Try These Must-Visit Lake District Peaks

 

Wondering where you can go for a day out in Cumbria? Lace up your walking boots and try these must-visit Lake District peaks. The national park’s sky-scraping fells are some of England’s tallest (see Scafell Pike) and most spectacular (not much beats the Old Man of Coniston). 

As you make your way to pretty plateaus, expect panoramas out across placid tarns, dramatic mountains and swooping valleys. Just make sure to pack a compass, the right clothing and check the conditions in advance – many of the 214 mountains are not for complete beginners.

You’ll also find campsites in Cumbria close to these must-visit Lake District peaks to try – so now there’s no excuse not to start planning your trip…

Scafell Pike

Let’s start with the big one. Soaring 978 metres above sea level, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. A former volcano, it’s a tough trek whichever route you take. But the easiest way to climb up to the roof of the Lake District is said to be via Brown Tongue from Wasdale Head Green. You’ll need a good six hours to complete the trail, so set aside a whole day for the challenge. 

For more detail on climbing this must-visit Lake District peak, check out this round-up of the eight scenic Cumbria walks to try.

Book a Nether Wasdale campsite near the trail to Scafell Pike.

Old Man of Coniston 

This 803-metre peak rewards hikers with some of the best views in the Lake District National Park. It looks out over tarns, valleys and the ruins of old copper mines. Turn your head west at the top and you can even see the Isle of Man on a clear day. There are two main paths: short and steep or long and a little more laidback. Opt for the Low Water route if you’re up for a serious challenge or be a little easier on yourself by choosing the Goat's Water track. Whichever you go for, glorious views are guaranteed. 

Browse Coniston campsites close to the Old Man of Coniston trail.

Helvellyn

Hike up to Helvellyn and you’ll have reached the top of the third-highest mountain in the Lake District. The views are awe-inspiring – trace the route along Striding Edge for some of the best. There are some tricky sections during the 7.5-mile scramble, so this rugged peak is definitely not for the faint of heart. When the weather’s kind, you’ll get a 360-degree view of the Lake District stretching all the way over to the Irish Sea. Love nothing more than dangling from the face of a crag? Helvellyn is also a mecca for rock climbers. Descend down to Glenridding, one of the starting points for the hike up this mountain, and rest your legs by taking a vintage steamer boat across Ullswater lake the next day.  

Find Glenridding campsites near the trail up to Helvellyn. 

Harrison Stickle in the Langdale Pikes

The Langdale Pikes is made up of three fantastic fells, but the highest of them all is Harrison Stickle at 736m above sea level. (The other two have equally fab names: Pike of Stickle and Loft Crag). Set aside around five or six hours for a stunning walk from Pavey Ark near the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel via the so-called Tourist Route. Save your picnic for the top so you can eat with views over Stickle Tarn shimmering below. This hike is a gentler option for beginner climbers.

Stay at an Ambleside campsite near the route up to Harrison Stickle.

Skiddaw

This mighty fell in Lakeland’s northern reaches has a wild and barren feel. And because it’s so set apart from other peaks, the views from the summit are phenomenal. You’ll look out across the Vale of Derwent and the eastern, central, southern and western fells as you scale Skiddaw. Most walkers climb up via the Jenkin Hill Path, a former pony route for Victorian visitors. Once you’re done with your adventure, take it easy the next day, perhaps by visiting chilled-out attractions like the nearby Castlerigg Stone Circle. 

Check out Keswick campsites near the Skiddaw trail 

Cat Bells 

This popular peak is a must-visit if you’re in the Lake District with young adventurers. It’s been called a ‘family fell’ as it’s suitable for everyone from tiny trekkers to elderly adventurers. The name is thought to have come from the phrase ‘Cat Bields’ – ‘the home of the wild cat’. While it's unlikely you'll witness any felines, you will see postcard-worthy panoramas over glassy Derwentwater and the lush green Borrowdale Valley from the 451-metre summit after a steep but relatively easy scramble. 

For more family-friendly things to do near the Lake District, take a look at the five best beaches in Cumbria to visit.

Keswick campsites near the Cat Bells

The highest mountains in the Lake District

Scafell Pike, Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw are the four highest peaks in Lakeland. The other six are: 

• Great End: 910 metres (2986 feet)

• Bowfell: 902 metres (2940 feet)

• Great Gable: 899 metres (2960 feet)

• Pillar: 892 metres (2926 feet)

• Nethermost Pike: 891 metres (2923 feet)

• Catstycam: 890 metres (2920 feet)

Already meandered across most of the Lake District’s mighty mountains? Or just fancy an activity that’s a little more low-key? Take a look at our eight top things to do in Cumbria