Climbing Skiddaw from Keswick Climbing Skiddaw from Keswick is the most popular route up the mountain. It is a straightforward walk on good tracks although I have varied the traditional descent here to make it a circular option. An excellent and safe option in snowy conditions. The Walk Climbing Skiddaw is in the family. My mother used to take 5 Rating: Difficult walk 8.5mi Distance: 8.5 miles / 13.6 km 931m Elevation: 931m / 3054ft
Great Gable One of the finest climbs in the Lake District is the ascent of Great Gable via Styhead Tarn and Napes Needle. Scrambling skills are important around Great Napes (but the views are consistently outstanding). It may be less than 7 miles in length but so much is packed in, wow. The Walk Great Gable is 5 Rating: Difficult walk 6.5mi Distance: 6.5 miles / 10.4 km 865m Elevation: 865m / 2838ft
The Dovedale Round Often ignored for Helvellyn the Dovedale Round is an excellent walk. It starts with a long gradual climb up a long grassy ridge and ends with a steep drop off above the Brothers Inn campsite. Dove and Hart Crags are part of the nearby Fairfield Horseshoe but there are 3 other less convenient Wainwrights on 5 Rating: Difficult walk 8mi Distance: 8 miles / 12.8 km 675m Elevation: 675m / 2214ft
The Round of Easedale The walk over the ridges of Grasmere completes the Round of Easedale. It covers a number of Wainright fells as the walker picks their way through the knobbly terrain. It is very enjoyable, full of surprises, tough but very under rated. The Walk Many will have hiked over the Wainwrights (particularly the Lion and the 5 Rating: Difficult walk 10.5mi Distance: 10.5 miles / 16.8 km 717m Elevation: 717m / 2352ft
Scafell Pike and Scafell Classic The climb of Scafell Pike and Scafell from Wasdale involves a steep and relentless climb from the valley and a tricky crossing between the two (very separate) mountains. It is rightly a classic. The descent from Scafell is lovely. The Walk The circuit of Scafell Pike and Scafell from Wasdale is a well deserved classic. 5 Rating: Difficult walk 10mi Distance: 10 miles / 16 km 1190m Elevation: 1190m / 3904ft
High Stile over Buttermere The High Stile ridge walk is definitely one of the tougher walks in the Lake District. The mileage is not big but the steep climb and rough, rocky paths make for a challenging but extremely satisfying day. The views, if you get them, are fantastic. The Walk The long imposing ridge of Red Pike, High Stile 5 Rating: Difficult walk 8mi Distance: 8 miles / 12.8 km 752m Elevation: 752m / 2467ft
Great Gable from Honister Pass Great Gable is one of the best known mountains in the Lake District. The straightforward approach of Great Gable with the least uphill is from Honister Pass. The climb is enjoyable with excellent views but the walk is much improved by the descent described which passes over three extra Wainwrights. The Walk Sometimes described as 3 Rating: Moderate walk 6.5mi Distance: 6.5 miles / 10.4 km 726m Elevation: 726m / 2382ft
Climbing Grasmoor from Crummock Water Climbing Grasmoor from Crummock Water is an unusual way to approach the mountain. It is a steep pull but the walk makes best use of the finest features of the Grasmoor round These are the western ridges of Whiteside and Lad Hows or, if you are feeling energetic, the Wainwright of Whiteless Pike. The Walk 5 Rating: Difficult walk 6.5mi Distance: 6.5 miles / 10.4 km 839m Elevation: 839m / 2752ft
Newlands Round A fine walk along good paths with outstanding views, the Newlands Round covers three main Wainwrights but can be extended to include two more. The Walk Whenever I walk the Newlands Round the name of the book “How Green is my Valley” comes to mind. Without doubt Newlands is one of the prettiest of the Lakeland 5 Rating: Difficult walk 10mi Distance: 10 miles / 16 km 968m Elevation: 968m / 3176ft
Kirk Fell and Great Gable Kirk Fell and Great Gable are two of the giants that dominate the head of Wasdale. The climb from Wasdale head is steep, in places including some mild scrambling, but rewarded by some stunning views and a real sense of achievement. The Walk Great Gable is a popular mountain and can be climbed from a 5 Rating: Difficult walk 6.5mi Distance: 6.5 miles / 10.4 km 1050m Elevation: 1050m / 3445ft
Helvellyn from Thirlmere The steep climb of Helvellyn from Thirlmere avoids all the danger (and excitement) of the more popular eastern approaches. However the views are constantly good, particularly over Thirlmere and the summit ridge is always a pleasant place. The Walk The steep slopes of the western approaches to Helvellyn from Thirlmere have often made me tired 5 Rating: Difficult walk 7mi Distance: 7 miles / 11.2 km 859m Elevation: 859m / 2818ft
Blencathra via Sharp Edge Blencathra via Sharp Edge is an exposed scramble (Grade 1) to the eastern end of the ‘saddle’ of the mountain. It is a challenge and should be taken seriously as it is a little more exposed than nearby Halls Fell Ridge or Striding Edge on Helvellyn. However with confidence it is one of the finest 5 Rating: Difficult walk 5mi Distance: 5 miles / 8 km 613m Elevation: 613m / 2011ft
