All 214 Wainwrights completed — finishing on Scafell. These are the walks that got me there, and the ones that brought me back.
More Lake District walks being added — check back soon
The most northerly Wainwright, done in 39 minutes up and down after completing other fells nearby. To be honest, every time I revisit Binsey I am more impressed. The views are far better than the modest height suggests, and the approach through quiet farmland has a character all of its own. A fell that consistently exceeds expectations.
Read full description →A perfect introductory walk to the Lake District Fells, deliberately starting at height to save legs and suitable for young and old alike. Done with two granddaughters — sadly their first and last Wainwright as they left for Australia before I could get them back. A bittersweet but cherished walk.
Read full description →A magnificent and varied day on the Caldbeck Fells — four Wainwrights in a remote corner of the Lake District that sees far fewer walkers than the central fells, with big views and a real sense of open space throughout. The walk begins with an honest admission: the original plan to climb Carrock Fell first was abandoned and the fell added at the end of the day instead.
Read full description →A magnificent day on the northern fells above Mungrisdale, taking in five Wainwright summits. Souther Fell gets the day underway with its extraordinary historical footnote — the phantom army seen marching across its summit in 1745. The ridge to Blencathra is one of the great Lake District ridges, and the whole round is a classic.
Read full description →A serious and satisfying day on the Skiddaw range, ticking four Wainwrights in a single outing despite persistent and heavy rain that would test the best waterproofs. The outward leg climbs steeply from the Cumbria Way, with a short out-and-back over pathless ground to Lonscale Fell before joining the main Skiddaw track.
Read full description →Five Wainwrights in the quiet Northern Fells above Orthwaite, undertaken in full snow conditions with paths entirely consumed above the lower slopes and navigation relying on GPS and map throughout. In summer this is a straightforward and pleasant round over largely pathless terrain; in winter it becomes a genuine navigation exercise. Lowthwaite Fell was skipped on the day with the light fading — always allow enough daylight in these remote northern hills.
Read full description →A compact but rewarding circuit on the western outliers of the Skiddaw massif, taking in four Wainwrights across a ridge that is consistently excellent and frequently underestimated. Ullock Pike is a particular gem — its narrow summit tip giving it a character its height alone does not suggest. Carl Side's 746 m delivers a true 360-degree panorama of the northern Lake District. Dodd — dismissed by some as a mere forest hill — earns its Wainwright status with a view of Bassenthwaite Lake as good as any of its larger neighbours.
Read full description →A short but satisfying circular from Braithwaite taking in two fine Coledale fells. The approach via Braithwaite Lodge and the steady ridge climb to Barrow is pleasant from the first steps, with the Newlands valley opening up to the east and Derwentwater and Skiddaw visible throughout. A neat, unhurried fell day.
Read full description →A neat figure-of-eight above Wythop Beck, quietly bagging two Wainwrights that are rarely crowded and all the better for it. The steep opening climb to Sale Fell via Dodd Crag is over quickly and the reward of Bassenthwaite Lake spread below with Skiddaw beyond is immediate and gratifying.
Read full description →A thoroughly enjoyable circuit of the quiet fells above Loweswater — two Wainwrights in a part of the Lake District that sees far fewer walkers than it deserves, with the compensation of having the magnificent lake views largely to yourself. The climb to Darling Fell is steep but brief.
Read full description →A rewarding out-and-back to two Wainwright summits from Honister, perfect for filling a spare few hours with visits to the beautiful Newlands Valley viewpoints. No better place to view the valley than from Dale Head and Hindscarth. The clear path winds steeply from the gate up to the dividing ridge.
Read full description →A magnificent ridge walk above Borrowdale and Derwentwater combining four Wainwrights — walked on a day of persistent and unrelenting rain that ensured almost no views were available. The ridge from Catbells to High Spy is one of the finest in the northern Lake District and one of the great Lake District walks regardless of weather.
Read full description →A magnificent and demanding day in the northern Lake District, combining five Wainwrights of considerable variety across one of the finest circuits in the Coledale and Buttermere area. The approach along the shore of Crummock Water and the quiet road around Hause Point sets a relaxed early tone before the serious climbing begins.
Read full description →A thoroughly enjoyable circular in the quiet Newlands valley combining two fine Wainwright summits. The outward leg via Keskadale Farm has a sting — the path is all but invisible through bracken before the ridge takes over and improves dramatically. The ridge from Knott Rigg to Ard Crags is a gem, with views across the Newlands valley that are simply amazing. The long grassy descent to Rigg Beck and the field path return make for a neat, varied finish.
