A footbridge over the wooded cascades on the Stock Ghyll walk above Ambleside

Collection · 234 walks

Lake District walks by difficulty

Q: 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).

Q: 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.

Home › Collections › Lake District walks by difficulty

Every route we have measured, sorted by the size of the day. This is the whole library rather than a shortlist — a directory to decide from, not four walks we have picked for you. The band is the size of the day, taken from the distance and total ascent on 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 — the band says nothing about the ground. Check the exposure flag on each route, our most serious safety axis. Where a card says Exposure not assessed, that grade has not been checked on the ground yet; the route page shows the band the map suggests, which does not count towards the route’s grade. 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.

234

walks

1.2–27.6 km

distance range

from 15 min

shortest walk

The count is of the list on this page. Distances are measured from each route’s GPX track. Times are worked from distance and climb by Naismith’s rule. How we check →

Effort is the size of the day, from the distance and the climb; each route’s own page grades the steepness, navigation, exposure and ground underfoot, and names the hardest.

Easy effort 55

Narrow

The effort of a short outing: under about two hours of walking, one you can fit round the rest of the day.

Moderate effort 99

Narrow

The effort of a proper half-day on the fells: two to four hours of walking, fine if you take your time.

Red Screes from Kirkstone PassExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned5.85 km · ~602 m · ~2–3 hPark: Red Pit (LDNPA, free) · Bus: 508, 920 m walk from Kirkstone, outside Pass InnA short, steep round of about 5.9 km from Kirkstone Pass with about 600 m of climbing: from the top of the pass straight up to Red Screes, along the ridge to Middle Dodd, then down Middle Dodd’s very steep north ridge and back up the valley beside the A592 to Red Pit car park.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 44%.
Stone Arthur from GrasmereExposure: EasyHard: steepnessSave itWalked July 20236.82 km · ~528 m · ~2¼–3 hOut and back · Park: Stock Lane Car & Coach Park (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 555 at the startThe steep little top above Grasmere, out and back in 6.8 km with 528 m of climbing. Easy for length, navigation and exposure — it is the gradient that makes it, rated hard. About 2¼–3 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 27%. Exposure and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Blencathra by Sharp Edge⚠ Exposure: SevereSevere: steepness, terrain and exposureSave itPlanned7 km · ~669 m · ~2½–3½ hPark: The White Horse (free) · Bus: X5, 2.6 km walk from Threlkeld, opposite Blencathra Centre turnA narrow, airy arete of polished rock above Scales Tarn — a Grade 1 scramble with serious exposure on both sides — followed by a steep pull onto Blencathra and a fine descent over Doddick and Scales Fell. It is a magnificent line. It is also a serious scramble, and we are not going to soften that.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 38%; the steepest descent, about 37% over 250 m. Exposure: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Atkinson Pike (Foule Crag) (27 September 2026) and Blencathra - Hallsfell Top (15 July 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Place Fell and The KnightExposure not assessedHard: steepnessSave itPlanned7.28 km · ~547 m · ~2¼–3¼ hPark: Patterdale Hotel Car Park (Patterdale Hotel, paid) · Bus: 508 at the startStraight up from Ullswater to Place Fell and The Knight — 7.3 km and 547 m, with a stage averaging 16%. Easy for length but hard for steepness. About 2¼–3¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 35%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Black Combe from WhichamExposure not assessedHard: steepnessPlanned7.28 km · ~575 m · ~2¼–3¼ hOut and back · Park: Whicham (layby) (free)An out-and-back of about 7.3 km from Whicham to the top of Black Combe, with about 575 m of climbing: a short drive and a lane, then a public bridleway steeply up the hillside nearly to the top, a grass path for the last stretch to the trig pillar, and back the same way.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 27%.
Kirk Fell and Broom FellExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itWalked in part7.55 km · ~486 m · ~2¼–3¼ hPark: Spout Force, Whinlatter (free) · Bus: 77, 2.5 km walk from Lorton Winder Hall (near)Four tops in the Lorton fells — Kirk Fell, the Graystones pair and Broom Fell — in just 7.6 km with 486 m of climbing and a stage averaging 20%. Easy for length, severe for steepness; about 2¼–3¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 48%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Pinnacle Howe and Four Stones HillExposure not assessedHard: navigationPlanned7.55 km · ~300 m · ~2–2¾ hPark: Haweswater, by the dam (verge) (free)Two low tops above Haweswater — 7.6 km and 300 m, with a short 23% descent over 250 m near the end, and easy for length. Rated hard to navigate on open moor. About 2–2¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 23% over 250 m. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Birketts South of BurnbanksExposure not assessedHard: navigationPlanned7.64 km · ~303 m · ~2–2¾ hPark: Haweswater, by the dam (verge) (free)Four 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 303 m, easy for length but rated hard to navigate. About 2–2¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Dodd & WhitesideExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned7.91 km · ~682 m · ~2½–3¾ hPark: Lanthwaite Green (paid) · Bus: 77 at the startTwo 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. About 2½–3¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 41%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
North of Coniston BirkettsExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationWalked in part7.96 km · ~494 m · ~2¼–3¼ hPark: Coniston Station car park (paid) · Bus: 505, 500 m walk from Coniston, outside The Ruskin CentreThree Birketts on the Yewdale fells north of Coniston — Long Crag, High Wythow and Low Wythow — on a short but steep loop. Steep for the legs (one descent of about 34% over 250 m), 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.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 34% over 250 m. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground.
Scafell Pike from Wasdale, by Lingmell ColExposure: ModerateSevere: steepness and navigationSave itPlanned8 km · ~915 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Lake Head, Wasdale (NT, paid)The 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’.Terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.
Wetherlam by Birk FellExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned8.22 km · ~633 m · ~2½–3¾ hPark: Tilberthwaite (paid) · Bus: 505, 3.5 km walk from Monk Coniston, at HallA loop of about 8.2 km from Low Tilberthwaite, with about 630 m of climbing: on to Birk Fell, steeply up beside Wetherlam Edge to the top of Wetherlam, down the broad ridge to the south, and back to Low Tilberthwaite by the path beside Tilberthwaite Gill.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 39%.
Black Combe from Silecroft stationExposure not assessedHard: steepnessPlanned8.52 km · ~595 m · ~2½–3¾ hOut and back · Park: Whicham (layby) 2Black Combe from the train: about 8.5 km out and back from Silecroft station, with about 595 m of climbing. Village streets and field paths past Whicham lead to a public bridleway that climbs nearly to the top, a path for the last few hundred metres to the trig pillar, and the walk comes back the same way.
The Greendale HorseshoeExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned8.56 km · ~789 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Greendale (layby) (free)A round of about 8.6 km from Greendale in Wasdale over Middle Fell, Seatallan, Glade How and Buckbarrow, with about 790 m of climbing: straight up Middle Fell from the road, down to the col between the two fells and steeply up Seatallan, then down its long south ridge over Glade How to Buckbarrow, and a steep path back down to Greendale.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 38%.
Capple Howe & SallowsExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationMarginalWalked in part8.68 km · ~490 m · ~2½–3½ hPark: Church Bridge, Troutbeck (limited) (free) · Bus: 508 at the startSour Howes, Capple Howe and Sallows above Troutbeck — three modest tops in 8.7 km with 490 m of climbing and one stage averaging 16%. Rated hard to navigate; about 2½–3½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 26%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Top o' SelsideExposure not assessedHard: navigationPlanned8.71 km · ~381 m · ~2¼–3¼ hPark: Dodgson Wood car park, Coniston Water east shoreThree tops in the woods east of Coniston Water — Top o' Selside, Arnsbarrow Hill and Stang Hill. 8.7 km and 381 m, rated hard to navigate. About 2¼–3¼ hours.Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Brunt Knott from StaveleyExposure not assessedHard: steepnessPlanned8.75 km · ~405 m · ~2¼–3¼ hPark: Staveley village (paid/free mix) · Bus: 555 at the startA single top straight out of Staveley — 8.8 km and 405 m as a loop, rated hard for steepness and moderate for navigation. About 2¼–3¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 32%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Dunnerdale FellsExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationPlanned8.76 km · ~542 m · ~2½–3¾ hPark: The Knott car park (donation)Four small rocky tops above the Duddon — Great Stickle, Stickle Pike and Raven's Crag among them — in 8.8 km with 542 m of climbing. Short but rated hard to navigate; about 2½–3¾ hours.Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
The Old Man of Coniston, up and down from ConistonExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itWalked in part8.81 km · ~759 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Coniston, Ruskin Avenue (paid) · Bus: 505 at the startA loop of about 8.8 km from the middle of Coniston to the top of the Old Man of Coniston (802 m) and back, with about 760 m of climbing: out along the Walna Scar Road and up the fell's south side by Little Arrow Edge, then down the main path past Low Water Quarry and Coniston Waterfall into the village.
Fleetwith Edge and Haystacks⚠ Exposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned8.83 km · ~767 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere (paid) · Bus: 77 at the startA loop of about 8.8 km from Gatesgarth Farm, at the head of Buttermere, with about 770 m of climbing: steeply up Fleetwith Edge to the top of Fleetwith Pike, along the top and down quarry tracks and a public bridleway to Warnscale Beck, up past Blackbeck Tarn to the top of Haystacks, then down to Scarth Gap and back to Gatesgarth on the Scarth Gap bridleway.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 42%.
Birketts Around Devoke WaterExposure not assessedHard: navigationPlanned8.89 km · ~415 m · ~2¼–3½ hPark: Devoke Water turning, Birker Fell road (verge) (free)Five small tops circling Devoke Water — White Pike, Woodend Height, Yoadcastle, Water Crag and Rough Crag — in 8.9 km with 415 m of climbing averaging about 7% with one 19% descent over 250 m. Short, but rated hard to navigate. Around 2¼–3½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 19% over 250 m. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Round Kirk Fell from Wasdale HeadExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessPlanned9.09 km · ~630 m · ~2¾–4 hPark: Wasdale Head village green car park (free)A loop of about 9.1 km from Wasdale Head round Kirk Fell, with about 630 m of climbing: up the valley past Burnthwaite and over Gable Beck, then a steep path to Beck Head (619 m), the col between Kirk Fell and Great Gable; north-west under Kirk Fell's north side to Black Sail Pass (545 m), then down past Gatherstone Head into the valley west of Kirk Fell and back to Wasdale Head.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 43%.
Windermere Station to Brockhole and BackExposure not assessedModerate: distancePlanned9.12 km · ~153 m · ~2–3 hOut and back · Park: Windermere Station car park (Northern, paid) · Bus: 505 at the startAn out-and-back of about 9.1 km from Windermere railway station to Brockhole on the shore of Windermere, through Troutbeck Bridge and along the shared cycle path beside the A591, with about 150 m of climbing.
