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
A Fistful of Dodds The long northern ridge from Helvellyn comprises a number of rounded humps. The walking on these mountains is very easy, undulating easy slopes. The approach from Dockray is also straightforward albeit with some steeper sections. The walk name “Fistful of Dodds” is courtesy of a classic Clint Eastwood film. 3 Rating: Moderate walk 8.5mi Distance: 8.5 miles / 13.6 km 540m Elevation: 540m / 1771ft
Scafell Pike from Seathwaite The climb of Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route is the best way to arrive at the highest place in England. In addition the walk includes two of the best tarns in the Lake District, Styhead and Sprinkling. The Walk The highest point in England is Scafell Pike (3,210 feet/978 ms). It is 5 Rating: Difficult walk 10mi Distance: 10 miles / 16 km 863m Elevation: 863m / 2831ft
Walking the High Street Ridge Walking the full High Street Ridge from Troutbeck to Pooley Bridge There are only two continuously high ridges that link the north and south of the Lake District. The first travels over Helvellyn but further east the longest stretch of high level walking is from Troutbeck (near Windermere) to Pooley Bridge at the northern end 5 Rating: Difficult walk 17.5mi Distance: 17.5 miles / 28 km 950m Elevation: 950m / 3116ft
Helvellyn via Striding Edge Helvellyn via Striding Edge is one of the must do walks in England. It is popular but not at all easy. Some find the crossing stressful and daunting, most enjoy it and all have a feeling of great satisfaction when they complete it. A return via Raise avoids the awkward descent of Swirral Edge. The 5 Rating: Difficult walk 8.5mi Distance: 8.5 miles / 13.6 km 810m Elevation: 810m / 2657ft
The Langdale Pikes The climb over the Langdale Pikes is really a right of passage to the higher Lakeland Fells. The rocky paths and landscape make for a slow day and the lack of height not noticeable and little help! It is memorable. 5 Rating: Difficult walk 6mi Distance: 6 miles / 9.6 km 624m Elevation: 624m / 2047ft
The Fairfield Horseshoe The Fairfield Horseshoe is a superb walk from Rydal taking in a number of Wainwright fells. The walking is generally good underfoot so the long distances pass quickly. Of course the views are excellent. 5 Rating: Difficult walk 10mi Distance: 10 miles / 16 km 875m Elevation: 875m / 2870ft
Pillar and the Mosedale Horseshoe One of the best day’s out in the Lake District is to climb Pillar and complete the Mosedale Horseshoe. Most of the walk is on a high rough ridge with particularly impressive views of Ennerdale and Wasdale. 5 Rating: Difficult walk 8mi Distance: 8 miles / 12.8 km 1008m Elevation: 1008m / 3307ft
Head of Haweswater The Head of Haweswater walk circles the valley head,starting with a rocky climb past the idyllic Small Water. The return heads south east over the lesser visited peaks of Harter Fell, Branstree and Selside Pike. The Walk Haweswater is a good base for a climb of the eastern fells. The walking tends to be shorter 5 Rating: Difficult walk 7.5mi Distance: 7.5 miles / 12 km 740m Elevation: 740m / 2427ft
Dove Crag and Red Screes Follow two long and interesting ridges in a climb over Dove Crag and Red Screes from Ambleside. It provides a good alternative to the more popular Fairfield Round. The crossing at Scandale Hause is full of interest. For those who have already completed the full Fairfield Horseshoe this walk offers a good alternative. Not only 5 Rating: Difficult walk 10mi Distance: 10 miles / 16 km 1030m Elevation: 1030m / 3379ft
Climbing Blencathra Climbing Blencathra via Hall’s Fell and returning via Blease Fell is the best way to enjoy my favourite mountain. Halls Fell has some minor scrambling but leads directly to the summit trig. The Walk I find Blencathra (or Saddleback) the most enjoyable mountain to climb and explore in the Lake District. Partly this is due to 5 Rating: Difficult walk 5mi Distance: 5 miles / 8 km 703m Elevation: 703m / 2306ft
