Top 10 Hikes in the Lake District

26th March 2017 by


top 10 lake district hikes

The Lake District features an overwhelming range of hiking opportunities suited for people of all experiences to enjoy, whether you’re a Sunday morning stroller or a seasoned fell walker. The team here at The Epicentre have put their heads together and narrowed down their Top 10 Favourite Hikes. We hope that you enjoy the walks but please always study the suggested route before setting off, checking the forecast and ensuring you’re fitted with all the essential clothing and equipment.

rydal water and grasmere

Super simple and friendly stroll taking you round the beautiful Rydal & Grasmere Lakes. Stock up on some of that essential Grasmere gingerbread and then take a quick history lesson at Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth.

Wansfell Pike

An excellent circular route taking you past Ambleside’s very own Niagara Falls and a quick walk through the quaint village of Troutbeck. A little step up here in terms of difficulty, featuring a few steep climbs to the top of Wansfell pike yet that view over Lake Windermere is nothing less than spectacular.

Gowbarrow

Once you’ve escaped the madness over at Aira Force, find the route heading to Gowbarrow Fell for a breathtaking view over Ullswater Lake and the surrounding fells.

Causey Pike

This route ventures up into the North Lakes, just past Derwent Water. A little more confidence on the hills needed here with some light scrambling required. A step up from your standard stroll, taking you over 3 mighty hills: Scar Crags, Rowling End, and Causey Pike.

Cold Pike

A fantastic circular hike combining 2 mighty big hills, often leading you to some incredibly remote spots. A true test of your navigation skills with caution required along the various boulder screes.

Langdale Pikes

Hit up 6 hills in one day: Thunacar Knott, Thorn Crag, Pike of Stickle, Pavey Ark, Loft Crag, and Harrison Stickle. Don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments with a swift one in the 7th wonder – The Sticklebarn Tavern. Not the trickiest of routes but still a very steep climb requiring confidence in your navigational skills.

Fairfield Horseshoe

A personal favourite amongst the team, with this classic route offering incredible views over the central lakes. Don’t be fooled by this simple route with the devious summit of Fairfield often fooling the most experienced fell walkers when stuck in the mist.

Bowfell

An adventure certainly not suited for the faint hearted, often leaving you exposed on some steep traverse routes arguably more drawn towards climbing territory.

Kentmere Horseshoe

An accessible route featuring a standard degree of navigation along its mostly clear paths, however, its sheer length and remoteness carry an extreme challenge for even the hardiest fell walker. An incredible 9 hills in one day, taking you over: Yoke, Thornthwaite Crag, Shipman Knotts, Mardale Ill Bell, Kentmere Pike, Ill Bell, Harter Fell, Goat Scar, and Froswick.

Helvellyn

The pinnacle for all Lake District pioneers. Striding Edge will both excite and terrify you, presenting a very steep and exposed terrain which we would consider to be a full-on mountaineering route. Once you’ve enjoyed the summit of Helvellyn, scare yourself silly all over again on Swirral Edge when descending. Give yourself plenty of time, embrace the views but have your wits about you.

 

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

Ensure you’re equipped with all the essential outdoor clothing and equipment. We’ve compiled a quick kit list that links to some of the collections we have available. This will certainly keep you happy out on the hills, enjoy folks!
Kit for Lake District Hikes
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