Classic Circuits

The 25 Classic Circuits which I have listed here represent the most famous walks and climb in the Lake District. Many of them are well known (Helvellyn via Striding Edge, the Langdale Pikes, Scafell Pike) but many are less so, either slightly away from the central core of the Lakeland such as Wasdale and Ennerdale or provide more unusual, and in my opinion better routes over the summits. Linking two or three fells together often brings out the best in Lake District walks with the linking ridges either dramatic and rocky or smooth and grassy but one thing that can be guaranteed on all these Classic Circuits; they are hard work yet exceptionally rewarding.

Miles
8.5

Skiddaw from Keswick

L127
  • The classic climb of Skiddaw from Keswick
  • Superb views throughout the walk
  • Enjoy the excellent paths and easy walking

summit-skiddaw

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Miles
15

Cross Fell from Garrigill

L122
  • Climb the highest fell in England outside the Lakes
  • Long moorland walk on a good track
  • Far reaching views over the Lakeland fells

cross-fell-from-pennine-way

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Miles
6.5

Grasmoor from Crummock Water

L107
  • A fine high level walk on the less popular side of the Lorton Valley
  • Includes some excellent views of the western and southern fells.
  • Enjoy the rocky ridge of Whiteside Pike

whiteless-pike

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Miles
6.5

Up Mickleden to Pike O’Stickle

L107
  • A lovely approach to the Langdale Pikes
  • Changing views of the Langdale Valley
  • Rocky, airy scrambles up Pike O’Stickle & Loft Crag

moon-over-pike-o'stickle

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Miles
6.5

Scafells from Wasdale Head

L100
  • Classic route up the Scafells
  • Choose one of 3 crossings between them
  • Excellent rocky scenery

mist-clears-below-scafell

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Miles
5

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

L082
  • A good scramble up Sharp Edge
  • Visit lonely Scales Tarn
  • Views over the rolling northern fells

sharp-edge-winding-to-foule-crag

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Miles
8.5

A Fistful of Dodds

L098
  • Easy walking on a high and extensive ridge
  • 360 degree views of real quality
  • A hidden corner away from the crowds

ullswater-from-birkett-fell

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Miles
7.5

St Sunday’s Crag

L051
  • Graceful peak overlooking Ullswater
  • Views over Striding Edge and Helvellyn
  • Visit remote Grisedale Tarn

descending-from-st-sunday-crag

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Miles
8

High Stile Ridge

L054
  • Rough and popular ridge
  • Views down both Buttermere & Ennerdale
  • Pleasant lakeside finish

ascent-of-red-pike

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Miles
9

Airy Martindale Round

L097
  • Circuit of this unspoilt and rarely visited valley
  • Picturesque tarns at Angletarn Crags
  • The graceful peak of Beda Head

angle-tarn-reflections

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