Discover the best ridge walks in Northern England. Explore routes in the Lake District, Peak District and beyond, from beginner to challenging.
Some hikes are all about the summit.
Ridge walks are different.
They’re about the journey between peaks—staying high, moving along exposed ground, and getting constant views the entire way. It’s less stop-start, more flow.
Across Northern England, there are ridges for every level—from wide, beginner-friendly paths to narrow, hands-on scrambles.
A ridge walk is a route that follows high ground between peaks.
Instead of heading up and back down again, you:
Some ridges are broad and easy. Others are narrow and exposed.
Exposure just means how close you are to steep drops—some ridges feel very open, while others are more relaxed.
You’re not just waiting for the summit—the views are constant.
You’re moving through the landscape, not just up and down.
Each section leads naturally into the next.
Peaks / Sections: Striding Edge → Helvellyn
Distance: 8–12km
Time: 4–6 hours Difficulty: Challenging
One of the most iconic ridge walks in the UK.
A narrow ridge with scrambling sections (using hands to climb and balance).
Dramatic views over Red Tarn and surrounding peaks.
Peaks / Sections: Sharp Edge → Blencathra
Distance: 7–10km
Time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
More intense than Striding Edge, with greater exposure.
A hands-on scramble along a narrow crest.
One of the most thrilling ridge experiences in England.
Peaks / Sections: Fairfield and surrounding ridge
Distance: 15–18km
Time: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
A long, sweeping ridge forming a full horseshoe.
Sustained ridge walking with gradual climbs and descents.
Wide views across multiple valleys and peaks.
Peaks / Sections: Mam Tor → Lose Hill
Distance: 6–10km
Time: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
One of the most accessible ridge walks in England.
Wide, well-defined paths with gentle gradients.
Rolling Peak District views along the entire ridge.
Peaks / Sections: Ingleborough and surrounding ridges
Distance: 10–14km
Time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Less exposed, more about open space and wide views.
Broad ridge walking across limestone and grassy terrain.
Panoramic Dales views in every direction.
Peaks / Sections: Cross Fell and surrounding ridge
Distance: 12–18km
Time: 5–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Huge, open ridge walking with a real sense of isolation.
Long, exposed sections across moorland (upland terrain with grass and peat).
Big skies and uninterrupted views.
Wind and visibility matter more on exposed ground.
Exposure can feel intense if you’re not used to it.
Especially on narrower sections.
Always plan based on your experience level.
Ridge walks aren’t just about reaching the top.
They’re about staying high, moving through the landscape, and making the journey itself the best part of the day.
Track your hikes, log your summits, and build your Northern England list with Peaky Baggers.
Photo by Amit Jagnade on Unsplash