Birketts by KirklandExposure not assessedHard: terrain and navigationPlanned9.15 km · ~249 m · ~2¼–3 hPark: Kirkland road end (verge)A single top at Godworth, a 9.2 km loop with 249 m of climbing, the steepest sustained descent about 12%. The ground and the route-finding are what make it, both rated hard; about 2¼–3 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 16% over 250 m. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Red Pike by Scale ForceExposure not assessedHard: steepnessSave itPlanned9.25 km · ~756 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Buttermere village, by the Bridge Hotel (roadside, free) · Bus: 77 at the startA loop of about 9.3 km from Buttermere village, with about 760 m of climbing: up the public bridleway past Bleaberry Tarn to Dodd and Red Pike, then down north-west and beside Scale Beck past Scale Force, and back east to the village along the foot of the fells.
Black Star Brandreth and othersExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationSave itWalked in part9.29 km · ~629 m · ~2¾–4 hPark: Honister Pass (paid, slate mine) · Bus: 77 at the startStraight up from the Honister pass — Honister Crag, Fleetwith Pike, Brandreth and Grey Knotts in 9.3 km with 629 m of climbing. Short but hard for steepness, with one stage averaging 15%. About 2¾–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 33%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Cofa Pike Via Seat Sandal and DollywaggonExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned9.3 km · ~1195 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Roadside parking for Steel Fell (free) · Bus: 555, 1.7 km walk from Thirlmere, at Armboth turnThree tops but 1,195 m of ascent in only 9.3 km — the steepest ascent-per-kilometre of any route on the site, with a stage averaging 26%. Severe for steepness; about 3¾–5¼ hours and a genuinely hard short day.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 46%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Helvellyn from Swirls: the walkers’ way upExposure: ModerateSevere: steepnessSave itWalked in part9.37 km · ~856 m · ~3¼–4½ hPark: Swirls, Thirlmere (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startThe straightforward way up England’s third-highest fell — no scrambling, no knife edges, just a long, honest and steep climb from Thirlmere up Browncove Crags (about 42% over its steepest 250 m) 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.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 38%. Exposure: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked.
The Tongue BirkettExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned9.4 km · ~629 m · ~2¾–4 hPark: Mungrisdale village hall (paid) · Bus: 509, 3.2 km walk from Mungrisdale, adjacent to Road EndThe Tongue and Bowscale Fell from the Mungrisdale side — 9.4 km with 629 m of climbing and a steepest sustained pull of about 46%, which is what earns it a severe steepness rating. About 2¾–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 46%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Grasmere to Easdale TarnExposure not assessedModerate: distance, steepness, terrain and navigationWalked June 20249.52 km · ~237 m · ~2¼–3¼ hOut and back · Park: Stock Lane Car & Coach Park (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 555 at the startA valley walk from Grasmere village up Easdale to its tarn, ringed by crags: 9.5 km and 237 m, with no summits. The path climbs beside Sourmilk Gill, and the becks rise fast in spate, so take care at the crossings. The ground round the tarn is boggy and rougher; elsewhere it is good paths and lanes, muddy in places. If you bring a dog, keep it close near sheep.Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026.
Wray Castle & the Windermere west shoreExposure not assessedModerate: distancePlanned9.58 km · ~114 m · ~2–3 hPark: Wray Castle (NT, paid) · Bus: 505, 1.6 km walk from Low Wray, at Wray Castle Road EndA roughly 6-mile circular taking in the mock-Gothic Wray Castle and the western shore of Windermere. A varied, low-level day — flat underfoot but a fair distance.Measured from the GPX track: the distance.
Two Birketts from Mardale HeadExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationSave itWalked in part9.6 km · ~550 m · ~2¾–4 hPark: Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)Branstree and its north-east top above Haweswater, with two more summits on the way — 9.6 km and 550 m, a stage averaging 19%, and hard route-finding on featureless ground. About 2¾–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 27%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Great Gable from Honister Slate MineExposure: ModerateSevere: steepness and navigationSave itPlanned9.61 km · ~721 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Honister (NT, paid) · Bus: 77 at the startThe kindest way to England’s most-loved mountain. Honister starts you at 350 m. The route goes out along Moses Trod, under Gable Crag to Beck Head, climbs the steep, stony north-west ridge onto Great Gable, and comes back over Green Gable, Brandreth and Grey Knotts. 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.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 45%. Terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.
Swarth Fell and Loadpot HillExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itWalked in part9.69 km · ~599 m · ~2¾–4 hPark: Hallin Fell car park (free) · Bus: UB1, 530 m walk from Martindale Cattle Grid (near)Four far-eastern tops above Ullswater — Swarth Fell, Loadpot Hill, Brownthwaite Crag and Steel Knotts — in 9.7 km with 599 m of climbing. Severe for steepness, hard to navigate; about 2¾–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 36%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Glaramara, Allen Crags via Stockley BridgeExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned9.74 km · ~826 m · ~3¼–4½ hOne-way: finishes 0.8 km from the start in a straight line · Start: Seathwaite Farm, Borrowdale (free verge) · Bus: 78, 2.1 km walk from Seatoller, at National Trust car park
Loughrigg Tarn & Loughrigg FellExposure: EasySevere: steepnessMarginalPlanned9.75 km · ~382 m · ~2½–3½ hPark: Elterwater (NT, paid) · Bus: 516 at the startA 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 but one short, steep descent of about 46% over 250 m, endlessly varied, and grand for dogs.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 46% over 250 m.
Howtown to Patterdale along UllswaterExposure not assessedHard: navigationPlanned9.88 km · ~214 m · ~2¼–3¼ hOne-way: finishes at Patterdale · Start: Hallin Fell (layby) (free) · Bus: UB1 at the startA one-way walk of about 10 km from the Howtown pier back to Patterdale along the south-east side of Ullswater: round the foot of Hallin Fell to Sandwick, then a public bridleway past Silver Point and public footpaths over Goldrill Bridge, with about 210 m of climbing in short rises.
Ambleside to the Old Post Office Tea Room, Troutbeck (over Wansfell)Exposure: EasySevere: steepnessPlanned9.89 km · ~547 m · ~2¾–4 hPark: Ambleside, Low Fold (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startA proper half-day loop with a reward built in: drop into pretty Troutbeck for tea and cake at the Old Post Office Tea Room, then climb over Wansfell Pike for a huge view down Windermere and back down to Ambleside. Around 550 m of up and down.
Hartsop Dodd, Stony Cove Pike, Thornthwaite Crag and Gray CragExposure: ModerateSevere: steepnessSave itWalked February 202510 km · ~858 m · ~3¼–4¾ hPark: Hartsop village (donation) · Bus: 508, 590 m walk from Hartsop, adjacent to road endFour tops above Hartsop in 10 km with 858 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 3¼–4¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 51%. Exposure and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Stile End, Outerside, Causey Pike, Rowling EndExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itWalked in part10.08 km · ~692 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Braithwaite village (roadside/small areas) · Bus: 77 at the startFour small Newlands tops in 10.1 km, though 692 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 3–4¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 42%. Exposure and terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Maiden Moor and High SpyExposure not assessedHard: steepnessSave itPlanned10.16 km · ~653 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: unnamed layby south-east of Cat Bells · Bus: 77, 910 m walk from Brandelhow Park (outside)A loop of about 10.2 km from a layby on the lane below Cat Bells, with about 650 m of climbing: up the public bridleway from Manesty to Hause Gate, south along the ridge over Maiden Moor to High Spy, then steeply down a public footpath past Nitting Haws and back along the lanes past Manesty.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 32%.
St Sunday CragExposure: EasySevere: steepnessSave itWalked January 202510.22 km · ~838 m · ~3¼–4¾ hPark: Patterdale Hotel Car Park (Patterdale Hotel, paid) · Bus: 508 at the startThree 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, 10 km and 838 m. The walking line stays clear of the crags, but it is not all grass: the ridge to St Sunday Crag turns rocky, and the way back off Gavel Pike crosses steep grass and small rocky steps that are treacherous when wet or icy. The descent reaches about 45% over 250 m near 8.3 km.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 45% over 250 m. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Arnison Crag (14 June 2026), Birks (14 June 2026) and St Sunday Crag (13 June 2026); they draw on Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team.
Watendlath & the packhorse bridgeExposure: ModerateHard: steepnessWalked in part10.33 km · ~298 m · ~2½–3½ hPark: Surprise View (NT) (paid) · Bus: 78 at the startA 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 with one steep descent of about 33% over 250 m near the end.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 33% over 250 m.
Ambleside, Todd Crag, Rydal CaveExposure: EasyHard: steepnessMarginalWalked in part10.38 km · ~394 m · ~2½–3¾ hPark: Ambleside, Market Place (4 on-street bays) · Bus: 555 at the startThe 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: HardSevere: steepnessSave itWalked July 202510.42 km · ~743 m · ~3¼–4½ hPark: Cow Bridge, Hartsop (paid) · Bus: 508 at the startA short round with a very long climb in it: 528 m up to Middle Dodd in the first 4.3 km, including a sustained pull of about 56% over 250 m. The way down is just as steep. Off High Hartsop Dodd the descent reaches about 56% over 250 m around 7.9 km, and it is hard on the knees. Hard for terrain, navigation and exposure; 10.4 km and 743 m in all.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 53%; the steepest descent, about 56% over 250 m. Exposure, terrain and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026.
Troutbeck Tongue from TroutbeckExposure not assessedHard: steepnessMarginalPlanned10.52 km · ~519 m · ~2¾–4 hPark: unnamed layby north-west of Sour Howes · Bus: 508 at the start
Birketts North of LoweswaterExposure not assessedHard: steepness, terrain and navigationDecentPlanned10.58 km · ~655 m · ~3–4½ hPark: unnamed layby west of Darling Fell · Bus: 77, 4.8 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)A loop of about 10.6 km and 650 m of climbing from the lay-by on the lane north of Loweswater, over seven Birketts on the low fells between Loweswater and the Lorton valley: Darling Fell, Low Fell’s south top, Low Fell, Sourfoot Fell, Smithy Fell, Fellbarrow and Hatteringill Head. Out by a bridleway and a steep pull onto Darling Fell, north along the ridge, and back by old unsurfaced lanes.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 31%.
Loughrigg Terrace & Rydal WaterExposure not assessedModerate: distance and navigationWalked in part10.71 km · ~288 m · ~2½–3½ hPark: Ambleside, Rydal Road (paid) · Bus: 555, 1.6 km walk from Ambleside, at Scandale BridgeA terrace walk from Ambleside over Loughrigg's southern slopes to the famous Loughrigg Terrace view down Grasmere, then past Rydal Cave and back under Loughrigg. Easy-moderate, with a little climbing and some rougher ground.
The Difficult Route up Eagle CragExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned10.71 km · ~611 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Stonethwaite village (roadside, free) · Bus: 78, 710 m walk from Rosthwaite, opposite Longthwaite road end
Brown Crag and RaiseExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned10.76 km · ~779 m · ~3¼–4¾ hPark: Legburthwaite (United Utilities, small) (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startThree tops on the western flank of the Helvellyn range, Brown Crag through White Side to Raise. 779 m of ascent in 10.8 km with one stage averaging 15% and a 46% pull over 250 m early on. Navigation is only moderate here, the paths being clear enough. Roughly 3¼–4¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 40%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Little Dale HorseshoeExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationSave itPlanned10.77 km · ~793 m · ~3¼–4¾ hPark: Little Town, Newlands (paid, small) · Bus: 77, 2.7 km walk from Manesty, outside Cocklety HowA loop of about 10.8 km from Chapel Bridge in Newlands, round Little Dale, with about 790 m of climbing: along the lane and up High Snab Bank to Robinson, over to Hindscarth, and down the ridge over High Crags, Red Knott and Scope End.
