Beginner Wainwright Walks in The Lake District
Walking a Wainwright is a great way to explore the Lake District. You do not need to start with its highest or most demanding mountains.
Several smaller fells offer short routes, clear paths and rewarding views. They can be ideal for beginners, families and walkers who are building their confidence.
Below, we explain what Wainwrights are and look at three of the easiest walks. We have also included three of the hardest for more experienced hikers.
What are Wainwright walks?
The Wainwrights are 214 Lake District fells featured in Alfred Wainwright’s seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.
Many walkers try to reach every summit, an activity often known as “bagging the Wainwrights”. However, there is no need to complete the full list. Each fell can be enjoyed as a walk in its own right.
The difficulty of a Wainwright depends on more than its height. Distance, steep ground, loose rock, exposed ridges and poor weather can all make a route harder.
Three of the easiest Wainwright walks
There is no official easiest Wainwright. Routes also vary depending on where you start. However, these three are widely seen as good choices for beginners.
1. Latrigg (30-60 mins)
Latrigg stands above Keswick and reaches a height of 368 metres.
The easiest route starts from the small car park at the top of Gale Road. From here, walkers can follow a broad and mostly gentle path towards the viewpoint.
Part of this route is included in the Lake District National Park’s Miles Without Stiles collection. The summit area offers views over Keswick, Derwentwater and the surrounding mountains.
Latrigg is a good first Wainwright because the shorter route avoids a long, steep climb. There are no facilities at the starting point, so visitors should plan ahead.
2. Binsey (~60 mins)
Binsey is a quiet northern fell close to Bassenthwaite Lake. It reaches 447 metres but has a short and straightforward route from the road near Binsey Lodge.
A simple out-and-back walk is around 1.9 miles long, with roughly 190 metres of climbing. It can take about an hour, although walkers may want longer to enjoy the views.
The grassy path rises steadily towards a summit with a trig point, cairns and stone shelters. Despite its modest height, Binsey provides wide views across the northern Lake District.
The path can become wet or boggy after rain, so walking boots are still useful.
3. Hallin Fell (45-60 mins)
Hallin Fell stands beside Ullswater and reaches 388 metres.
The usual route starts near St Peter’s Church at Martindale. It is a short walk, but the climb is steeper than Latrigg or Binsey in places.
The summit is marked by a large stone obelisk. From the top, walkers can look across Ullswater and towards the surrounding Far Eastern Fells.
Hallin Fell is a popular beginner option because it offers a true summit experience without requiring a full day in the mountains. However, walkers should take care on the descent, particularly when the grass is wet.
Are easy Wainwrights suitable for everyone?
Even the easiest Wainwright walks involve uneven ground and changing weather.
Take suitable shoes, waterproof clothing, water and a map. Check the forecast before leaving and allow more time than you think you will need.
Walkers should also remember that mobile phone coverage can be limited in rural parts of the Lake District.
Three of the hardest Wainwright walks
Difficulty is subjective, and every mountain has several possible routes. The following are among the most demanding Wainwright days when climbed by their well-known routes.
They are not suitable for inexperienced walkers without the right skills, equipment and preparation.
1. Scafell Pike (5-7 hours)
At 978 metres, Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain and the tallest Wainwright.
Even the more direct routes involve a long, steep climb over rough and rocky ground. The summit plateau can be difficult to navigate in cloud, while weather conditions can change quickly.
The National Trust describes Scafell Pike as a tough hike involving steep and difficult terrain in every season.
A route from Seathwaite using the Corridor Route covers around 9.4 miles and includes approximately 970 metres of ascent.
Good fitness and navigation skills are essential.
2. Great Gable (4-6 hours)
Great Gable rises to 899 metres and dominates the landscape above Wasdale and Borrowdale.
Most approaches are steep, rocky and physically demanding. Routes can include loose stone, scrambling and sections where the path is difficult to follow.
The climb from Wasdale is shorter but very steep. Longer routes from Seathwaite pass Sty Head before tackling the upper mountain.
Some approaches around the Great Napes require scrambling skills and should only be attempted by suitably experienced walkers.
3. Helvellyn via Striding Edge (5-6 hours)
Helvellyn is 950 metres high and is England’s third-highest mountain.
The mountain can be reached by less exposed routes, but the famous climb from Glenridding via Striding Edge is among the Lake District’s most serious popular walks.
Striding Edge is a narrow and exposed ridge. Walkers must use their hands in places and deal with steep drops. The return over Swirral Edge adds another rocky ridge and a demanding descent.
The Ramblers describes the Striding Edge route as challenging and stresses the need to choose calm, clear weather and carry suitable equipment.
Anyone who is uncomfortable with exposure or scrambling should choose another route.
Choosing your first Wainwright
Latrigg, Binsey and Hallin Fell are sensible places to begin. Each gives walkers a taste of the Lake District fells without the distance or technical terrain found on higher mountains.
Start with good weather and give yourself plenty of time. As your fitness, navigation and confidence improve, you can move towards longer and higher routes.
Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Helvellyn via Striding Edge should come much later. These walks demand experience, preparation and sound judgement, even during summer.
