Discover the Lake District’s wild heights and thrilling ridges with 30 of the finest high-level and fell walks in this celebrated National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the lofty summits of Scafell Pike and Helvellyn to the classic horseshoe circuits of Fairfield and Kentmere, explore the region’s most dramatic peaks, airy ridges, and remote fells on routes designed to showcase the very best of Lakeland mountain walking.

Ideal for experienced walkers and those keen to progress to higher ground, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook highlights a range of routes from 7 to 24km (4–15 miles) in length, graded from one (easiest) to five, ensuring options for all abilities. Most walks are circular, with a few linear routes making use of the area’s excellent public transport links. Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating scramble, a classic summit day, or a quieter alternative to the popular peaks, you’ll find inspiration and challenge in equal measure.

• The walks are grouped into six regional sections: Keswick; Borrowdale and Buttermere; the Western Valleys; Coniston and Langdale; Ambleside, Grasmere and Windermere; and Ullswater. Together, they cover the full breadth of the Lake District National Park’s mountain landscape.
• Experience a variety of terrains, from well-made paths to airy ridges and open fell, with some routes featuring easy scrambling for added excitement.
• Tackle legendary peaks and classic rounds, including Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, the Newlands Round, and the Coledale, Fairfield and Kentmere horseshoes, as well as lesser-known gems like Martindale and Deepdale.
• Each route description includes comprehensive details to help you plan your Lakeland adventure: start/finish points, distance, total ascent, grade, estimated time, terrain, required maps, refreshment stops, and public transport options.
• Map extracts are taken from Ordnance Survey® 1:50,000 Landranger® series; free GPX tracks are available for download, and a detailed route summary table helps you plan your adventures.
• Also available from Cicerone: Lake District Low Level and Lake Walks.

Plan your Lake District high level and fell walks with Cicerone’s essential guidebook, your key to scaling iconic peaks, traversing dramatic ridges, discovering secret tarns, and experiencing the full majesty of England’s finest mountain landscape.

Lake District High Level and Fell Walks – Quick Facts

Location: Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England
Number of walks: 30
Distance: 7–24 km per walk
Duration: 3–9 hours per walk
Regions covered: Keswick, Borrowdale and Buttermere, Western Valleys, Coniston and Langdale, Ambleside, Grasmere and Windermere, Ullswater
Route type: Mainly circular, some linear (using public transport links)
Difficulty: Easy to challenging (graded 1–5)
Terrain: Open fell, airy ridges, constructed trails, rocky paths, easy scrambling
Navigation: Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger maps, route descriptions, downloadable GPX tracks
Best season: Year-round, best spring to autumn
Highlights: England’s highest peaks (Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Skiddaw), classic horseshoe circuits, spectacular ridges, hidden tarns, local history and archaeology
Public transport: Many walks start or finish at bus stops or boat landings
Accommodation: Hotels, B&Bs, inns, and campsites in Lakeland villages and towns
 

Author Highlight

“To stride out along the crest of the fells and gaze down on sparkling lakes. To climb airy ridges with breathtakingly beautiful views. To witness the peregrine hunting down its prey or the raven performing its aerobatic tricks. To spend whole days exploring hanging valleys and hidden mountain tarns. This is what it means to walk in the most spectacular, the most beautiful scenery that England has to offer: the Lake District. From its highest mountain tops and craggiest peaks to its loneliest ridges and most spectacular glacier-carved dales, this guide aims to seek out the best that the high Lake District fells have to offer. Those who are new to walking in this much-loved corner of the country will find relatively easy introductions to fell-walking, ” 

- Vivienne Crow, author of Lake District: High Level and Fell Walks

Introduction

The high fells

Geology

Wildlife and habitats

History

Weather

Where to stay

Getting around

Waymarking and access

Maps

Clothing, equipment and safety

Using this guide

The Walks

Walk 1 Skiddaw via Ullock Pike

Walk 2 Blencathra and its neighbours

Walk 3 Coledale Horseshoe

Walk 4 Newlands Round

Walk 5 Causey Pike, Knott Rigg and Robinson

Walk 6 Helvellyn range, end to end

Walk 7 Scafell Pike

Walk 8 Glaramara and Allen Crags

Walk 9 Great Gable (from Honister)

Walk 10 Hay Stacks

Walk 11 Grasmoor and Gasgale Crags

Walk 12 The High Stile ridge

Walk 13 Great Gable (from Wasdale Head)

Walk 14 Pillar and Red Pike

Walk 15 Scafell

Walk 16 The Coniston Fells

Walk 17 The Langdale Pikes

Walk 18 Pike o’ Blisco and Crinkle Crags

Walk 19 Bow Fell and the Mickleden Round

Walk 20 Fairfield Horseshoe

Walk 21 Helm Crag and Blea Rigg

Walk 22 Kentmere Round

Walk 23 Helvellyn via the edges

Walk 24 Deepdale Round

Walk 25 Caiston Glen Round

Walk 26 Hartsop Dodd and Gray Crag

Walk 27 High Street and Harter Fell

Walk 28 A Martindale Round

Walk 29 Place Fell and Beda Fell

Walk 30 Matterdale and the Dodds

Appendices

Appendix A

Route summary table

Appendix B

Useful contacts

Seasons

High level and fell walks in the Lake District can be walked all year but walkers need to be prepared, and suitably equipped. Weather is changeable and snow may fall on the fells any time between November and April.

Centres

The walks are divided into 6 sections: the Keswick area, Borrowdale and Buttermere, the Western Valleys, Coniston and Langdale, Ambleside, Grasmere and Windermere, or Ullswater.

Difficulty

Routes range from 7-23km. Every route is graded for difficulty but fell walking covers rocky terrain, grassy hills, and occasional stretches of boggy ground. Some walks include some easy scrambling. Most routes are relatively easy to follow in clear conditions, but may require good navigational skills in bad weather. Many routes require ice and crampons in snow.

Must See

Walk England's highest mountains, including Scafell Pike, Sca Fell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw; hike classic horseshoe routes such as the Newlands Round and the Fairfield Horseshoe; enjoy quieter routes on popular fells such as Blencathra and Red Screes; and visit some lesser known summits, including Gray Crag and Beda Fell.

October 2024

Walk 2: Blencathra and its neighbours

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