Around Loweswater to Fellbarrow and Low FellExposure: ModerateSevere: steepnessDecentPlanned10.84 km · ~446 m · ~2¾–4 hPark: Maggie's Bridge, Loweswater (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 3.2 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)A short north-western round over Low Fell, Sourfoot Fell, Smithy Fell and Fellbarrow — 10.8 km and 446 m, moderate on every axis except steepness, which is severe: the climb onto Low Fell reaches about 43%. About 2¾–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 43%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Round Ennerdale Water from Bowness KnottExposure not assessedModerate: distance, terrain and navigationPlanned10.9 km · ~92 m · ~2¼–3¼ hPark: Bowness Knott, Ennerdale (Forestry, paid)A loop of about 10.9 km right round Ennerdale Water from the Bowness Knott car park, with about 90 m of climbing: east on the forest track along the north shore, over the River Liza near the head of the lake, west on the south shore path past Angler's Crag to the foot of the lake, over the River Ehen, and back on bridleways past Bowness to the car park.
Castle How & Lang How - BirkettsExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationWalked in part10.91 km · ~490 m · ~3–4 hPark: Stock Lane Car & Coach Park (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 555 at the startLang How, Swinescar Pike and Castle How on the knolly ground above Grasmere — 10.9 km and 490 m, stages averaging about 10% with a 33% descent over 250 m, and rated hard to navigate among the hummocks. Just about 3–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 33% over 250 m. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Black Sails & Great HowExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationSave itPlanned10.94 km · ~822 m · ~3½–4¾ hPark: Hell Gill Pike (verge, south) · Bus: 516, 4.8 km walk from Old Dungeon Ghyll HotelSix tops on the Coniston skyline — Hell Gill Pike, Little Carrs, Great Carrs, Swirl How, Great How and Black Sails — in 10.9 km with 822 m of climbing, one stage averaging 19% and a 37% pull over 250 m off the road at the start. Hard to navigate; about 3½–4¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 32%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Allen Crags & GlaramaraExposure: ModerateSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned10.94 km · ~853 m · ~3½–5 hPark: Seathwaite Farm, Borrowdale (free verge) · Bus: 78, 2.2 km walk from Seatoller, at National Trust car parkGlaramara's knobbly crest and Allen Crags, five summits linked along the ridge above Borrowdale. 853 m of climbing in 10.9 km, rated severe for steepness though navigation and exposure both stay moderate. About 3½–5 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 49%. Exposure and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Carron Crag from GrizedaleExposure not assessedHard: navigationPlanned10.99 km · ~392 m · ~2¾–4 hPark: Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre (paid) · Bus: 505, 4.8 km walk from Hawkshead, at Tourist Information CentreThe high point of Grizedale Forest, a loop of 11 km with 392 m of climbing averaging about 9% with a 21% pull over 250 m at the start. Rated hard to navigate — forest tracks all look alike. About 2¾–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 18%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Eycott HillsExposure not assessedModerate: distance and navigationPlanned11.04 km · ~217 m · ~2½–3½ hPark: Mungrisdale village hall (paid) · Bus: 509, 3.2 km walk from Mungrisdale, adjacent to Road EndEycott Hill and Little Eycott Hill on the open ground east of Skiddaw — 11 km with just 217 m of climbing, and its steepest sustained descent is about 10%. Easy for steepness; around 2½–3½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 12% over 250 m. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Whitbarrow Scar and Lord's Seat from WitherslackExposure not assessedModerate: distance, steepness and navigationPlanned11.06 km · ~266 m · ~2½–3¾ hPark: Town End, south car park 2 · Bus: X6, 410 m walk from Witherslack Longhowe End (near)A loop of about 11 km from Witherslack over Whitbarrow, with about 266 m of climbing: out on lanes and a bridleway through Mill Side, up on paths on to the limestone top and north along it to Lord's Seat, then down through Whitbarrow Scar and back on tracks past Beck Head and the same lanes.
Three Dodds and Calfhow PikeExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned11.12 km · ~833 m · ~3½–5 hPark: Legburthwaite (United Utilities, small) (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startGrassy, rounded and quick underfoot on the tops: Stybarrow Dodd, Watson's Dodd and Great Dodd, with Calfhow Pike tucked between them. 11.1 km and 833 m; the climb averages 16%, and the way down into St John's in the Vale reaches about 54% over 250 m. About 3½–5 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 47%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Bampton FellExposure not assessedHard: terrain and navigationPlanned11.18 km · ~455 m · ~3–4 hPark: Haweswater, by the dam (verge) (free)A single top on Bampton Common, an 11.2 km loop with 455 m of climbing and a steepest sustained descent of about 25% over 250 m. Hard for terrain (the trackless, boggy upper common) and navigation, and moderate for length and steepness — about 3–4 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 25% over 250 m. Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Threlkeld Knotts & Clough HeadExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned11.2 km · ~803 m · ~3½–5 hPark: St John's in the Vale verge, High Rigg (free) · Bus: 509, 2.4 km walk from Threlkeld West End (near)Clough Head is the northern full stop of the Dodds, and this takes it with Threlkeld Knotts and Calfhow Pike. 11.2 km, 803 m, and a 16% stage that does most of the climbing early on. Severe for steepness. Around 3½–5 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 48%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
HaystacksExposure: ModerateHard: steepness and navigationSave itWalked April 202611.21 km · ~792 m · ~3½–4¾ hPark: Honister Pass (paid, slate mine) · Bus: 77 at the startFrom Honister up the old quarry tracks to Fleetwith Pike, down past Dubs Hut to the tarns and rocky knolls of Haystacks, then a late climb back over Brandreth and Grey Knotts — four Wainwrights in one round. There is a scramble to the true top of Haystacks, and a maze of paths up there that needs care in cloud.Exposure: graded by Lee on the ground. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Patterdale to Hartsop and Brothers WaterExposure not assessedHard: navigationPlanned11.48 km · ~169 m · ~2½–3½ hPark: Patterdale Hotel Car Park (Patterdale Hotel, paid) · Bus: 508 at the startA low circular of about 11.5 km from Patterdale: south, mostly on public footpaths and bridleways, on the east side of the valley to Hartsop, along the west shore of Brothers Water on a public footpath and back, then north on a permissive path west of Goldrill Beck to Menneting Bridge and home the way you came, with about 170 m of climbing.
Lingmoor Fell from ElterwaterExposure: ModerateModerate: distance, steepness, terrain, navigation and exposureSave itPlanned11.51 km · ~489 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Elterwater (NT, paid) · Bus: 516 at the startThe 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 not assessedHard: steepness and navigationPlanned11.53 km · ~790 m · ~3½–5 hPark: unnamed car park south-east of Hallin Fell (free) · Bus: UB1, 550 m walk from Martindale Cattle Grid (near)Sleet Fell, Low Birk Fell and the Birk Fell tops on the southern shore — five summits in 11.5 km with 790 m of climbing. Hard for steepness and hard to navigate; about 3½–5 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 31%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Heughscar Hill & Arthur's PikeExposure not assessedModerate: distance, steepness and navigationSave itPlanned11.68 km · ~437 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Pooley Bridge, Finkle Street car park (free) · Bus: 508 at the startTwo gentle tops above Pooley Bridge — 11.7 km and 437 m, with one 22% pull over 250 m early on, and moderate for length, steepness, ground and navigation: around 3–4¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 19%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Birketts around Grisedale PikeExposure not assessedHard: steepnessSave itPlanned11.7 km · ~750 m · ~3½–5 hPark: Whinlatter Visitor Centre (paid) · Bus: 77 at the startSeven tops on and around Grisedale Pike, taking in Hobcarton End, Hobcarton Crag and Sand Hill — 11.7 km and 750 m over eight stages, rated hard for steepness. About 3½–5 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 27%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Mellbreak and Crummock WaterExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned11.71 km · ~535 m · ~3–4½ hPark: Maggie's Bridge, Loweswater (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 3.2 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)Both Mellbreak tops above Crummock Water — 11.7 km and 535 m, severe for steepness, with one stage averaging 14%. About 3–4½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 42%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Hartsop Fells and Hart CragExposure: ModerateSevere: steepnessSave itWalked July 202511.87 km · ~837 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Cow Bridge, Hartsop (paid) · Bus: 508 at the startSix tops from Gale Crag over Hartsop Above How to Hart Crag: 11.9 km and 837 m, about 3¾–5¼ hours. Severe for steepness: the push onto Hart Crag is loose and rocky, with simple steps where you may need your hands, and the way down off High Hartsop Dodd is a very steep grass nose, about 43% over 250 m near 9.5 km and slippery when wet. The rest is moderate, though the ridge from Hart Crag to Dove Crag is rocky and hard on the ankles.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 41%. Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026.
Blencathra via Blease FellExposure: EasyHard: steepness and navigationSave itPlanned11.88 km · ~816 m · ~3½–5 hPark: Threlkeld village (no public car park, customers only) · Bus: X5 at the startA 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. Easier than the ridges, not easy: its steepest 250 m runs at about 37%. A grand viewpoint over the northern fells and the Eden valley for the effort — and well clear of the notorious Sharp Edge.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 33%. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Blencathra - Hallsfell Top (15 July 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Dow Crag without the Old ManExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationSave itPlanned11.88 km · ~630 m · ~3¼–4¾ hPark: Walna Scar Road, Coniston (paid, rough track) · Bus: 505, 1.8 km walk from Coniston, outside The Ruskin CentreA loop of about 11.9 km from the Walna Scar Road car park above Coniston, with about 630 m of climbing: out along the Walna Scar Road, up a public footpath past Goat's Water to Goat's Hawse and the top of Dow Crag, along the ridge over Buck Pike and Brown Pike, out over Walna Scar to White Maiden and back, and down the Walna Scar Road.
Wansfell Pike and BaystonesExposure: EasyHard: steepnessMarginalWalked June 202311.92 km · ~560 m · ~3¼–4½ hPark: Ambleside, Low Fold (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startThe pair above Ambleside — 11.9 km and 560 m, stages averaging about 12% with a 33% pull over 250 m onto Wansfell Pike, and easy for both navigation and exposure. A straightforward half-day at about 3¼–4½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 31%. Exposure and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Up to Skiddaw Round TripExposure: ModerateHard: steepnessSave itWalked in part12.01 km · ~849 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Latrigg car park (free) · Bus: 555, 2.6 km walk from Keswick, at Latrigg CloseA compact way onto Skiddaw over Lonscale Fell — 12 km and 849 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 527 m descent on stone and gravel.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 30%; the steepest descent, about 31% over 250 m. Exposure and terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Lonscale Fell (14 June 2026) and Skiddaw (13 June 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Birketts by GowbarrowExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationDecentWalked in part12.03 km · ~591 m · ~3¼–4¾ hPark: Aira Force (NT, paid) · Bus: 508 at the startFive tops around Gowbarrow Park above Ullswater, including the Wainwright summit of Gowbarrow Fell — 12 km and 591 m, with one stage averaging 16%. Rated hard to navigate despite the modest scale. Around 3¼–4¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 27%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Green Crag & Great Whinscale — the wild Birker Fell roundExposure not assessedHard: terrainSave itPlanned12.03 km · ~544 m · ~3¼–4½ hPark: Devoke Water turning, Birker Fell road (verge) (free)A 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, at the turning for Devoke Water, it heads north-north-east across open, boggy moor 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. About 12 km but genuinely rough underfoot, with a big view over the Duddon, Eskdale and out to the sea.Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground.
