Because One Wainwright Just Isn’t Enough
There’s something especially satisfying about ticking off a string of summits in one big loop. Whether you’re chasing the full 214 Wainwrights or just fancy a proper day on the ridges, the Lake District is full of routes that link multiple peaks into one seamless hike.
From classic horseshoes to low-key loops, these multi-summit adventures deliver maximum reward for your time on the trail. Here’s our pick of the best days out where you can bag a bunch of tops — without feeling like you’re on a treadmill.
1. Fairfield Horseshoe – Eastern Fells
- Peaks Bagged: Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, Low Pike
- Distance: ~16km
- Time: 6–8 hours
- Why it’s great: A Lake District classic that strings together eight Wainwrights in a satisfying loop
- Top Tip: Go clockwise for a gradual ascent and a killer ridge finish
2. Coledale Round – North Western Fells
- Peaks Bagged: Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags, Causey Pike (optional: Outerside, Barrow)
- Distance: ~17km
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Why it’s great: Big sky walking above a sweeping glacial valley — drama without the crowds
- Top Tip: Start early to nab parking in Braithwaite and enjoy golden hour on the ridge
3. Newlands Round – North Western Fells
- Peaks Bagged: Catbells, Maiden Moor, High Spy, Dale Head, Hindscarth, Robinson
- Distance: ~14km
- Time: 5.5–7 hours
- Why it’s great: A smoother-than-it-looks rollercoaster over the Newlands Valley — full-on views all day
- Top Tip: Finish with a pint in Littletown or Buttermere if you shuttle transport
4. Langdale Pikes & High Raise – Central Fells
- Peaks Bagged: Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag, Thunacar Knott, High Raise
- Distance: ~13km
- Time: 5–6.5 hours
- Why it’s great: Iconic rock architecture meets panoramic plateaus
- Top Tip: Best started from Stickle Ghyll — but quieter if approached via Mickleden
5. High Street Circuit – Far Eastern Fells
- Peaks Bagged: High Street, Mardale Ill Bell, Harter Fell, Kentmere Pike (more if extended)
- Distance: ~16km
- Time: 6–8 hours
- Why it’s great: Ancient Roman roads and remote-feeling ridges
- Top Tip: Parking is limited at Mardale Head — get in early or cycle in from Haweswater
6. Helvellyn Edges + Catstycam Loop – Eastern Fells
- Peaks Bagged: Birkhouse Moor, Striding Edge, Helvellyn, Swirral Edge, Catstycam
- Distance: ~11km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Why it’s great: Exhilarating scrambles plus a bonus summit
- Top Tip: Only attempt in good weather — Striding Edge is no joke in the wind
7. Whinlatter Fells Round – North Western Fells
- Peaks Bagged: Barf, Lord’s Seat, Broom Fell, Whinlatter
- Distance: ~10km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Why it’s great: Underrated loop through forest and open fell with surprisingly good views
- Top Tip: Great for quieter days or shoulder season walks when higher peaks are wild
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to make a dent in your Wainwright tally — or just love a big day with big variety — these multi-summit routes are the way to go. You’ll climb more, see more, and come away feeling like you’ve properly walked the Lakes.
Photo by James Armes on Unsplash
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