline, with nothing averaging steeper than about 9%. Severe for length, hard for terrain and exposure; about 7.8 hours.
Nothing matches those filters — .
Common questions
How do you grade difficulty?
By the size of the day: the distance and total ascent from the GPS track (roughly the Naismith time). It's a measure of effort and commitment, not technical difficulty — so we show exposure separately, because a short walk can still be seriously exposed and a big round can be a gentle plod. Easy is under about 2 hours, Moderate 2–4, Hard 4–5, and Severe is reserved for the big days (over 5 hours and 1,200 m of ascent).
A walk looks low-graded but I've heard it's serious — why?
Difficulty here is about how big the day is. A route can be modest in distance and ascent yet still involve real exposure — steep drops or scrambling — so always read the exposure flag, not just the band. The famous edges and scrambles are gathered on our Scrambles & the edges page.