Scope End, Hindscarth & Dale Head from Little TownExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned12.08 km · ~757 m · ~3½–5 hPark: Little Town, Newlands (paid, small) · Bus: 77, 2.7 km walk from Manesty, outside Cocklety HowA 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 760 m of ascent; the pulls are steep and the tops are big and open.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 43% over 250 m. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Hindscarth (14 June 2026) and Dale Head (14 June 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Langdale Pikes RoundExposure: ModerateSevere: steepnessSave itWalked June 202412.12 km · ~884 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: New Dungeon Ghyll (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 516 at the startA grand round of the Langdale Pikes and the fells behind them. From Great Langdale it climbs past Stickle Tarn to Sergeant Man, loops over High Raise and Thunacar Knott, then takes in Pavey Ark (by the walkers' line, not Jack's Rake), Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle and Loft Crag 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.Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Sergeant Man (14 June 2026), High Raise (High White Stones) (14 June 2026), Thunacar Knott (14 June 2026) and 4 more; they draw on Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team.
Scar Crags, Causey PikeExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itWalked in part12.16 km · ~848 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Braithwaite village (roadside/small areas) · Bus: 77 at the startBarrow, Outerside, Scar Crags, Causey Pike and Rowling End above Newlands — five tops in 12.2 km with 848 m of climbing. Hard for terrain, navigation and exposure, severe for steepness; about 3¾–5¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 42%. Exposure, terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Awkward Around Swinside FellExposure not assessedHard: navigationPlanned12.25 km · ~430 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Corney Fell road summit (verge)Stoupdale Head, White Combe and Stoneside Hill in the far south-west — 12.25 km and 430 m, with a steepest sustained pull of about 22%. The name is earned by the navigation, which is rated hard. Around 3–4¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 22%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell from KeswickExposure: ModerateHard: steepnessSave itPlanned12.53 km · ~658 m · ~3½–5 hPark: Keswick, Central Car Park (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startA 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 proposition. Together they make a satisfying half-day horseshoe straight out of the town.Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.
Catbells, Maiden Moor & High SpyExposure: ModerateHard: steepnessSave itWalked May 202612.59 km · ~726 m · ~3½–5 hPark: Skelgill Bank, north car park · Bus: 77 at the startA ridge walk above the western shore of Derwentwater: from Hawes End over Catbells and Maiden Moor to High Spy, 12.6 km and 726 m. The pull onto Catbells is short and steep, about 36% over its steepest 250 m, with rocky steps where you may want your hands, and they are slippery when wet. High Spy has steep crags on both sides, so keep to the crest in wind or cloud. The ridge path is clear in good weather, but carry a map and compass for the cloud. The reward is Derwentwater and the Newlands valley below you the whole way.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 29%. Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Cat Bells (Catbells) (13 June 2026), Maiden Moor (14 June 2026) and High Spy (14 June 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Ulthwaite RiggExposure not assessedSevere: navigationPlanned12.62 km · ~368 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Wet Sleddale Reservoir Car ParkOne top on the Shap fells, out and back in 12.6 km with 368 m of climbing averaging about 5% with one 22% descent over 250 m on the way back. The navigation is rated SEVERE — the only route here to carry that on any axis but steepness. About 3–4¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 22% over 250 m. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Holme Fell and Black Crag from Tarn HowsExposure not assessedHard: steepnessDecentPlanned12.91 km · ~785 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Tarn Hows (NT, paid) · Bus: 505, 1.2 km walk from Holling Brow (near)
Caudale Moor & St Raven's EdgeExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned12.96 km · ~732 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Hartsop village (donation) · Bus: 508, 570 m walk from Hartsop, adjacent to road endHartsop Dodd, Stony Cove Pike and the Caudale Moor tops — four summits in 13 km with 732 m of climbing, and one stage averaging 35%, which ties the steepest on the site. Hard to navigate; about 3¾–5¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 50%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
A quiet BirkettExposure not assessedHard: steepness and navigationSave itPlanned12.99 km · ~587 m · ~3½–4¾ hPark: Little Cockup car parkThree 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. The steepest sustained descent is about 30%, late on; about 3½–4¾ hours of walking.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 35% over 250 m. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Grike, Crag Fell and Lank RiggExposure: EasyModerate: distance, steepness and navigationSave itWalked May 202513.07 km · ~623 m · ~3½–5 hPark: Flat Fell (verge)Four tops in the far western fells — Grike, Crag Fell, Whoap and Lank Rigg — in 13.1 km and 623 m. Rough grass and big skies, a steep drop into Ennerdale beside Crag Fell's top, and faint, featureless ground over Whoap and Lank Rigg Moss where a compass bearing matters in cloud.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 20%. Terrain and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Crummock Water shore circuitExposure not assessedModerate: distancePlanned13.17 km · ~191 m · ~2¾–4 hPark: Buttermere village (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 77 at the startThe 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 western shore.
North of SkiddawExposure: EasyHard: steepnessSave itWalked August 202413.22 km · ~729 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Longlands Fell car parkEight tops in the grassy country north of Skiddaw — Longlands Fell, Brae Fell, the two Sca Fells, Meal Fell and Great Cockup among them. Gentle underfoot, but nearly a fifth of the line is featureless ground where a compass earns its keep.Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Swineside Knott & GowbarrowExposure not assessedHard: steepnessDecentPlanned13.27 km · ~657 m · ~3¾–5 hPark: Aira Force (NT, paid) · Bus: 508 at the startA satisfying loop over the heather tops of Gowbarrow above Ullswater, starting from the Aira Force car park and climbing quickly away from the waterfall onto rolling moorland. 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.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 29%.
Ashness Bridge & Surprise ViewExposure not assessedHard: steepnessPlanned13.43 km · ~322 m · ~3–4½ hPark: Lakeside long stay car park, Keswick (paid) · Bus: 78, 350 m walk from Keswick, outside Daleview HotelA circular of about 13.4 km (8.3 miles) from Keswick 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 not assessedHard: terrain and navigationSave itPlanned13.49 km · ~509 m · ~3½–4¾ hPark: Dob Gill, Thirlmere (closed); nearest: Steel End, Thirlmere (paid), about 1.3 km on foot · Bus: 555, 1.8 km walk from Thirlmere, at Armboth turnFour tops on the boggy watershed above Thirlmere — Brown Rigg, Shivery Knott, Middle Crag and High Tove — in 13.5 km with 509 m of climbing. Rated hard to navigate, which is the whole character of this ground. About 3½–4¾ hours.Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Whinlatter LoopExposure: EasySevere: steepnessSave itWalked May 202513.56 km · ~712 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Spout Force, Whinlatter (free) · Bus: 77, 2.5 km walk from Lorton Winder Hall (near)A north-western round above Whinlatter that opens with a brutal climb onto Graystones, about 56% over its steepest 250 m. 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.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 48%. Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Holme Fell and Black FellExposure: EasyModerate: distance and steepnessDecentWalked June 202313.74 km · ~614 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Tarn Hows (NT, paid) · Bus: 505, 1.2 km walk from Holling Brow (near)Two low wooded tops between Coniston and Tarn Hows, and a fine half-day when the high fells are under cloud — nothing above 323 m, though 50 path junctions near the line mean it pays to keep track of which one you are on.
Standing Crag, High Tove, ArmbothExposure: ModerateHard: distance and navigationSave itPlanned14.26 km · ~601 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Dob Gill, Thirlmere (closed); nearest: Steel End, Thirlmere (paid), about 1.3 km on foot · Bus: 555, 1.7 km walk from Thirlmere, at Armboth turnSix tops on the wet watershed between Thirlmere and Borrowdale — Standing Crag, Shivery Knott, Middle Crag, High Tove and Armboth Fell. 14.3 km and 601 m, rated hard for length and navigation, moderate for steepness. About 3¾–5¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 24%. Terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Around Sele BottomExposure not assessedHard: distance, terrain and navigationPlanned14.26 km · ~662 m · ~3¾–5½ hPark: Corney Fell road summit (verge)Buck Barrow, Whitfell and Burn Moor on the western fells — 14.3 km and 662 m, the steepest sustained descent about 19%. The difficulty is the ground and the navigation, both rated hard: open, trackless ground. About 3¾–5½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 19% over 250 m. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
The full circuit of Derwentwater from KeswickExposure not assessedHard: distancePlanned14.38 km · ~103 m · ~3–4¼ hPark: Lakeside long stay car park, Keswick (paid) · Bus: 78, 530 m walk from Keswick, outside Daleview HotelA loop of about 14.4 km right round Derwentwater from the Keswick landing stages, with about 100 m of climbing: south along the east shore past Friar's Crag to Lodore, over the River Derwent on a footbridge at the head of the lake, north along the west shore past Brandelhow and Hawes End to Portinscale, and back into Keswick through the town.
Scale Fell and Mellbreak⚠ Exposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned14.68 km · ~572 m · ~3¾–5¼ hPark: Buttermere village (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 460 m walk from Buttermere, outside Court HotelScale Knott and both Mellbreak tops — 14.7 km and 572 m, with a stage averaging 19%. Hard for length and navigation. About 3¾–5¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 39%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Pooley Bridge to ShapExposure not assessedHard: distance and navigationPlanned15.4 km · ~382 m · ~3½–5 hOne-way: finishes 12.8 km from the start in a straight line · Start: Eusemere Car Park (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 508 at the startA one-way crossing from Ullswater to Shap by the lower line: up the byway from Roehead onto Askham Fell, over Moor Divock past the Cop Stone, then down to the valley road through Butterwick, Bampton and Bampton Grange, joining the Coast to Coast path at Rosgill Bridge for the last 4 km past Shap Abbey. No summit and 15.4 km, more than half of it on minor roads, with a pub and a village shop in Bampton a little past halfway.