Read full description →Five Wainwrights above Bassenthwaite Lake with one of the best legends in the Lake District thrown in — the Bishop of Barf, a white-painted rock on Barf's flank marking where a drunken bishop allegedly tried to ride his horse to the summit. Barf's position above the lake is extraordinary. Lord's Seat and Broom Fell deliver the ridge at its best; Graystones rewards patience with fine views west across Lorton Vale. The attempted shortcut through the felled plantation on the Whinlatter descent is noted here firmly as an experience not to be repeated.
Read full description →A fine three-Wainwright circuit in the quieter western fells above Wast Water. Buckbarrow punches well above its weight for a fell of 423 metres — its crags give it a personality that many higher fells lack. Seatallan is the remote and rewarding centrepiece of this compact round.
Read full description →A demanding and rewarding day on the western fells above Loweswater, taking in five Wainwrights. The climb from Holme Beck alongside the fence to Burnbank Fell is hard going on a very faint path. The wild and remote feel throughout is the reward for choosing this less-visited corner of the Lake District.
Read full description →A superb and remote mountain walk in one of the wildest and least visited corners of the Lake District — Wild Ennerdale National Nature Reserve, where the valley is managed to rewild naturally and the sense of true remoteness is unlike almost anywhere else in the Lakes. The approach along the northern shore of Ennerdale Water is outstanding.
Read full description →An excellent Ennerdale horseshoe taking in Crag Fell and Iron Crag (a Hewitt) and Caw Fell for outstanding coastal views. The steep initial ascent to Crag Fell is rewarded with superb views throughout. The return along the C2C path beside Ennerdale Water is a fine way to close a remote mountain day.
Read full description →A rewarding out-and-back to Kirk Fell, completing a fell dropped from an earlier walk as it would have made too much for one day. The route climbs the old dismantled tramway before crossing Moses Trod, skirting the base of Green Gable to the col and making the steep pull to Kirk Fell's summit.
Read full description →A magnificent and demanding mountain day from Wasdale Head — one of the great circuits in the western Lake District, combining five Wainwrights of considerable stature. The approach up Mosedale on the Pillar Trail past Ritson's Force is a pleasure in itself before the serious climbing begins at Black Sail Pass.
Read full description →Three Wainwrights through one of the quietest corners of the Lake District above Ennerdale and the River Calder. The ridge traverse from Grike to Crag Fell, with excellent views north across Ennerdale Water, is a highlight. Lank Rigg at 541 m is the highest point. The return via Whoap Beck and the River Calder is a pleasant valley walk back to the Blakeley Raise Stone Circle start. A walk for those who appreciate the quieter side of the Lake District — few other walkers, genuine remoteness, and summits that reward those who seek them out.
Read full description →Five Wainwrights from Honister — compact in mileage but big in every other sense, with nearly 900 m of climbing. Moses' Trod is one of the most atmospheric high-level paths in the fells. Great Gable is simply Great Gable — no fell in England commands its position above Wasdale with quite the same authority, and the war memorial on its south face adds a dimension that goes well beyond height and view. The Windy Gap scree is steep, loose and unforgiving — treat it with respect. The rest of the walk is merely excellent.
Read full description →A thoroughly enjoyable ridge walk above St John's in the Vale, done on the same day as Walla Crag. The climb through Wren Crag gets the legs working early and the ridge northwards via Long Band and the tarn gives a satisfying traverse of a fell that gives back more than its modest height suggests.
Read full description →A short but characterful walk above the eastern shore of Derwentwater, delivering one of the Lake District's finest lake views for relatively modest effort. The climb up Cat Gill through Great Wood is steep and demands attention underfoot. The view from Walla Crag over Derwentwater to Skiddaw and Blencathra is simply superb.
Read full description →A satisfying circuit above Grasmere linking four Wainwrights across the broad upland between Easedale and Langdale — three new ticks and one welcome revisit. The approach up Easedale is a pleasure in itself, one of the finest short walks from Grasmere, before the path climbs to higher ground.
Read full description →One of the finest and most demanding Borrowdale days in this collection — five Wainwrights across 20 kilometres and nearly 1,000 metres of ascent, with two substantial wild walking sections. Eagle Crag announces itself with a superb view before the long traverse to Ullscarf across boggy ground tests navigation.
Read full description →A fine circular from Pelter Bridge on one of the Lake District's most characterful smaller fells. The ascent via Rough Intake and winding paths builds to the famous summit panorama — Windermere to the south, Rydal Water and Grasmere below, the Langdale Pikes to the northwest. Ivy Crag makes a superb subsidiary viewpoint on the descent. A short wild walking section on the return crosses pathless, marshy ground requiring navigation. A brilliant little fell that punches well above its 335 m weight class.
