Bag 3 Wainwrights in One Day: The High Street Ridge Route

Why This Trio Is a Wainwright Bagging Favourite

If you’re looking to hit three summits in one go without overly taxing terrain, this High Street ridge route is ideal. Starting from Troutbeck or the top of the Kirkstone Pass, this well-defined route takes in three of the Lake District’s finest grassy fells: Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke.

It’s a great choice for a spring or autumn walk, with long views, clear paths, and just enough challenge to feel like a proper mountain day. The ridge is open and scenic, but the going underfoot is relatively steady, making this one of the most accessible multi-Wainwright hikes in the Eastern Fells.

Route Snapshot

• Wainwrights Ticked Off:
  
  Froswick (720m)
  
  Ill Bell (757m)
  
  Yoke (706m)
  
  
• Distance: 10–12 km (depending on route start)
  
  
• Total Ascent: Approx. 750–850m
  
  
• Time Required: 4.5–5.5 hours
  
  
• Start/End Point: Troutbeck (Church Bridge) or Garburn Road
  
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
  
• Best Map: OS Explorer OL7 – South-Eastern Area
  
  

Summit-by-Summit Breakdown

Froswick (720m)

Froswick sits neatly between Ill Bell and Thornthwaite Crag on the High Street range. While less dramatic than its neighbours, it’s a fine ridge-top summit with sweeping views across the Kentmere valley.

What makes it great:

• First (or second) summit on the ridge depending on direction
  
  
• Clear ridge path with little technical difficulty
  
  
• Feels remote and high despite being easily accessible
  
  

Ill Bell (757m)

The highest and most distinctive of the three. Ill Bell’s summit is marked by three impressive cairns which make it one of the most photogenic tops in the area. On a clear day, you can see down to Windermere and out toward the Fairfield range.

Why it’s a highlight:

• Broad summit with layered views
  
  
• Dramatic cairns ideal for summit shots
  
  
• Light changes beautifully across the ridgeline
  
  

Yoke (706m)

Rounding out the day is Yoke, a long, gentle ridge-top with wide views over the Troutbeck valley and across to Red Screes. It’s a mellow final summit that lets you descend at an easy pace and reflect on the walk.

Why it’s worth including:

• A peaceful, grassy summit with big sky feels
  
  
• Often quieter than the central fells
  
  
• Excellent views down into the Troutbeck valley
  
  

Full Route Description: Ridge Loop from Troutbeck

1. Start in Troutbeck and head up via the Garburn Road, an old packhorse route. This brings you steadily up to the saddle below Yoke.
   
   
2. Climb to Yoke first and continue along the broad, grassy ridge to Ill Bell.
   
   
3. After taking in the views, continue north to Froswick.
   
   
4. You can either return the way you came (out-and-back ridge walk), or drop down into the Troutbeck valley from the saddle between Froswick and Ill Bell for a longer loop.
   
   
5. Finish the day back in Troutbeck or add an extra summit (Thornthwaite Crag) if time and energy allow.
   
   

Navigation and Safety

• The ridge is easy to follow in good weather, but can feel featureless in mist—always bring a map and compass.
  
  
• Wind exposure is common on the ridge; check the forecast before committing.
  
  
• There is no water or shelter along the ridge, so bring everything you need.
  
  

What to Bring

• OS Explorer Map OL7
  
  
• Water and snacks (no resupply points)
  
  
• Windproof and waterproof layers
  
  
• GPS or compass for low visibility
  
  
• Camera or phone for summit shots (Ill Bell’s cairns are iconic)
  
  

Nearby Pubs and Refreshments

• The Queen’s Head in Troutbeck – great food and a well-earned pint
  
  
• Kirkstone Pass Inn – if starting from the top of the pass
  
  
• The Post Office Tearooms in Troutbeck – perfect for coffee and cake
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Froswick – Ill Bell – Yoke route is a superb option for hikers wanting a straightforward yet scenic multi-Wainwright walk. It’s less busy than Helvellyn or Fairfield, but just as rewarding — and perfect for those building confidence on longer ridge routes.

Whether you’re aiming to tick off all 214 or just after a memorable day on the fells, this ridge trio should absolutely be on your list.

You can track your route, log your Wainwrights, and save your summit photos with the Peaky Baggers app — your ultimate companion for peak days like this one.

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Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash