Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 36 hikers
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Lake District National Park
Great Calva is a prominent summit right in the centre of the Northern Lake District Fells. Away from the honeypots, this is a peaceful summit that enjoys a sense of remoteness, as well as a view that takes some beating.
Look at a map of Lakeland and you might notice a long rift that runs straight through the national park. This rift is adorned by Thirlmere and Grasmere, is utilised by the A591 and reaches its high point at Dunmail Raise. Great Calva’s summit is perfectly situated to gaze straight down the barrel of this geological fault, a unique vantage point.
Approaches to Great Calva are lengthy, thanks to its distance from the nearest road. From the south, you can approach via the Glenderaterra Valley, or you can follow a rough track from the northwest.
Below Great Calva’s
heather-clad southern slopes is Skiddaw House, a unique hostel that’s said to
be the most remote inhabited building in England.
Great Calva rises in isolation in the wild heart of the Lakeland's quiet Northern Fells. Its 2,260 feet (690 m) high perch gives it magnificent views down the defile between the Skiddaw and Blencathra massifs all the way along Thirlmere to Grasmere. There are few spots better positioned to think on the massive role glaciation played in the formation of the Lake District landscape.
At the southern foot of the fell is Skiddaw House, a unique hostel around the 'Back o'Skiddaw'. It is said to be the most remote lodging in England, 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from the nearest road.
April 14, 2020
Just a beautiful spot with its imposing cairn and commanding views. This was my last top of the day before the long decent down the valley and the long walk out to Mosedale. Great location in half decent weather.
October 3, 2022
Out of all the Northern Fells. This was the most painstaking to get to. I won't be back in a hurry to this summit. Not sure if it was the specific route I was following. But there is a wide river to cross which I image in lower rain fall. Would be easier to cross, ha I g the stones/rocks visible. However, if it's raining or there has been a lot of rain. The river is about shin hight and in parts fast flowing. We had to carry the dog in arms to cross. Afyer that, there is a section of roughage to follow which was very muddy. Before starting the steep, grassy acent to the summit. Perhaps approaching from a different direction would be better. But again, a lot of work for not the best views, in my opinion.
July 27, 2025
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