Lake District: High Level and Fell Walks

This guidebook collects the best 30 high fell walks in the Lake District. Every route is graded for difficulty and ranges between 7-23km, and includes annotated OS maps and variant routes. The walks are divided into 6 sections according to where walkers can start: the Keswick area, Borrowdale and Buttermere, the Western Valleys, Coniston and Langdale, Ambleside, Grasmere and Windermere, or Ullswater.

The walks combine Lakeland classics with lesser-known adventures. From classic horseshoes, such as the Newlands Round and the Fairfield Horseshoe, and traditional ascents of England's most iconic mountains, including its highest peaks Scafell Pike, Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw, to routes onto some of the quieter summits including Gray Crag and Beda Fell, or quieter routes onto popular fells including Blencathra and Red Screes, the walks in this guide comprise all the best high-level fell walks to be had in England's largest, and beloved National Park.

Covering both rocky terrain and grassy hills, with occasional boggy ground, most of the paths are relatively easy-to-follow in clear conditions, but may require good navigational skills when the clouds roll in. The guidebook also includes information to enhance your walking, from historical, geological and wildlife detail, to advice on travelling to and around the Lake District, and how to best prepare for an excellent day out on the fells.

• in combination with this guide, the author has written Lake District: Low Level and Lake Walks for more rambles with a different perspective

July 2017

Walk 5 (Causey Pike, Knott Rigg and Robinson):

The Ghyll Bank bridge over Newlands Beck, destroyed by the floodwaters of Storm Desmond, is due to be replaced in the autumn of 2017. Until then, walkers will have to use the following diversion at the start of the route. (This adds less than 100m to the walk’s total distance.)

From the parking area near Little Town, cross Chapel Bridge to head roughly north along the road. After nearly 1km, turn right at a T-junction – towards Braithwaite. After another 750m of road walking, you’ll see a signed footpath on the right. The diversion rejoins the main route at this point. As per the walk description from the third paragraph in the book, continue along the asphalt for about 50m and then step up on to the gently rising path to the left.

March, 2015

"Each walk is well laid out, with a summary, distance, ascent, how long it will take, terrain, what maps you will need, parking, and how to get to the start with public transport. A map of the walk shows the general route and direction of travel...

I really liked this book, I found myself just diving into a walk to read as a story, to take myself into the fells I know so well. It never disappointed me. This is the standard all guide book authors should aspire to."

Read the full review on the Walk Lakes website.

"Bound to be a big hit with Trail readers"

Trail magazine, April 2015

The prolific Carlisle-based author is fast becoming the go-to writer on all things Lakeland, and this latest book reflects her deep love and knowledge of the higher Lake District fells.

[This guidebook is] a worthy addition to any Lakeland fellwanderer's library.

Roly Smith, Outdoor Focus