Read full description →A tremendous ridge walk above one of the finest lakes in England, combining two Wainwrights along one of the most dramatic cliff-edge ridges in the Lake District. The approach from Wasdale Head along the Old Corpse Road is atmospheric from the outset, and the pull up beside Straighthead Gill delivers you onto a magnificent scarp edge above Wastwater.
Read full description →A rewarding circular taking in two Wainwrights that had to be returned for after weather stopped play on the first attempt. The clear track from the forestry car park bends into Dunnerdale Forest before the path climbs to Green Crag's summit, with Harter Fell completing the round across fine fell terrain.
Read full description →A magnificent circular from Wasdale Head combining one of the quieter and more rewarding Wainwright summits with the celebrated Corridor Route — one of the great fell paths of the western Lake District. The climb up the Lingmell ridge from Wasdale Head is a superb opener with views along Wastwater from the first steps.
Read full description →A magnificent long clear-sky day in the heart of the Borrowdale fells — four Wainwrights across 22 kilometres with almost 1,000 metres of ascent. The approach up Big Stranger Gill between Alisongrass Crag and Hanging Haystack is one of the more characterful approaches in the range — pathless, steep and spectacular.
Read full description →Wainwrights #213 and #214, completing the entire set of 214. Scafell — just 14 metres lower than its big sister Scafell Pike but with the same views and only a handful of hikers to share them with instead of crowds. A deliberate and fitting choice for a final Wainwright: the route from Eskdale involves wild walking where paths are intermittent, and the summit rewards with the full panorama — Wastwater, the Scafells, the Coniston fells and the sea.
Read full description →An outstanding Lake District classic — the Langdale Horseshoe taking in three magnificent Wainwrights through some of the finest mountain scenery in England. The route climbs the dramatic Rossett Gill before traversing high-level terrain past Angle Tarn to Esk Pike. Bowfell provides what many consider the best 360-degree panorama in the Lake District. The Band gives a magnificent ridge return through the heart of the valley — Mickleden, Tony's favourite.
Read full description →An exceptional day in the southern Lake District on one of the finest high-level circuits in the entire range — six Wainwrights, almost 1,400 metres of ascent and 23 kilometres of walking on a day of perfect clear skies. The walk through Mickleden to the foot of Rossett Gill is one of the great Lake District approaches.
Read full description →Five Wainwrights above Great Langdale on a technically demanding and thoroughly rewarding circuit. The ascent via Stickle Ghyll and Stickle Tarn to Pavey Ark via Easy Gully requires careful route-finding on rocky crags. Harrison Stickle is the centrepiece. The Pike of Stickle involves a scramble near the summit and the descent from Loft Crag via Mark Gate is very steep — take great care. A walk of the highest quality in the heart of Lakeland.
Read full description →Six Wainwrights in the Southern Fells on a long and serious outing from Seathwaite in the Duddon Valley. The approach via Seathwaite Tarn reservoir involves wild walking over Troutal Fell with no path. The summit plateau of Swirl How is the high point of the ridge at 802 m, and Broad Slack below Great Carrs is the site of a Halifax bomber crash in 1944 — always worth a moment's pause. Dow Crag rounds off a superb day before the Walna Scar Road returns you to the valley.
Read full description →A short circuit from Great Langdale Campsite that packs in an extraordinary amount — a rocky scramble onto Side Pike, the memorable squeeze through Fat Man's Agony, and a fine ridge walk to Lingmoor Fell. Over 500 m of ascent for just 6.5 km gives fair warning this is no stroll. The views from Lingmoor Fell across the Langdale Pikes are as good as it gets in this corner of the Lake District, and Mickleden curving away to the northwest never loses its appeal.
Read full description →A fine circular from Great Langdale Campsite taking in one of the most rewarding summits in the Langdale area. The quieter approach via the Side Gate track and Wrynose Fell is less crowded than the valley car park routes. The summit was in cloud but a short diversion toward Great Knott on the descent paid dividends. The descent north through crags to Oxendale Beck is steep but good underfoot, and the return through Mickleden with the Langdale Pikes framing every step back to Stool End is a delight.
Read full description →A delightful circular from the NT Glen Mary car park combining two Wainwright summits with a fascinating quarry detour, the Cumbria Way and a lovely wooded waterfall finish. Holme Fell — Wainwright's 'shaggy little fell' — delivers views across Coniston Water well beyond its 317 m. The flooded Hodge Close slate quarry workings create a dramatic and slightly otherworldly scene. Black Crag offers wide views across the southern Lake District. The three falls on Tom Gill are worth every second spent at them.
