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Buttermere walks
Knott Rigg and Ard Crags from Newlands Hause
Visorando Member
3.28 mi
+1,040 ft
-1,043 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
A short Lake District ridge walk that includes two Wainwrights. Surrounded by higher fells, the ridge between Ard Crags and Knott Rigg offers some wonderful Lakeland scenery.
Bleaberry Tarn via Scale Force and Red Pike
Association / Club / Walk leader
6.12 mi
+2,215 ft
-2,221 ft
4h 45
Difficult
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
This circular walk brings you along Crummock Water, up Scale Force before scrambling up to Red Pike and down to Bleaberry Tarn and Buttermere.
⚠️Be careful along the way, there are some parts where you need to put your hand on the rock, there is no obvious path so navigation skill is important and there is a scramble going to Bleaberry Tarn which can be challenging .
Around Buttermere Water
4.94 mi
+161 ft
-167 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
Easy circular walk around Buttermere Water. This walk offers beautiful views on the surrounding summits.
High Snockrigg
4.73 mi
+1,506 ft
-1,532 ft
3h 30
Difficult
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
Challenging circular walk to High Snockrigg. Dog friendly.
Good navigation skills is needed around High Snockrigg as the path is not visible.
Buttermere water and Hay Stacks summit
8.20 mi
+1,818 ft
-1,801 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
Dog friendly circular walk around Buttermere water and going up Hay Stacks summit.
Rannerdale Knotts from Buttermere Village
3.26 mi
+778 ft
-771 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
This is a walk from the centre of Buttermere village going up through Ghyll Woods up to Grassgarth Coppice. From here head up to Rannerdale Knotts. We came back down the northwestern side and followed the route back to the village.
Rannerdale Knott
3.87 mi
+853 ft
-856 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
Lovely circular walk around Rannerdale Knott to admire the view from the top and late April / beginning of May the bluebells.
Grasmoor and Whiteless Pike
8.44 mi
+2,405 ft
-2,421 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
Challenging circular walk passing by two Wainwright summits (Grasmoor and Whiteless Pike).
⚠️The path along Liza beck is damaged at certain parts and can be very close to the edge. The ascent to Grasmoor is short but very steep. The descent from Whiteless pike is also steep. This is a dog friendly walk.
Whiteside and Hopegill Head summits
5.65 mi
+2,254 ft
-2,247 ft
4h 35
Difficult
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
Dog-friendly circular walk passing by Whiteside and Hopegill Head summits and going down by Liza Beck.
Lanthwaite to Braithwaite
7.65 mi
+3,271 ft
-3,474 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
Linear walk with a few scrambles and beautiful vistas
Newlands Valley Low Level Circular (Mine Exploration and Newland's Church)
4.51 mi
+748 ft
-755 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
An interesting low level walk with the opportunity to explore old mine workings as an option. The walk takes in farmland paths and tracks and ventures above the fell wall to the dam and reservoir built by the miners. Even if you choose not to venture into the mine tunnels finding the entrances is mini adventure. Newlands Church is lovely and adds further interest to the walk.
Ard Crags and Knott Rigg Circular
5.19 mi
+1,539 ft
-1,516 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
On this circular walk you will be rewarded with a lovely ascent up the small but beautiful Ard Crags, followed by an undulating ridge to Knott Rigg. The descent from Knott Rigg keeps to the top of a second ridge with good views ahead. The last section takes in farmland paths and tracks before joining the road.
Around Mellbreak summit
6.71 mi
+636 ft
-636 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
This walk goes around Mellbreak summit passing by Mosedale and the shore of Crummock water. This is a dog friendly walk.
Lanthwaite wood and Crummock water pump house
2.09 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
Easy walk along the shore of Crummock water starting from Lanthwaite wood. Dog friendly.
Mellbreak Summit
6.65 mi
+1,555 ft
-1,549 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Buttermere (Cumberland)
Circular walk to Mellbreak summit with some scrambling. Amazing views from the top and along the shore of Crummock water. This is a dog-friendly walk.
Little Dodd and Hen Comb summits from Loweswater village
5.67 mi
+1,211 ft
-1,211 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Loweswater (Cumberland)
Circular dog friendly walk to Little Dodd and Hen Comb summits starting from Loweswater village. These summits are less popular than Mellbreak summit. Be careful crossing of the river can be tricky if it has rained the previous days.
Lower Western fells
11.96 mi
+3,481 ft
-3,488 ft
8h 30
Difficult
Departure from Loweswater (Cumberland)
A walk taking in four Wainwright summits, with views of 4 lakes and the skyline of the High Western fells. The walk can be taken either clockwise or anticlockwise.
Loweswater and Holme Wood (via Corpse Road)
5.30 mi
+764 ft
-748 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Loweswater (Cumberland)
This walk is accessible to all and offers magnificent views of Loweswater and Crummock Water. Holme Wood is very pleasant and offers direct access to the lake for swimming. It is ideal for walking with your dog. The path along the lake is also accessible to pushchairs.
