You don’t need to hike all day or scramble up knife-edge ridges to experience the best of the Lake District.
In fact, some of the most stunning views in Cumbria come from peaks you can bag in a few hours — no rope, no drama, just big skies and a proper summit moment.
Whether you’re new to hiking, easing back into the hills, or just fancy a scenic leg-stretch with max reward for minimal effort, these Lake District fells are low on difficulty, high on vibes.
Here’s your ultimate list of easy Wainwrights with incredible views to kickstart your peak bagging journey.
🏞️ 1.
Orrest Head
- Height: 239m (784ft)
- Location: Windermere
- Walk Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Why It’s Easy: Smooth, well-maintained path straight from the town centre
- Why It’s Incredible: It was Alfred Wainwright’s first view of the Lakes — and you’ll quickly see why. Panoramic views across Windermere to the central fells in under an hour.
- Top Tip: Ideal if you’re arriving by train — no car needed, and there’s a café waiting for you back in town.
🏔️ 2.
Cat Bells
- Height: 451m (1,480ft)
- Location: Near Keswick
- Walk Time: 2–3 hours
- Route Type: Circular or out-and-back
- Why It’s Easy: Short climb with a well-defined path and some optional mini-scrambles (easily avoided if needed)
- Why It’s Incredible: One of the most iconic views in the Lakes — think Derwentwater, Skiddaw, and a real sense of being “in” the mountains
- Top Tip: Go early to avoid the crowds (it’s popular for a reason!) and consider the Borrowdale launch for a scenic boat-return option.
🌿 3.
Loughrigg Fell
- Height: 335m (1,099ft)
- Location: Near Ambleside / Rydal
- Walk Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Route Type: Circular
- Why It’s Easy: Mostly gentle climbs with stone steps and clear trails
- Why It’s Incredible: You’ll get views of Grasmere, Rydal Water, and Windermere — all from one summit. Sunset here is unreal.
- Top Tip: For a quieter ascent, approach from Loughrigg Terrace (above Rydal Water) rather than the Ambleside side.
🌄 4.
Hallin Fell
- Height: 388m (1,273ft)
- Location: Ullswater (Martindale side)
- Walk Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Route Type: Out-and-back or mini-loop
- Why It’s Easy: Possibly the shortest Wainwright of all — very little effort for a proper cairn-top summit
- Why It’s Incredible: Sweeping views across Ullswater and the eastern fells — it feels remote but is very accessible
- Top Tip: Pair it with a trip on the Ullswater Steamer for one of the best-value adventure days in the Lakes.
🧭 5.
Wansfell Pike
- Height: 482m (1,581ft)
- Location: Ambleside
- Walk Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Route Type: Out-and-back (or extend to Troutbeck for a loop)
- Why It’s Easy: Stone-pitched path from Ambleside town — steady incline, very doable
- Why It’s Incredible: Epic views over Windermere and a proper “I climbed a thing” summit feel
- Top Tip: Reward yourself with coffee and cake at The Apple Pie Bakery when you get back down. Non-negotiable.
🌅 6.
Latrigg
- Height: 368m (1,207ft)
- Location: Keswick
- Walk Time: 1.5–2 hours (or less if you start high!)
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Why It’s Easy: There’s a car park at Gale Road that cuts out most of the climb — ideal for young kids, dogs, or gentle days
- Why It’s Incredible: One of the best “effortless” views in the Lakes, looking down on Keswick and across Derwentwater to Cat Bells and the Newlands fells
- Top Tip: Great for sunrise or sunset — bring a flask and enjoy golden-hour magic.
🌺 7.
Silver How
- Height: 395m (1,296ft)
- Location: Grasmere
- Walk Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Route Type: Circular
- Why It’s Easy: Steady ascent from Grasmere with grassy terrain and mellow vibes
- Why It’s Incredible: Classic Lakeland feel with less foot traffic than nearby Loughrigg — and views over Grasmere that’ll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes
- Top Tip: Combine with a loop around Grasmere lake for a full, scenic half-day.
🥾 Quick Tips for Easy Peak Days in the Lakes
- Check the forecast — even low peaks can get moody
- Pack smart — water, snacks, map, waterproofs
- Start early — better light, quieter trails
- Layer up — the wind on top will catch you off guard
- Don’t rush — the joy of these fells is soaking it all in
🎒 And yes, even on “easy” fells, proper footwear = good idea.
📱 Track Your Wainwrights (Without a Spreadsheet)
If you’re planning to bag more of these beauties, why not track your progress with the Peaky Baggers app?
✔️ Tick off summits
✔️ View your map and stats
✔️ Find your next fell
✔️ Works offline, even in the middle of Borrowdale
No pens, no spreadsheets — just peak bagging made simple.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Lake District is full of towering ridges and big-mountain energy — but some of its best adventures happen on the smaller stuff.
These easy Wainwrights prove you don’t need to push your limits to feel like you’ve earned the view.
So whether you’re just starting out or looking for a relaxed leg-stretcher, these peaks deliver the goods — summit vibes guaranteed.
Which one will you bag first?
Tag your walk with #PeakyBaggers — I’d love to see your summit snacks and smiling dogs.
Photo credit: Jonny Gios
.png)