Hard effort 61

Narrow

The effort of a full fell day: four to five hours of walking that needs planning, food and daylight.

Newlands Hause to the Coledale Tops⚠ Exposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned11.4 km · ~1107 m · ~4–5½ hPark: Newlands Hause car park (free) · Bus: 77, 2.2 km walk from Buttermere Youth Hostel (near)A loop of about 11.4 km from Newlands Hause, with about 1,110 m of climbing: over Knott Rigg and Ard Crags, up to Scar Crags and Sail, on to Crag Hill, round over Wandope and along Whiteless Edge to Whiteless Pike, then steeply down to Sail Beck and back up to the Knott Rigg path for the way down to the car park.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 43%.
Skiddaw via Ullock Pike and DoddExposure: ModerateHard: steepness and navigationSave itWalked June 202512.41 km · ~1123 m · ~4¼–6 hPark: Dodd Wood (paid) · Bus: X4 at the startA 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, forest to finish.Exposure and terrain: graded by Lee on the ground.
Helvellyn via Striding Edge & Swirral Edge⚠ Exposure: SevereSevere: terrain, navigation and exposureSave itWalked in part12.71 km · ~948 m · ~4–5½ hPark: Beckside Car Park (paid) · Bus: 508 at the startThe 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've walked the summit and Catstye Cam, but not Striding Edge or Swirral Edge, 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.Exposure and terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Helvellyn (17 July 2026) and Catstye Cam (13 June 2026); they draw on Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
The Buttermere Ridge Anti-ClockwiseExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itWalked October 202612.88 km · ~970 m · ~4–5¾ hPark: High Snockrigg (verge) · Bus: 77, 330 m walk from Buttermere Youth Hostel (near)A loop of about 12.9 km from Buttermere village over Dodd, Red Pike, High Stile, High Crag and Seat, with about 970 m of climbing: up beside Sourmilk Gill to Bleaberry Tarn and Dodd, up the red scree path to Red Pike, along the ridge over High Stile to High Crag, steeply down Gamlin End to Seat and Scarth Gap, and back along the shore of Buttermere.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 38%. Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground.
High Stile, Seat via ButtermereExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned12.97 km · ~881 m · ~4–5½ hPark: Buttermere village, by the Bridge Hotel (roadside, free) · Bus: 77 at the startFive tops along the High Stile ridge with Buttermere below you the whole way. 881 m of ascent in 13 km, and a stage averaging 20% to gain the ridge in the first place. Roughly 4–5½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 39%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
The Borrowdale Fells (Rosthwaite Fell round)Exposure: ModerateSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned13.23 km · ~850 m · ~4–5½ hPark: Rosthwaite (NT, paid) · Bus: 78 at the startA 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. Full of character, but pathless and boggy: a fair-weather fell day, not a wet-day plod.Terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.
The Buttermere Ridge⚠ Exposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned13.39 km · ~1012 m · ~4¼–6 hPark: Buttermere village (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 410 m walk from Buttermere, outside Court HotelOne 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, 1,012 m of climbing, and severe for steepness.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 35%. Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.
Mardale Ill Bell, High Street, The Knott, Rampsgill Head, High Raise and Kidsty PikeExposure: HardHard: steepness, terrain, navigation and exposureSave itWalked July 202513.7 km · ~904 m · ~4¼–5¾ hPark: Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)Six far-eastern tops from Mardale Ill Bell over High Street to Rampsgill Head — 13.7 km and 904 m. Rated hard for terrain, navigation and exposure together, which few routes here manage. About 4¼–5¾ hours.Exposure, terrain and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Stonesty Pike, Great Knott & Wrynose FellExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned13.71 km · ~1075 m · ~4½–6¼ hPark: Hell Gill Pike (verge, south) · Bus: 516, 4.8 km walk from Old Dungeon Ghyll HotelFive tops on the rough ground between Wrynose and Cold Pike — 13.7 km and 1,075 m, severe for steepness and hard to navigate. About 4½–6¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 44%. Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Crinkle Crags, Cold Pike, Pike of BliscoExposure not assessedHard: steepnessSave itPlanned13.78 km · ~1025 m · ~4¼–6 hPark: Old Dungeon Ghyll (NT, paid) · Bus: 516 at the start
Birketts North of ThirlmereExposure not assessedHard: steepnessPlanned13.91 km · ~972 m · ~4¼–6 hPark: Legburthwaite (United Utilities, small) (paid) · Bus: 555, 400 m walk from Stanah Dam road end (near)Castle Rock, Wren Crag and the High Rigg tops above Thirlmere — six summits in 13.9 km with 972 m of climbing, and one stage averaging 28%, the steepest in this group. About 4¼–6 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 35%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Blake Fell, Gavel Fell, Hen CombExposure not assessedHard: distance, steepness and navigationSave itPlanned14.03 km · ~764 m · ~4–5½ hPark: Maggie's Bridge, Loweswater (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 3.2 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)Five tops behind Loweswater — Burnbank Fell, Blake Fell, Gavel Fell, Hen Comb and Little Dodd — in 14 km with 764 m of climbing and a steepest sustained pull of about 29%. Hard for length, steepness and navigation alike; about 4–5½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 29%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Castle Crag, Brund Fell & Great CragExposure: ModerateHard: distance and steepnessSave itWalked August 202514.11 km · ~838 m · ~4–5¾ hPark: Rosthwaite (NT, paid) · Bus: 78 at the startBorrowdale's small rough summits in one round: Castle Crag, King's How, Brund Fell and Great Crag, 14.1 km and 838 m. None is higher than 449 m, and that is not the same as easy. One pull reaches about 36% over 250 m early on, the ground between the tops is rough, and with 58 path junctions near the line it is easy to wander off in cloud.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 31%. Terrain and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026.
Great Gable & Kirk FellExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned14.12 km · ~1146 m · ~4½–6½ hPark: Lake Head, Wasdale (NT, paid)Two 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 4½–6½ hours, and none of them easy.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 51%. Exposure, terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Fusedale CircuitExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itWalked September 202414.68 km · ~888 m · ~4¼–6 hPark: unnamed car park south-east of Hallin Fell (free) · Bus: UB1, 540 m walk from Martindale Cattle Grid (near)A ~15 km circuit of the Far Eastern fells from St Peter's Church above 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: ModerateSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned14.68 km · ~961 m · ~4½–6¼ hPark: Goat Crag (layby) (free)A rugged Eskdale round over three characterful tops — Green Crag, Harter Fell and Hard Knott — through some of the wildest 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.Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.
Ullscarf, Eagle Crag & Sergeant's CragExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itWalked April 202614.83 km · ~756 m · ~4–5¾ hPark: Stonethwaite lane (layby) (free) · Bus: 78, 430 m walk from Rosthwaite, opposite Longthwaite road endA rugged ~15 km round from Stonethwaite over three Wainwrights: straight up the bold rocky nose of Eagle Crag, over Sergeant's Crag to the broad whaleback of Ullscarf, and back down Greenup Gill into the head of Borrowdale.
Slight Side & Sca FellExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned15.03 km · ~948 m · ~4½–6¼ hPark: Wha House, Eskdale (NT, free)The long southern approach to Scafell over Slight Side — two tops, 15 km and 948 m, hard for terrain, navigation and exposure and severe for steepness. About 4½–6¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 35%. Exposure, terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Gowbarrow Fell and Little Mell FellExposure: EasyHard: distanceDecentWalked August 202315.11 km · ~713 m · ~4–5¾ hPark: Aira Force (NT, paid) · Bus: 508, 470 m walk from Matterdale, opposite Aira ForceA round above Ullswater over Gowbarrow Fell and Little Mell Fell — two quite different tops, the first a rocky shoulder over the lake, the second a bare grassy dome. About a fifth of it is pathless.Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Mardale HorseshoeExposure: HardHard: distance, steepness, navigation and exposureSave itWalked in part15.33 km · ~929 m · ~4½–6¼ hPark: Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)Seven tops around the head of Mardale, from Kidsty Pike over High Street to Harter Fell and back down to Haweswater: 15.3 km and 929 m. The climb onto Kidsty Pike is a steep, rocky spur with small steps where you may want a hand for balance, slippery when wet, and there is a rocky zig-zag climb from Nan Bield Pass onto Harter Fell. Between them the tops are broad and grassy, with almost no shelter beyond one stone wall. The hard exposure grade is mostly the wind; keep back from the crag edges above Blea Water and Small Water.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 34%. Exposure: graded by Lee on the ground, on the stretches he walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Kidsty Pike (14 June 2026), Rampsgill Head (14 June 2026), High Street (13 June 2026) and 2 more; they draw on Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team.