Black Crag, Gavel Fell, Blake Fell and Burnbank Fell
6.30 mi
+1,703 ft
-1,713 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Loweswater (Cumberland)
A great circular walk to discover the west fells of Loweswater. Gorgeous views along the path. Dog friendly.
YHA hopping in The Lake District - YHA Black Sail to YHA Wasdale Hall
12.03 mi
+3,901 ft
-4,603 ft
8h 55
Very difficult
Departure from Ennerdale and Kinniside (Cumberland)
The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. They were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way are 6 Wainwrights, 3 tarns and 1 pub.
YHA Hopping in the Lake District - YHA Ennerdale to YHA Wasdale Hall
12.43 mi
+4,006 ft
-4,219 ft
9h 10
Difficult
Departure from Ennerdale and Kinniside (Cumberland)
The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. They were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting and finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way there are 6 Wainwrights, 3 tarns, 1 lake and a pub.
Around High Spy, Maiden Moor and Cat Bells
10.51 mi
+1,890 ft
-1,883 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
This is a circular walk around High Spy, Maiden Moor and Cat Bells. The scenery is good and the walk is made interesting by the old mine workings, both on the way up and also at Goldscope Mine. The return leg, through the woods above Derwent Water, is a nice contrast to the first half of the walk.
It is a useful walk when the tops are in mist and walking the ridge would give you no views or when the tops are covered in snow and you don't have ice axe and crampons to hand.
Around Castle Crag
8.51 mi
+1,217 ft
-1,207 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
This is a circular walk that is useful for a day, perhaps when it has been raining and then cleared up a little, but the high fells are still shrouded in cloud. There is enough changing scenery to maintain interest, with Millican Dalton's cave, farmland scenery and the summit of Castle Crag. There are also opportunities for refreshment stops along the way if needed. A nice walk for the whole family.
Cat Bells from Grange
5.98 mi
+1,348 ft
-1,335 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
A short and fairly easy, circular walk up the ever popular Cat Bells. Starting from parking on the roadside just outside the village of Grange, this walk ascends Cat Bells from the South and descends north to join paths through the parkland and woods above and beside Derwent Water.
Lord's seat, Barf and Whinlatter Forest
5.23 mi
+1,102 ft
-1,115 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
Popular walk from Whinlatter Forest to two Wainwright's summit Lord's seat and Barf.
Dog friendly.
Whinlatter Seat How Circular
3.61 mi
+640 ft
-669 ft
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
A circular walk starting from Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre ascending via forest trails to Seat Howe which offers good views over Keswick and Derwent Water before descending via well defined forest trails back to start.
Catbells, Dale Head and Hindscarth - The Newlands Horseshoe
9.90 mi
+3,054 ft
-3,064 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
A rewarding Lake District walk of the highest calibre. The Horseshoe route takes in all the peaks on either side of the Newlands Valley and offers some wonderful walking and superb views throughout.
Cat Bells summit
3.47 mi
+1,299 ft
-1,312 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
Cat Bells summit is one of the easiest Wainwright summits to do. It is perfect for a family day out; however during summer months this walk is very popular. Dog friendly walk.
Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head Circular
7.48 mi
+2,438 ft
-2,444 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
This is half of the classic Coledale Horseshoe walk. It ascends the magnificent Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head before descending over Sandhill to Coledale Hause and then taking the path down to the Force Crag Mine track in Coledale for the return leg. It passes next to Force Crag Mine and if you check with the National Trust you could time this walk with the option to tour the mine buildings.
Braithwaite to Keswick
6.93 mi
+781 ft
-771 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
Low level circular walk from Braithwaite and passing by the side of Cat bells summit and Portinscale village. Dog friendly
Braithwaite to Thorwaite and Whinlatter Forest
5.97 mi
+1,102 ft
-1,079 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
Short circular walk from Braithwaite passing by Whinlatter forest. Dog friendly.
Stile End, Outerside, Causey Pike Summits
6.54 mi
+2,133 ft
-2,146 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
A challenging walk to Stile End, Outerside, Causey Pike summits from the village of Braithwaite. Dog friendly.
Grange Fell, Watendlath and High lodore
4.68 mi
+1,106 ft
-1,106 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
Great circular walk going to Watendlath Tarn. This valley is not really popular. Dog friendly walk.
Good navigation skills are needed during this section as the path is not visible.
Grisedale Peak
7.51 mi
+2,280 ft
-2,270 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
Dog-friendly circular walk to Grisedale Pike summit. This walk was done clockwise; however anti-clockwise is better if you prefer a smoother descent.
Cat Bells, Maiden Moor and High Spy by Boat from Keswick!
