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Challenging Rambling Routes in The Lake District
Scafell Pike
Location: Wasdale Height: 978 metres Time: 5-6 hours
Starting Points: Wasdale Head CA20 1EX | Borrowdale CA12 5XJ | Langdale LA22 9JY
Photo Credit: Amit Jagnade
It would be wrong for us not to include England’s Highest Peak in our list of challenging rambles. Scafell Pike sits at the centre of The Lake District National Park and dominates the Cumbrian skyline. The route to the top is very popular with tourists and it’s easy to see why.
Did ewe know that Scafell Pike is not only the highest mountain in England? It is also the highest war memorial in the UK. The most popular route up the mountain is from Wasdale, the route is straight up and straight down, making it a steep climb. All routes to the top will involve a scramble at the final ascent.
This mountain is the most time-consuming of our highlighted walks, meaning you will certainly deserve a warming lunch once you get to the top. A comforting cup of hot soup should do the trick! Pack wisely with one of our Herdy Soup Flask to keep your lunch fresh and warm.
Rosthwaite Fell
Location: Rosthwaite Height: 612 metres Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Starting Points: National Trust Seatoller Car Park CA12 5XN | Seatoller CA12 5XG
Photo Credit: Ian Cylkowski
Known as one of the most difficult climbs of The Wainwright’s, Rosthwaite Fell (aka Bessyboot) is an undiscovered gem in the heart of The Lakes. The trek to the top can be steep in places, plus, the routes are not well documented. This however makes the fell a quiet and undisturbed climb to the top.
The west and east valleys are paved with waterfalls and streams which descend into the Derwent River which lays at its base. To the south, Rosthwaite is linked to Glaramara Fell by a marshy (and sometimes boggy) ridge.
This walk is also great for our 4-legged friends as the routes are quiet and there are many great places to explore.
Blencathra
Location: Threlkeld Height: 625 metres Time: 2 hours
Starting Points: Blencathra Field Centre CA12 4SG
Photo Credit: Jonny Gios
For those experienced climbers amongst us, the trek up to Blencathra shouldn’t cause any problems. However, we would advise you to only tackle this route when the weather is on your side, as wind and rain can distort your view. The approach from Sharp Edge can be as treacherous as it sounds. However, if you have a steady footing and a head for heights the walk can be one of the most rewarding in The Lakes.
This icon Lake District Wainright has often been noted for its unusual name, pronounced blen-ka-thruh. The name has origins in the old Cumbrian dialect, 'blain' meaning top and 'cadeir' meaning chair, which loosely translates as the chair-like mountain. Which is very apt, as you will certainly need a sit down once you reach the top. A hot chocolate or steaming cup of coffee at the summit will be well deserved, keep your drinks piping hot in one of our Herdy flasks, a must-have in every adventure’s backpack.
Helvellyn
Location: Between Ambleside and Keswick Height: 950 metres Time: 4-5 hours
Starting points: Swirls Car Park Keswick CA12 4TW | Thirlmere A591 westen layby
Photo Credit: Jonnny Gios
One of the most popular rambling destinations in the Lake District and looking at the views, it is easy to see why. Helvellyn is nestled between Ullswater and Thirlmere Lakes, the mountain has 5 ridges to navigate to its peak. The most famous of which is Striding Edge, known as the most challenging route, it attracts over 250,000 ramblers every year. You may need to get on your hands and knees at certain points if you're tackling Striding Edge. we wouldn’t recommend this climb if you are new to hiking in the fells, but it is definitely one to aspire to.
You might even be lucky enough on your trek to see some native wildlife. Including buzzards, Peregrine Falcons, Skylarks and of course, the free roaming Herdwicks.
The Old Man of Coniston
Location: Coniston Height: 802 metres Time: 4 hours
Starting Points: Walna Scar Car Park | Old Station Car Park, Old Furness Rd
Photo Credit: Jake Colling
This is arguably one of the most beautiful walks in the Lake District, and even though it’s a challenging climb, you will be rewarded along the route with some amazing sites. As you begin your journey from Walna Scar car park you’ll walk along the same path the miners took, dating back as early as the 12th century.
The route suddenly takes a sharp assent as you pass the remains of the old Cumbrian copper mines. Slightly further up, you’ll pass Low Water, the waters are inviting in the warmer months and crystal clear. The tarn is also a good indicator to let you know you’re nearly at the top!
the trek down the other side of the fell does not disappoint, as you pass Goat’s Water and admire the surrounding fells.
The more leisurely stretch on the way down to the car park allows you to enjoy taking in the views over Coniston water. We advise giving this Ramble plenty of time so you can enjoy all there is to see along the way. This walk can get very busy during the summer months, we recommend setting your alarms and getting there early to avoid the crowds.
All mountains/fells listed in this blog are challenging walks. Please do your own research before heading out onto the lake district fells and remember to pack wisely.
Take a look at AdventureSmartUK who have teamed up with Mountain Rescue to put together a handy guide to ask, Are you Adventure Smart?
LINK - https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/safety/adventure-smart
If you fancy a less challenging walk this summer, why not try one of check out our other walking inspiration blogs below.