Birketts by Carrock FellExposure not assessedHard: distance, steepness, terrain and navigationSave itWalked in part15.34 km · ~699 m · ~4–5¾ hPark: Mosedale car park (donation)Eight tops on the northern fells from Carrock Fell over Round Knott, Miton Hill and Great Lingy Hill — 15.3 km and 699 m, with one stage averaging 16% and a 36% descent over 250 m late on. Hard for terrain and navigation: boulder fields, then open ground with few landmarks. About 4–5¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 36% over 250 m. Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
West of GrasmereExposure: ModerateHard: distanceSave itWalked March 202515.44 km · ~863 m · ~4½–6¼ hPark: Red Bank Road, Grasmere (W&F, paid) · Bus: 555, 320 m walk from Grasmere, opposite Heaton Cooper StudioSix tops on the rough ground west of Grasmere — Tarn Crag, Codale Head, Sergeant Man, Blea Rigg, Swinescar Pike and Silver How — in 15.4 km with 863 m of climbing. Hard for length, moderate for steepness; about 4½–6¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 24%. Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Helvellyn & Nethermost Pike via Seat SandalExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itWalked in part15.66 km · ~1182 m · ~5–7 hPark: Swirls, Thirlmere (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startHelvellyn the steep way — 729 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.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 47%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
The Mell Fells & Gowbarrow FellExposure not assessedHard: distance and steepnessDecentPlanned15.78 km · ~776 m · ~4¼–6 hPark: Roadside parking for Watermillock Fell (free) · Bus: UB1, 1.0 km walk from Horrockwood, opposite The Quiet Site
Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route⚠ Exposure: SevereSave itPlanned15.84 km · ~949 m · ~4¾–6½ hPark: Seathwaite Farm, Borrowdale (farm field, paid) · Bus: 78, 2.2 km walk from Seatoller, at National Trust car parkA 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.Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Lingmell (14 June 2026) and Scafell Pike (13 October 2026); they draw on Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.
Seathwaite, Green Gable, Base BrownExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned15.85 km · ~960 m · ~4¾–6½ hPark: Seatoller, south-east field car park (paid) · Bus: 78, 820 m walk from Seatoller, at National Trust car parkBoth Seathwaite Fell tops with Green Gable and Base Brown — four summits in 15.9 km and 960 m, rated hard for terrain, navigation and exposure and severe for steepness. About 4¾–6½ hours on properly rough ground.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 42%. Exposure, terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Grisedale Tarn, Fairfield, St Sunday Crag from PatterdaleExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned15.92 km · ~983 m · ~4¾–6½ hPark: Patterdale Hotel Car Park (Patterdale Hotel, paid) · Bus: 508 at the start
Helm Crag & Far EasedaleExposure: ModerateHard: distance and steepnessSave itWalked January 202515.93 km · ~870 m · ~4½–6¼ hPark: Stock Lane Car & Coach Park (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 555 at the startFrom Grasmere along the ridge above Far Easedale — Helm Crag's rocky top first, then Gibson Knott and Calf Crag — and round the head of Greenburn to Steel Fell. A long day at 15.9 km, and the head of Easedale can be vague in cloud.Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Great Borne & Starling Dodd⚠ Exposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned15.97 km · ~1122 m · ~5–6¾ hPark: Buttermere village, by the Bridge Hotel (roadside, free) · Bus: 77 at the startRed Pike, Starling Dodd and Great Borne along the western end of the High Stile ridge — three tops, 16 km and 1,122 m, with one stage averaging 20%. Hard for length, severe for steepness; about 5–6¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 40%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Ulpha BirkettsExposure not assessedHard: distance, steepness and navigationPlanned16 km · ~778 m · ~4½–6 hPark: The Pike (layby) (free)Five tops on the Duddon fells — The Pike, Hesk Fell, Yoadcastle, White Pike and Stainton Pike — in 16 km with 778 m of climbing. Hard for length, steepness and navigation; about 4½–6 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 27%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Coniston Old Man RoundExposure: ModerateSevere: steepnessSave itWalked August 202416.1 km · ~1155 m · ~5–7 hPark: Coniston Station car park (paid) · Bus: 505, 520 m walk from Coniston, outside The Ruskin CentreA 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 an out-and-back to Grey Friar along the way, which the distance and climb include. 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.Measured from the GPX track: the distance.
The Grasmoor round: Whiteside, Hopegill Head and Whiteless PikeExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itWalked August 202616.17 km · ~1161 m · ~5–7 hPark: Lanthwaite Green (paid) · Bus: 77 at the startTen 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 not assessedHard: distance and navigationSave itPlanned16.45 km · ~766 m · ~4½–6¼ hPark: High Cascades (NT, paid) · Bus: 509, 750 m walk from Dockray, outside The Royal HotelTen Birkett tops strung along the Dodds above Ullswater, from Low How and Randerside over Great Dodd and Stybarrow Dodd — 16.5 km and 766 m across eleven stages. Rated hard to navigate; about 4½–6¼ hours.Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Carrock Fell and KnottExposure: ModerateSevere: steepnessSave itWalked in part16.62 km · ~751 m · ~4½–6¼ hPark: Roadside parking for Carrock Fell (free)Five northern tops from Carrock Fell over Miton Hill and High Pike to Knott — 16.6 km and 751 m, with one stage climbing at an average of 25%. Severe for steepness, hard for length, but only moderate to navigate. About 4½–6¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 42%. Navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Whin Rigg, Illgill Head & the Wastwater ScreesExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned16.86 km · ~682 m · ~4½–6 hPark: Irton Fell car park (donation)The 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.Exposure: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.
Fairfield HorseshoeExposure: HardHard: distance, steepness, navigation and exposureSave itWalked April 202316.92 km · ~1009 m · ~5–6¾ hPark: Pelter Bridge, Rydal (paid) · Bus: 555, 2.3 km walk from Rydal, at White Moss CommonOne of the classic Lakeland rounds and a fine first big horseshoe. From the car park at Rydal it's a steady climb, hard rather than moderate on the pull out of Rydal (about 30% at its steepest), 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 Wainwrights, nine tops with Heron Pike’s north top (a Birkett), with Fairfield's broad summit the high point and Windermere laid out behind you on the descent.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 30%; the steepest descent, about 30% over 250 m. Exposure: graded by Lee on the ground.
Walla Crag, Bleaberry Fell, High Seat, High Tove and Armboth FellExposure: EasyHard: distance and steepnessSave itWalked August 202517.02 km · ~812 m · ~4¾–6½ hPark: Walla Crag car park (free) · Bus: 78 at the startThe long boggy ridge south from Keswick: five tops in 17 km with 812 m of climbing, hard for length and steepness. Beyond Bleaberry Fell the ground is wet and knolly with a faint path, and in mist it is easy to drift off line, so bring a map and compass and be ready to use them. The easy exposure grade is for the walking line. Walla Crag's summit edge is a steep, unfenced drop, so keep back from the lip. About 4¾–6½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 26%. Exposure, terrain and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026.
Dale Head Hindscarth and RobinsonExposure not assessedHard: distance and steepnessSave itWalked July 202617.46 km · ~808 m · ~4¾–6½ hOne-way: finishes at Keswick · Start: Honister (NT, paid) · Bus: 77 at the startThree 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.Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Dale Head (14 June 2026), Hindscarth (14 June 2026) and Robinson (14 June 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Mardale circuitExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itWalked February 202517.48 km · ~1142 m · ~5¼–7¼ hPark: Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)The 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 1,142 m, with eight mapped crag features near the line.
