The 10 Best Mountains without the crowds

Heading up Catbells, Helvellyn, Snowdon or any one of the 3 Peaks in Yorkshire this summer will likely be very busy, too busy for me. There are so many hidden gems there is no need to follow the crowds.

I have listed my own favourite 10 below where you are unlikely to see more than a handful of other walkers all day. That does not mean they are inferior fells, in fact they may well be better.

1. Gowbarrow, Ullswater.

The irony of this walk is that you will start with hordes of people but within half an hour be on your own. A steep climb on good turf brings some of the best views in the Lake District.

For full details click here

2. Yarlside, the Howgills

Yarlside is a conical shaped grassy fell and the best mountain in the wonderful Howgill range near Sedbergh. Link it with Randygill Top (both members of the Dales 30 club) for a cracking walk where you will not see a soul.

Full Walk Details of Yarlside

3. Harter Fell, the Duddon Valley

A typical Lakeland fell, steep sided in all directions massively satisfying when completed. The small summit area gives great views across the lesser known mountains of the south and west Lake District

Full Walk Details of Harter Fell

4. Mellbreak, Buttermere

I have always enjoyed climbing Mellbreak (it is steep), but the views are wonderful. The quiet walk back along the shores of Crummock Water back to the Kirkstile Inn is peaceful and interesting.

For walk details of Mellbreak

5. Great Knoutberry Hill, Dentdale

Actually getting to the start is the major challenge. From the start at Arten Viaduct everything else is a pleasure, easy straightforward with some of the best views in the Yorkshire Dales.

Full Walk Details of Great Knoutberry Hill

6. Black Combe over the Irish Sea

To the south west of the Lakes lies a steep grassy hill which has been in the news lately due to the proposal to add pylons to its lovely slopes. Anyone who has taken a walk up here on a summer’s evening will fight this proposal tooth and nail.

Full Walk Details of Black Combe

7. Kisdon Fell, Swaledale

It is difficult to know why I enjoy Dufton Pike so much. It is a short steep climb from a quiet village with a fine pub, that helps! The summit is a postage stamp size. It can be combined with the better known High Cup Nick for an excellent circuit

Full Walk Details of Dufton Pike

8. Silver How, Grasmere

Little known Silver How is only a stones throw from busy Grasmere. The rocky knolls, hidden tarns and craggy outcrops make nonsense of its small height. A playground for all.

Full Walk Details of Silver How

9. Penhill, Wensleydale.

Typical Dales, great views, excellent, easy walking and a wonderful history to discover. I first climbed Penhill 10 years ago and nearly missed the famous Beacon but even if I had the hill is excellent.

Full Walk Details of Penhill

10. Yewbarrow, Western Lakes

With lovely views over Wastwater and across to the Scafells, Yewbarrow is shaped like the upturned keel of a boat. It offers an easy scramble whichever direction it is approached from and has very steep flanks.

Full Walk Details of Yewbarrow

Follow the link for more of the best Easy Fells in the Lake District

Enjoy your walking

Jonathan

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