9.90 mi
+2,257 ft
-2,254 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
In my opinion there is no better way to get to the start of the ascent of Cat Bells other than by boat. Catching the first ferry of the day will allow you to get to Hawes End without all the hassle of trying to find somewhere to park. The return ferry from Lodore Landing Stage is just as pleasant with fantastic views.
Parking: There are several places to park in Keswick but I like to park at the Lakeside Car Park near the Theatre by the Lake and the Landing Stages.
Lord Seat, Broom Fell and Graystones
5.06 mi
+1,411 ft
-1,414 ft
3h 35
Difficult
Departure from Lorton (Cumberland)
A great not too touristic walk passing by Lord's seat, Brorm fell and Graystones summits and detour by Spout Force waterfall.
Scafell Pike from Borrowdale
9.36 mi
+3,009 ft
-2,995 ft
6h 55
Very difficult
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
The classic and well trodden ascent of Scafell Pike from Seathwaite in Borrowdale. Ascending via Grains Gill to Great End and then Esk Hause and Broad Crag. The descent is via the 'Corridor Route' to Styhead Tarn and then back to Seathwaite.
Green Gable & Gillercomb Horseshoe from Seathwaite
4.86 mi
+2,434 ft
-2,415 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
An energetic Lake District Horseshoe walk that takes in four summits as you keep to the high ground surrounding Gillercomb. The walk could also be extended to take in Great Gable if time and energy permit!
Great End & Glaramara from Seathwaite
7.88 mi
+3,127 ft
-3,104 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
This Lake District walk includes an unpathed section of route and is for experienced walkers only and navigation skills are essential. The walk includes Great End approached from the Corridor Route before following easier ground to the summit of Glaramara. The descent from the latter summit requires careful navigation for a trouble-free descent back down to Seathwaite.
Great Gable and Green Gable
5.38 mi
+2,589 ft
-2,569 ft
4h 45
Difficult
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
To the west of the Cumbrian Mountains, both Great and Green Gable summits offer a pleasant hike.
Rosthwaite to Wadendlath
5.03 mi
+1,230 ft
-1,230 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
Moderate circular walk to Watendlath tarn from Rosthwaite village. Watendlath tarn is a gorgeous little tarn in the middle of big summits. Great views the entire walk. Dog friendly.
Castle Crag to Seatoller
5.61 mi
+1,053 ft
-1,053 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
Popular walk to visit Castle Crag and the little caves in the Borrowdale forest. Dog friendly. Can be a bit challenging to go up Castle Crag when raining as the slates on the path can be very slippery.
Grange & Watendlath from Rosthwaite
7.58 mi
+1,030 ft
-1,037 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
Combining the delights of Borrowdale with the rural charm of Watendlath, this Lake District walk offers some wonderful views and relatively easy walking. Route finding is generally easy although there is a steady ascent from Lodore up to Watendlath.
YHA hopping in The Lake District - YHA Borrowdale to YHA Grasmere
8.55 mi
+2,041 ft
-2,093 ft
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
This is a walk from the Borrowdale Valley over to Easdale Valley but it's also a ridge walk with great views over Far Easedale Gill and the surrounding landscape. Helm Crag is also known as The Lion and The Lamb due to it's profile when seen from the A591. Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way, there are three Wainwrights, one lake and one pub.
Around Loweswater Lake
3.66 mi
+144 ft
-135 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Loweswater (Cumberland)
Easy circular walk around Loweswater Lake. Dog friendly.
Fellbarrow and Low Fell
5.11 mi
+1,168 ft
-1,171 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Loweswater (Cumberland)
Nice circular walk passing by two Wainwright's summits Fellbarrow and Low Fell. Dog friendly.
YHA hopping in The Lake District - YHA Borrowdale to YHA Black Sail
9.06 mi
+4,104 ft
-3,478 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Borrowdale (Cumberland)
The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. Funny how they were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels". Here's a collection of routes starting or finishing at a YHA in The Lakes. Along the way, there are 4 Wainwrights and 5 tarns.
Red Pike, Little Dodd, Starling Dodd and Great Borne by Ennerdale
8.40 mi
+2,677 ft
-2,677 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Ennerdale and Kinniside (Cumberland)
Amazing walk starting from Ennerdale lake and passing by Red Pike, Little Dodd, Starling Dodd and Great Borne summits.
Wainwrights five most north westerly fells
8.02 mi
+2,110 ft
-2,123 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Above Derwent (Cumberland)
Varying walk covering the 5 most North Westerly Wainwright fells. Taking in the summits of Barf, Lords Seat, Broom Fell, Ling Fell and Sales fell. With views the full length of Bassenthwaite Lake and the magnificent massive of Skiddaw. Coastal views should be evident on a clear day.
Sale Fell and Ling Fell
4.44 mi
+1,345 ft
-1,345 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Wythop (Cumberland)
Great walk combining two small Wainwright summits Sale Fell and Ling Fell. Dog friendly; however can have sheep in the fields.
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