The beautiful Lake District attracts an abundance of adventurers throughout the year, seeking to explore the towering summits that make the county of Cumbria so iconic. Explore the top 10 Lake District highest peaks, each offering a different perspective of the spectacular landscape that is home to some of Britains best walks.
Kicking off the Lake District highest peaks…
1 & 2. SCAFELL PIKE & SCA FELL
Height: 978m & 964m
Location: Lake District – South West
These two impressive peaks are situated just a stones throw apart, Scafell Pike is marginally taller reaching 978m, winning the crown of England’s highest mountain. Scafell Pike attracts an abundance of adventurers looking to scale the wild and rocky crests which make this peak so popular. From the summit you can see as far as Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland and Snowdonia in Wales.
How long does it take to hike to Scafell Pike? Around 5 hours. There are two main routes your can take, Wasdales Head and Seathwaite in Borrowdale.
What is the walking distance to the peak of Scafell Pike? Depending on your route around 12km.
3. HELVELLYN
Height: 950m
Location: Lake District – North East
Helvellyn is the third highest point in the Lake District at 950m. This well-known peak was named England’s most popular fell-walk in 2018. From the highest point you will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Lake District. On a very clear day it is believed that you can see to the south-west of Scotland and the Pennines.
How long does it take to hike Helvellyn? On average around 3.5 hours.
What is the walking distance to the peak of Helvellyn? The shortest route is 3.5km from Thirlmere, for a longer route via Striding Edge the distance is 6.5km.
7. HELVELLYN LOWER MAN
Helvellyn Lower Man is a child summit of Helvellyn.
4 & 5. ILL CRAG & BROAD CRAG
Height: 935m & 934m
Location: Lake District – South West
Ill Crag and Broad Crag are the fourth and fifth highest peaks in England overlooking Eskdale. Ill Crag can be climbed en route to Scafell Pike, its rocky peak is a challenging and long climb and it is said be one of the finest ‘hard’ scrambles in the Lake District. “Ill Crags a favourite of Eric Shipton and Broad Stand being arguably the place where scrambling was born.”
How far is it to reach the peak of Ill Crag and Broad Crag? The recommended hiking route is around 13.5km with a lot of ascent and descent.
6. SKIDDAW
Height: 931m
Location: Lake District – North West
Skiddaw is the sixth highest mountain in the Lake District and is situated just north of the town of Keswick. Skiddaw dominates the skyline with its towering peaks, it is one of the best mountains to tackle if you are relatively new to hiking as there is a well-trodden tourist track.
How long does it take to hike Skiddaw? Depending on the route you take and your level of fitness, anywhere from a couple of hours to 5-6 hours.
How far is it to reach the peak of Skiddaw? The direct route from Millbeck is only 3.7km, some of the other paths are over 10km.
What is the easiest walking route? Jenkin Hill Path, you can even start at the higher car park on Gale Road.
8. GREAT END
Height: 910m
Location: Lake District – South West
The north face of Great End attracts many climbers and is a popular spot for wild camping. It is the most northerly mountain in the Scafell chain and the eighth highest in England. Great End is often reached by people who are mainly heading for Scafell Pike.
Where shall I begin the hike and what is the distance? The hike from Seathwaite to Great End is 12km.
9. BOWFELL
Height: 902m
Location: Lake District – South West
Bowfell is a pyramid shaped mountain in the heart of the Southern Fells, at 902m it is the ninth highest peak in the Lake District. Bowfell is popular hiking choice due to its straight forward climb to the top.
How long does it take to hike Bowfell? Around 6 hours.
What is the walking distance to the peak of Bowfell? From Great Langdale the route is around 12km.
10. GREAT GABEL
Height: 910m
Location: Lake District – South West
This dome shaped peak is the Lake Districts tenth highest mountain and one of Cumbrias most iconic landmarks. Standing tall above Wasdale, the view from the peak is spectacular. Most of the hiking routes are relatively short, however, you can extend your route to include Napes Needle for a longer outing.
How far is it to reach the peak of Great Gabel? The majority of short routes are around 3.5km
What is the best walking route? The Gillercomb route from Seathwaite is a convenient starting point and the route offers stunning views.
Have you hiked any of the Lake District highest peaks? Please leave a comment below with your favourite route.