Read full description →A magnificent and personal day in the eastern Lake District, combining a fine horseshoe ridge walk with an unforgettable milestone. The route climbs from Patterdale via the Coast to Coast path to Arnison Crag and then sweeps southwest through Birks and St Sunday Crag — where the views towards Helvellyn are outstanding throughout.
Read full description →A compact but enormously rewarding mountain walk from the edge of Grasmere, packing nearly 1,000 metres of ascent into under 12 kilometres and delivering four Wainwrights. The wild walking section on the lower flank of Seat Sandal is the only genuinely navigationally demanding part of a superb walk.
Read full description →One of the great Lake District days and one of the great walks in this entire collection. Helvellyn via Striding Edge is a classic for very good reason — the drama of arriving at the Hole in the Wall and seeing the full ridge stretching out ahead is one of the great moments in English walking.
Read full description →A truly beautiful Lake District day taking in four Wainwright summits with nearly 1,000 metres of ascent and some of the finest views the Eastern Fells have to offer. Helvellyn and the magnificent Catstye Cam — as fine a mountain profile as there is in England — are in view for much of the walk.
Read full description →Four Wainwrights above Brothers Water across some of the finest terrain in the eastern Lake District. The lakeshore approach to Hartsop Hall is a gentle opener before the uncompromising ridge to Middle Dodd announces the walk's true intentions — relentless, with a faint path, but the views opening behind at every step. Red Screes at 776 m is the highest point, its panorama justifying both the name and the effort. Scandale Pass is a quiet interlude before Little Hart Crag and High Hartsop Dodd close the circuit. Considerably more demanding than its modest distance suggests.
Read full description →Three modest fells that add up to a thoroughly rewarding 18-kilometre day in a lesser-visited corner of the eastern Lake District. Great Mell Fell is an atmospheric opener despite cloud on the visit, and the route passes through prime red squirrel country — well worth keeping an eye on the treetops.
Read full description →A varied and thoroughly enjoyable circuit above Troutbeck, combining three Wainwrights of very different character — and memorable from the first moment for the encounter in the car park with a fellow Wainwright chaser who had driven from Kent and slept the night in his car to get an early start.
Read full description →A fine high-level circuit above Hartsop and Hayeswater — conceived to settle unfinished business with four Wainwrights left outstanding, and to finally deal with one walked past in ignorance. Brock Crags makes a satisfying and unhurried start, its views over Hayeswater Reservoir quietly impressive.
Read full description →I've said hello to High Street many times but never via this ridge — and am I glad I had Rough Crag from my Hewitts list as the reason for the walk. An outstanding Lake District circuit above Mardale Head. Get there early — Mardale Head car park fills up fast on any fine day.
Read full description →Four Wainwrights in the quiet Far Eastern Fells on a long and serious outing from Swindale. The approach via the Old Corpse Road sets the tone — ancient, austere, and rewarding. The section from Harrop Pike to Mosedale Beck is pathless wild walking over boggy ground with no clear trail; full navigation skills required. Nabs Crags provides a fine descent back to the valley.
Read full description →A magnificent circuit above Ullswater combining four Wainwrights across a day of ridge, fell and lakeshore walking. Place Fell's summit panorama above Ullswater is simply outstanding. The long Beda Fell ridge is quieter and wilder — Martindale country, the deer forest stretching away. Hallin Fell produces the day's most surprising moment: a summit of barely 388 m with a view of Ullswater that would not disgrace a fell twice the height. The lakeshore return via Scalehow Force, Silver Point and the Devil's Chimney is the perfect close.
Read full description →A tremendous circuit of the fells above Martindale combining four Wainwrights across lakeshore, ancient ridgeline and Bronze Age mystery. Arthur's Pike and Bonscale Pike sit directly above Ullswater — views that a far taller fell might envy. The High Street plateau is ancient and atmospheric ground, the Roman road underfoot and the Bronze Age circles of Moor Divock nearby. Loadpot Hill carries the ruins of a shooting lodge. Steel Knotts closes the circuit with a fine rocky summit above Martindale.
Read full description →A wonderful circular from Ambleside making the most of the town's extraordinary fell-side setting. Stockghyll Force sets the scene perfectly — as fine a waterfall as any in the southern Lake District. Wansfell Pike delivers immediate and spectacular views: Windermere below, the Langdale Pikes to the west. The ridge northeast to Baystones, the true Wainwright summit, is a fine high-level traverse. The wild walking descent northwest to High Grove adds adventure to the return. The falls get a second look on the way back to town.
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