Hiking Collection by Alex Foxfield
7
Tours
24:31 h
43.5 mi
10,600 ft
Rugged fells rise above glistening ribbon lakes; herds of hardy Herdwick sheep graze the slopes, hemmed in by meandering dry stone walls; smiling hikers pause to wish you well, even on damp days; and beyond its idyllic, chocolate box dales, great snow capped peaks quicken the pulse. There are few places in Britain quite as exquisite as Lakeland.
The Northern Lake District plays host to some of the national park’s finest and most beloved hiking routes. Superstar fells like Helvellyn, Catbells and Blencathra are well-known favourites, yet everywhere there is adventure to discover, charm to be sought and sublime natural beauty to witness. From the excitement found on the knife-edge ridges of Striding Edge and Sharp Edge to the magnificent walking along the shores of Buttermere and Derwent Water, there’s something for every kind of hiker.
I’m a Cumbrian born and bred and grew up with the view of mighty Skiddaw as a constant on the horizon. As a family, we would often picnic in the Northern Fells, frolicking in the streams below Carrock Fell. As I grew older, I discovered a deep and profound love for the fells of my home county, returning time and time again to revel in their delights.
In this Collection, I showcase seven superb, yet varied hikes in the Northern Lake District. This is by no means a definitive ‘best of’, as such a list is highly subjective and depends on what any given individual wants from a day in the fells. Instead, this is a Collection that contains everything from easier ambles suitable for the whole family, to thrilling ridge scrambles to save for calm and clear conditions. The Tours are roughly ordered in terms of difficulty, starting with the most straightforward. Some of these routes are popular classics, while others are the preserve of the Lakeland connoisseur.
There should be something for everyone in this Collection. From wild mountain climbs and exhilarating ridge scrambles to lakeside strolls and woodland saunters, from famous classics to little-known beauty spots, it showcases some of Lakeland's finest sights and experiences.
The wonderful town of Keswick, often cited as England’s adventure capital, is the ideal base for adventures in the Northern Lake District. Accessible by bus from Kendal, Penrith and Carlisle, Keswick is magically nestled in the shadow of some of the national park’s most iconic fells. For more information about where to stay in Keswick, public transport and much more, visit: keswick.org. With countless gear shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and other attractions, there’s plenty to keep you busy when Lakeland drizzle sets in.
Speaking of the Cumbrian weather, always take waterproof layers on hikes here, while study hiking shoes are also a must. Take plenty of food and drink on the longer hikes and pack a power bank, as you’ll be taking so many photos that your phone won’t know what hit it.
See you on the fells!
Finding an easygoing route in the Lake District which offers some solitude can be a challenge as great as climbing Scafell Pike. However, the peaceful little lake of Loweswater is a lovely escape for the savvy Lakeland visitor, as it is often overlooked.
Nestled into the wooded valley of the Vale of Lorton…
The classic combination of crystal clear lakes and shapely fells has made Buttermere a popular destination with visitors since the Victorian times. Famous for its scenic beauty, the area boasts some of the finest walking in the Lake District.
Another great asset is that you can stroll the entire way around…
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Located at the northern tip of Wainwright’s North Western Fells, Ling Fell and Sale Fell will reward you with awe-inspiring views of the Lake District. In fact, you might even see to Scotland's Southern Uplands on a clear day.
While many opt to climb them separately, combining Ling Fell and Sale Fell…
Often overlooked in favour of Buttermere, Crummock Water is a marvellous adventure, particularly when combined with the charismatic Mellbreak.
With fine fells on every point of the compass, Crummock Water enjoys some gorgeous views. If it is a warm day, it makes for a great swimming spot too.
To start…
The shapely summit of Catbells rises proudly above Derwent Water's southwestern shores, beckoning many to its oft-frequented and panoramic top. A ridge walk traversing the subsequent Wainwrights of Maiden Moor and High Spy is superb, with the bonus tick of Castle Crag achieved before a low level hike…
There are plenty of ways to climb Helvellyn but this ascent along Striding Edge is definitely the most spectacular — and the most exhilarating.
After the long pull up to the subsidiary Wainwright of Birkhouse Moor, you will find yourself climbing onto the legendary Striding Edge. With spine-tingling drops…
This is a wonderful and thrilling mountain journey on one of Lakeland's finest mountains. Ascent is via the exciting narrow crest of Sharp Edge, before a an equally entertaining descent of the less serious Halls Fell Ridge. Both are grade one scrambles and demand a good head for heights.
Starting from…
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