Birketts by Kentmere HorseshoeExposure not assessedHard: distance and navigationSave itPlanned17.58 km · ~798 m · ~4¾–6½ hPark: Sadgill, Longsleddale (free, limited)Nine lesser tops on a loop from Sadgill in Longsleddale, over the east side of the Kentmere Horseshoe — Cocklaw Fell, Hollow Moor and Green Quarter Fell among them — in 17.6 km with 798 m of climbing, the steepest sustained pull about 23%. Hard for length and navigation; about 4¾–6½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 23%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Blencathra to Mungrisdale Common and over the backExposure: ModerateHard: distance and steepnessSave itWalked May 202617.59 km · ~1011 m · ~5–7 hPark: Mungrisdale village hall (paid) · Bus: 509, 3.2 km walk from Mungrisdale, adjacent to Road EndBlencathra by its southern ridges — Scales Fell and Doddick Fell onto Hallsfell Top — then over the back for Bannerdale Crags and Bowscale Fell, taking in Mungrisdale Common on the way. Nine tops, 17.6 km and 1,011 m, rated hard for steepness but only moderate for navigation and exposure. About 5–7 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 30%. Exposure and navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Coomb Height, Knott and Great CalvaExposure: ModerateHard: distance, steepness and terrainSave itWalked in part17.62 km · ~658 m · ~4½–6¼ hPark: Tarn Crags Top (layby) (free)Coomb Height, Knott and Great Calva in the empty country behind Skiddaw — 17.6 km and 658 m, with a steepest sustained descent of about 35%. Hard for length, terrain and steepness; about 4½–6¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 36% over 250 m. Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; that stretch not walked. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Esk Pike and Great EndExposure: ModerateHard: distance and steepnessSave itPlanned17.69 km · ~1103 m · ~5¼–7¼ hPark: Old Dungeon Ghyll (NT, paid) · Bus: 516 at the startEsk Pike and Great End, the two big tops at the head of Eskdale, reached by a 17.7 km round with 1,103 m of climbing. It is a long, rough mountain day with steep sections, the steepest about 29% on the way down around the 13.8 km mark, and both navigation and exposure are rated moderate. Allow around 5¼–7¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 29%. Exposure, terrain and navigation: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Longsleddale Round (Kentmere Pike, Tarn Crag, Grey Crag & Shipman Knotts)Exposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itWalked in part17.86 km · ~1114 m · ~5¼–7¼ hPark: Hollow Moor (layby) (free)A long ~18 km round from Hollow Moor, crossing into Longsleddale at Sadgill, over six Wainwrights — Grey Crag, Tarn Crag, Branstree, Kentmere Pike, Harter Fell and Shipman Knotts — across some of the broadest grass tops in the Far Eastern fells. Real navigation in cloud.Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground, on the stretches he walked.
Latrigg, Little Man, Sale & Cumbria Way SectionExposure not assessedHard: distance and steepnessSave itPlanned18.15 km · ~971 m · ~5¼–7 hPark: Keswick Old Station, hotel car park (paid) · Bus: 509, 450 m walk from Keswick, at Greta Bank
Birketts by LoweswaterExposure not assessedHard: distance, steepness and navigationSave itPlanned18.69 km · ~1082 m · ~5½–7½ hPark: Maggie's Bridge, Loweswater (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 3.3 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)Nine tops above Loweswater, from High Pen and Knock Murton round by Carling Knott — 18.7 km and 1,082 m, with a steepest sustained climb of about 31%. Hard for length, steepness and navigation alike: about 5½–7½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 31%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Around LoweswaterExposure: ModerateSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned19.13 km · ~1068 m · ~5½–7½ hPark: Maggie's Bridge, Loweswater (NT, paid) · Bus: 77, 3.2 km walk from Lanthwaite Green Farm (opposite)The full circuit of the fells around Loweswater — six tops from Darling Fell round to Blake Fell, 19.1 km and 1,068 m, with one early pull a sustained 40% over 250 m. A long day with one steep start: roughly 5½–7½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 35%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Lonscale Fell, Skiddaw Lesser Man, Skiddaw and Bakestall in the sun!Exposure: EasyHard: distance, steepness and terrainSave itWalked June 202519.25 km · ~1118 m · ~5½–7¾ hPark: Latrigg car park (free) · Bus: 554, 2.5 km walk from Keswick, opposite The PheasantSkiddaw the long way, taking in Lonscale Fell and Bakestall: 19.3 km and 1,118 m, with a pull averaging 22% from Lesser Man onto Little Man and loose slate underfoot high up. The plateau is open to the wind. The easy exposure grade is for the walking line, but the route visits Lonscale Pike, which sits right on the edge of the crags above Glenderaterra, so keep well back there. From Bakestall it is 9.7 km out, with 213 m of climbing still in it.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 29%. Exposure and terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Lonscale Fell (14 June 2026) and Skiddaw (13 June 2026); they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Ard Crags & Knott RiggExposure: ModerateHard: distance and steepnessSave itPlanned19.31 km · ~708 m · ~5–6¾ hOne-way: finishes at Keswick · Start: Braithwaite village (roadside/small areas) · Bus: 77 at the start
Honister to Keswick: over the Newlands fellsExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned19.62 km · ~1057 m · ~5½–7¾ hOne-way: finishes at Keswick · Start: Honister Pass (paid, slate mine) · Bus: 77 at the startA 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 Knott Rigg–Ard Crags ridge, then walk out down the Newlands valley into town — five summits and a proper day out, with no car to collect.
Brock Crags, Angletarn Pikes, Beda Fell & Place FellExposure: EasyHard: distance and steepnessSave itWalked in part19.71 km · ~1072 m · ~5½–7¾ hPark: Hartsop village (donation) · Bus: 508, 580 m walk from Hartsop, adjacent to road endA big, varied Far Eastern round above Patterdale and the Boredale and Bannerdale valleys — over Brock Crags to Angle Tarn, along the grassy whaleback of Beda Fell, and up Place Fell for its view down Ullswater. Nearly 20 km and a proper day out, but rarely hard underfoot.
Birketts by Dunnerdale FellsExposure not assessedHard: distance and steepnessPlanned19.95 km · ~1110 m · ~5¾–8 hPark: Walna Scar Road, above Seathwaite (layby) (free)A big day on the Coniston side — Walna Scar, White Maiden, White Pike, Pikes and Caw, eight tops in 20 km with 1,110 m of climbing. Hard for steepness and length; about 5¾–8 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 34%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Harrop Pike & Ancrow Brow - BirkettsExposure not assessedSevere: distance and steepnessSave itPlanned20.03 km · ~660 m · ~5–7 hPark: Sadgill, Longsleddale (free, limited)Eight Birkett tops above Longsleddale in a 20 km round — only 660 m of ascent, which is modest for the distance, but one stage climbs 299 m in 1.2 km, averaging around 25% with a 41% pull over 250 m at the start, and the ground is rated hard to navigate. About 5–7 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 38%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Kentmere HorseshoeExposure not assessedSevere: distanceSave itWalked in part20.14 km · ~1064 m · ~5¾–7¾ hPark: Kentmere Institute (donation, very limited)The classic round of the Kentmere valley — a 20 km, ~1,060 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, Illgill Head & Whin RiggExposure not assessedSevere: distance and steepnessSave itPlanned20.67 km · ~1170 m · ~6–8¼ hPark: Dalegarth Station, Eskdale (paid)Boat 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. Illgill Head and Whin Rigg are the Screes tops above Wastwater. Around 6–8¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 42%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Helm Crag, Gibson Knott, Calf Crag, Steel Fell and Tarn CragExposure: ModerateSevere: distanceSave itWalked June 202420.82 km · ~950 m · ~5¾–7¾ hPark: Stock Lane Car & Coach Park (LDNPA, paid) · Bus: 555 at the startThe 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.Exposure and terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Crookdale BirkettsExposure not assessedSevere: distancePlanned20.95 km · ~666 m · ~5¼–7¼ hPark: Whatshaw Common (layby) (free)Nine tops around Crookdale on the Shap fells — Robin Hood, Harrop Pike, Wasdale Pike and Sleddale Pike among them — in 20.9 km with 666 m of climbing averaging about 6% with one 21% descent over 250 m near the end. Severe for length; about 5¼–7¼ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 21% over 250 m. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Carrock Fell High Pike, Knott and Great CalvaExposure not assessedSevere: distance, steepness and terrainSave itWalked September 202620.98 km · ~877 m · ~5½–7¾ hPark: Roadside parking for Carrock Fell (free)Nine tops on the northern fells in a 21 km round with 877 m of climbing, linking Carrock Fell, High Pike, Knott and Great Calva. One stage pulls 434 m up in 1.7 km, averaging 26%, and the open ground is rated hard to navigate. About 5½–7¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 43%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Borrowdale BirkettsExposure not assessedSevere: distancePlanned21.21 km · ~857 m · ~5½–7¾ hPark: Whatshaw Common (layby) (free)Seven 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 857 m, with one descent of about 34% over 250 m. Severe for length; about 5½–7¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 34% over 250 m. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Bannisdale Fell - Long CragExposure not assessedSevere: distancePlanned21.61 km · ~809 m · ~5½–7¾ hPark: Lamb Pasture (layby)A Birkett round in Bannisdale, off to the east of the main fells — nine tops in 21.6 km with 809 m of climbing and a steepest sustained pull of about 26%. The difficulty here is navigation and distance: it is rated hard to navigate and severe for its length. About 5½–7¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 26%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
West of Wet Sleddale - BirkettsExposure not assessedSevere: distanceSave itPlanned23.82 km · ~912 m · ~6¼–8½ hPark: Wet Sleddale Reservoir Car ParkNine 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 912 m of climbing. Severe for length; about 6¼–8½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.

