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St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn

High Seat Summit (Lake District)

Highlight • Viewpoint

High Seat Summit (Lake District)

Hiking

5.0

(117)

Walking up High Seat provides options to explore the surroundings of both Derwent Water and Thirlmere, the lakes which run down the fell’s east and western flanks. While the 1,995-foot (608 m) summit isn’t as dramatic as some in the region, exploring the area reveals plenty of wonderful sights, not to mention excellent views.

Part of a ridge, High Seat is the highest summit in the immediate vicinity and lies in the very heart of the Lake District National Park. With an endlessly variable route, while you’re here you can hike to the breathtaking Raven Crag for a sensational Thirlmere view, enjoy Derwent Water from Walla Crag and stop by the tremendous Lodore Falls.

A boggy ridgeline surrounded by impressive beauty

Hikes up High Seat can easily take in the entire ridge, which it shares with Bleaberry Fell and High Tove. To the east and the west lie numerous crags which give this otherwise bleak and wild fell some interesting features. The boggy nature of HIgh Seat and its neighbours is made up for with some absolutely incredible views.

From the summit trig point, look east to admire the tremendous, domineering presence of Helvellyn and its full range. Blencathra and Skiddaw squat to the north whilst Derwent Water lies to the west and Bassenthwaite Lake glints on the north western horizon.

In good weather, you can hike up High Seat throughout the year but being prepared for wet ground is always wise. Should snow descend in winter, only surefooted and experienced hillwalkers are able to venture up.

Keswick is an ideal base for High Seat ascents and you can walk directly from the town if you wish, taking in Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell en route.

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

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  • Location: St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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    Tips

    May 6, 2021

    Hiking

    Many will joke that you have to swim to get here! There is a lot of soft peaty ground that has a reputation for swallowing up innocent hikers, sometimes to their waist! Walking poles are a great assistant for navigating the softer/wetter parts of this fell (and its neighbours Bleaberry Fell and High Tove). Either that or wait until a heat wave or when it's completely iced over for the best experience. The summit is next to the trig pillar and the views across the north western Lake District are stunning on a good day.

    June 18, 2021

    Hiking

    the new path from high seat to high Tove is excellent

    October 17, 2022

    Hiking

    A nice summit trig point but as Ad Nic says a bit of a bog to get here. Coming over from Bleaberry Fell in October was a bog fest and I was surprised I didn't see any crocodiles!
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    Nearby routes

    Best routes near High Seat Summit (Lake District)

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    4.7

    (85)

    573

    hikers

    #1.

    High Seat, Bleaberry Fell and Walla Crag Loop

    14.7km

    04:42

    590m

    590m

    Embark on a moderate hiking adventure through the Lake District with the High Seat, Bleaberry Fell and Walla Crag Loop. This route spans 9.1 miles (14.7 km) and involves a significant climb of 1940 feet (591 metres), typically taking around 4 hours and 42 minutes to complete. You will traverse varied landscapes, moving from serene woodlands to expansive open fells. From Walla Crag, you can enjoy panoramic views stretching across Derwentwater and the charming market town of Keswick. As you ascend, the trail reveals broad vistas of the surrounding fells, including the impressive Skiddaw and Helvellyn ranges.

    When planning your hike, be aware that the section between Bleaberry Fell and High Seat can become quite boggy, particularly after rainfall. For a more enjoyable experience, consider tackling this part of the route during a prolonged dry spell or when the ground is frozen. It is always advisable to wear waterproof boots to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the journey. Check local weather forecasts before you set out to prepare adequately for conditions on the fells.

    This loop offers a classic Lake District experience, allowing you to summit three distinct Wainwrights. The diverse terrain ensures that your hike remains engaging, from the sheltered paths through woodlands to the exposed, sweeping views from the fell tops. It provides a rewarding challenge for hikers seeking both physical exertion and stunning natural beauty in one of England's most iconic national parks.

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    Moderate
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    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Moderate
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    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Moderate

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 600 m

    Good to know

    Family Friendly

    yes

    Wheelchair access

    no

    Dog Friendly

    yes

    Weather

    Powered by Foreca

    Tuesday 12 May

    12°C

    4°C

    84 %

    Additional weather tips

    Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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    Location: St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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    View of Thirlmere from Raven Crag

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