Severe effort 19

Narrow

The effort of a big mountain day: over five hours and 1,200 m of climbing, one you’d think twice about.

Glenridding Dodd, Sheffield Pike, Catstye Cam, Birkhouse MoorExposure: HardHard: distance, steepness, terrain, navigation and exposureSave itWalked September 202315.58 km · ~1269 m · ~5–7 hPark: Beckside Car Park (paid) · Bus: 508 at the startA hard round above Glenridding by every measure the site records — 1,269 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 558 m descent that tells on tired knees.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 34%; the steepest descent, about 32% over 250 m. Terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
High Snockrigg, Eel Crag & Lad HowsExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned15.69 km · ~1446 m · ~5½–7½ hPark: High Snockrigg (verge) · Bus: 77 at the startA big north-western day — seven tops from High Snockrigg over Whiteless Pike to Crag Hill, 15.7 km and 1,446 m, with one stage averaging 22%. About 5½–7½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 43%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Coledale RoundExposure: HardHard: distance, steepness, navigation and exposureSave itWalked May 202616.13 km · ~1277 m · ~5¼–7¼ hPark: Kinn car park · Bus: 77, 720 m walk from Braithwaite, at Croft TerraceOne 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 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.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 32%. Exposure: graded by Lee on the ground. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Grisedale Pike (14 June 2026), Hopegill Head (14 June 2026), Crag Hill (Eel Crag) (14 June 2026) and 1 more; they draw on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
The Grasmoor RoundExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itWalked August 202616.17 km · ~1304 m · ~5¼–7¼ hPark: Lanthwaite Green (paid) · Bus: 77 at the startOne of the hardest starts in the Lakes — a gruelling climb averaging 27% over loose scree onto Whiteside — followed by superb high ridge walking over Hopegill Head and Grasmoor. There is a short, hands-on scramble onto Hopegill Head, a broad plateau that disorients in fog, and a narrow descent along Whiteless Edge.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 39%; the steepest descent, about 40% over 250 m. Exposure and terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Extended Mosedale HorseshoeExposure: HardSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned17.75 km · ~1236 m · ~5½–7½ hPark: Wasdale Head village green car park (free)Pillar, Scoat Fell, Steeple and Red Pike around the head of Mosedale, with Yewbarrow to finish — 1,236 m of ascent packed into 17.8 km, rated severe for steepness and hard for exposure. About 5½–7½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained descent, about 47%. Exposure: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Middle Fell, Haycock Seatallan and BuckbarrowExposure not assessedSevere: steepnessSave itPlanned17.8 km · ~1298 m · ~5½–7¾ hPark: Greendale (layby) (free)Seven Wasdale tops in a 17.8 km round with 1,298 m of climbing and one stage averaging 24%. Hard for length and navigation, severe for steepness — about 5½–7¾ hours on ground that stays rough throughout.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 38%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026. Hazard notes checked by Lee McCoy: Middle Fell (14 June 2026), Haycock (14 June 2026), Caw Fell (14 June 2026) and 1 more; they draw on Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.
Rossett Pike, Allen Crags, Great End and moreExposure not assessedHard: distance and steepnessSave itPlanned17.95 km · ~1212 m · ~5½–7½ hPark: Old Dungeon Ghyll (NT, paid) · Bus: 516 at the startA five-summit traverse of the high central ground, taking in Rossett Pike, Allen Crags, Great End, Esk Pike and Bowfell. The 1,212 m of ascent is spread over 17.9 km, but the steepest sustained descent is about 34% and the rock underfoot barely lets up. Around 5½–7½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 40% over 250 m. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
The Coniston HorseshoeExposure not assessedSevere: distanceSave itWalked in part20.8 km · ~1333 m · ~6¼–8½ hPark: Walna Scar Road, Coniston (paid, rough track) · Bus: 505, 1.8 km walk from Coniston, outside The Ruskin CentreThe full Coniston Horseshoe — the grand ~21 km, ~1,330 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 <a href="/routes/coniston-old-man-round.html">Coniston Old Man round</a>.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest sustained climb, about 31%.
Langdale HorseshoeExposure: HardSevere: distance and steepnessSave itPlanned20.9 km · ~1770 m · ~7–9½ hPark: Stickle Ghyll (NT, paid) · Bus: 516 at the startThe full Langdale Horseshoe — fifteen tops and 1,770 m of ascent. 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.Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet.
Hart Side, Stybarrow Dodd, Raise, Watson's Dodd and moreExposure: ModerateSevere: distanceSave itWalked August 202321.89 km · ~1281 m · ~6½–8¾ hPark: Low How (layby) · Bus: 509, 1.6 km walk from Dockray, outside The Royal HotelThe Dodds from High Row: seven tops in 21.9 km with about 1,280 m of climbing, over Birkett Fell and Hart Side to Raise, the highest at 883 m, then back north over Stybarrow Dodd, Watson's Dodd, Great Dodd and Clough Head. Severe for length and hard for navigation: the tops are broad grassy domes with few features, so carry a map and compass for cloud. The descent off Clough Head reaches about 37% over its steepest 250 m, and the day ends with a long walk east along the Old Coach Road. About 6½–8¾ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 37% over 250 m. Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 24 September 2026.
Angletarn Pikes and the Martindale roundExposure: EasySevere: distanceSave itWalked in part22.23 km · ~1402 m · ~6¾–9¼ hPark: Hartsop village (donation) · Bus: 508, 560 m walk from Hartsop, adjacent to road endA long 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.
Long Hike to Fairfield from AmblesideExposure: HardSevere: distanceSave itWalked April 202322.39 km · ~1425 m · ~6¾–9¼ hPark: Ambleside, Lake Road (paid) · Bus: 555, 340 m walk from Ambleside, at Hayes Garden CentreA big horseshoe day from Ambleside — 1,425 m of ascent in 22.4 km, opening with a relentless 739 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.Measured from the GPX track: the steepest descent, about 32% over 250 m. Navigation: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Finishing of the Far Eastern FellsExposure not assessedSevere: distanceSave itWalked August 202622.5 km · ~1294 m · ~6½–9 hOne-way: finishes 2.9 km from the start in a straight line · Start: Cow Bridge, Hartsop (paid) · Bus: 508 at the startRest Dodd, The Nab, Brock Crags and the Angletarn Pikes — six tops in 22.5 km with 1,294 m of climbing. Severe for length, hard for steepness and to navigate: about 6½–9 hours and a full day out.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained descent, about 31%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Birketts North of SkiddawExposure not assessedSevere: distanceSave itPlanned23.02 km · ~1472 m · ~7–9½ hPark: Peter House Farm, Bassenthwaite (roadside) (free) · Bus: X4, 2.5 km walk from Bassenthwaite, opposite High Side FarmThe full northern sweep over Skiddaw itself — Bakestall, the Middle and South Tops, Sale How and more, nine tops in 23 km with 1,472 m of climbing. Severe for length; about 7–9½ hours of walking and the biggest day in this group.Measured from the GPX track: the distance. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Birketts West of ThirlmereExposure not assessedSevere: distanceSave itPlanned23.11 km · ~1241 m · ~6½–9 hPark: Dob Gill, Thirlmere (closed); nearest: Steel End, Thirlmere (paid), about 1.3 km on foot · Bus: 555, 1.8 km walk from Thirlmere, at Armboth turnTen tops on the rough ground west of Thirlmere — Wythburn Fell, Standing Crag and the Coldbarrow Fell saddles among them — in 23.1 km with 1,241 m of climbing averaging about 10% but with a 36% pull over 250 m in the first kilometre. Severe for length, hard for steepness and underfoot; roughly 6½–9 hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 29%. Terrain: our judgement from the map and the route’s record; not walked yet. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Birketts West of HaweswaterExposure not assessedSevere: distanceSave itPlanned23.83 km · ~1336 m · ~7–9½ hPark: Mardale Head, Haweswater (free)High Street, Rampsgill Head, High Raise and Low Raise on the far-eastern tops — eight summits in 23.8 km with 1,336 m of climbing. Severe for length, hard for steepness and to navigate: about 7–9½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 34%. Navigation: estimated from the map, not checked on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Cockup at the White Hause and other BirkettsExposure not assessedSevere: distanceSave itPlanned23.91 km · ~1316 m · ~6¾–9½ hPark: Peter House Farm, Bassenthwaite (roadside) (free) · Bus: X4, 2.5 km walk from Bassenthwaite, opposite High Side FarmA long round on the northern fells over Great Cockup, Great Sca Fell, Knott and Little Calva — 23.9 km and 1,316 m, with a steepest sustained pull of about 27% on the short climb to Cockup. The distance is what makes it a full day: roughly 6¾–9½ hours of walking.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 27%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Very Long Day OutExposure: ModerateSevere: distance and steepnessSave itPlanned26.63 km · ~1810 m · ~8¼–11¼ hPark: Overbeck Bridge, Wastwater (NT, paid)The Wasdale head round at its longest — 26.6 km and 1,810 m over twelve tops, from Yewbarrow out to Steeple, Haycock and Caw Fell and back over Seatallan and Middle Fell. One stage climbs 556 m in 2.1 km, averaging 26%, and the whole day is rated severe for both length and steepness: about 8¼–11¼ hours of walking.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest sustained climb, about 49%. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.
Sour Howes, Sallows, Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick and Troutbeck Tongue in the sun!Exposure: HardSevere: distanceSave itWalked April 202527.56 km · ~1424 m · ~7¾–10½ hPark: Ambleside, Low Fold (paid) · Bus: 555 at the startThe longest day in this group — 27.6 km and 1,424 m over six tops of the Kentmere and Troutbeck skyline, with a steepest sustained descent of about 30%. Severe for length, hard for terrain and exposure; about 7¾–10½ hours.Measured from the GPX track: the distance; the steepest descent, about 33% over 250 m. Exposure and terrain: graded by Lee on the ground. Summary checked by Lee McCoy, 26 August 2026.

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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.

Which is the most beautiful walk in the Lake District?

We don't crown a single most beautiful walk: there is no measure of beauty we could show you. What we can show is criteria. The View Report ranks all 214 Wainwrights by how many other summits are in view from the top, and Classic horseshoes gathers every circular route over four or more summits.

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Classic horseshoes & roundsLakeland ridge rounds — circular routes that link four or more summits and finish near where they started.103 walks Dog-friendly walksWalks where our gate-by-gate census found no stiles blocking a dog's way round — honest verdicts, lead advice included.26 walks Easy & family walksLow-level lakeshores, waterfalls, tarns and gentle viewpoints under 500 m of climb and graded no harder than Moderate on any measure — with honest pushchair, young-kids, view and underfoot flags.31 walks