Thinking about bagging your first Wainwright? Trust me, you’re about to fall in love with the Lake District’s hills.
The best part? You don’t need to start with anything too hardcore — there are plenty of beginner-friendly Wainwrights that offer stunning views without needing ropes, helmets, or a six-hour slog.
There are 214 Wainwrights in total, all featured in Alfred Wainwright’s legendary guidebooks. Some are challenging, sure, but many are perfect if you’re just starting your peak-bagging journey.
Here are 10 top Wainwrights that are ideal for first-time summit seekers — shortish walks, clear trails, and views that will have you hooked for life.
🏔️ 1.
Cat Bells
- Height: 451 metres (1,480 feet)
- Location: Borrowdale, near Keswick
- Estimated Time to Climb: 2–3 hours round trip
- Terrain: Well-defined path with some short, easy scrambles.
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Cat Bells looks dramatic but it’s actually one of the most accessible fells — you get “proper mountain” vibes without technical climbing.
- Top Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to dodge the crowds (it’s very popular for good reason!).
🏔️ 2.
Loughrigg Fell
- Height: 335 metres (1,099 feet)
- Location: Near Ambleside and Grasmere
- Estimated Time to Climb: 2–3 hours round trip
- Terrain: Mixture of woodland paths, open fell, and a few rocky steps.
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Short and sweet — plus, the views over Grasmere and Rydal Water are next-level beautiful for the effort you put in.
- Top Tip: Combine it with a loop around Rydal Water for an extended adventure!
🏔️ 3.
Hallin Fell
- Height: 388 metres (1,273 feet)
- Location: Eastern Lake District, near Ullswater
- Estimated Time to Climb: 1–1.5 hours round trip
- Terrain: Gentle grassy slopes with a short, steeper final climb.
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Hallin Fell is one of the shortest and easiest Wainwrights — perfect for young families or first-time walkers.
- Top Tip: Make it a full day out by pairing it with a boat trip on Ullswater!
🏔️ 4.
Helm Crag (“The Lion and the Lamb”)
- Height: 405 metres (1,329 feet)
- Location: Grasmere
- Estimated Time to Climb: 2–3 hours round trip
- Terrain: Well-marked, steepish paths with fun rocky features at the top.
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Helm Crag is famous for its rocky summit sculptures that look like a lion and a lamb — it’s a fun climb with iconic Lake District character.
- Top Tip: Don’t try to scramble the summit rocks unless you’re confident — the true summit is a tricky little scramble!
🏔️ 5.
Wansfell Pike
- Height: 482 metres (1,581 feet)
- Location: Near Ambleside
- Estimated Time to Climb: 2–3 hours round trip
- Terrain: Steady stone-pitched paths and grassy slopes.
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Super accessible right from the town of Ambleside — a great fell if you’re short on time but still want a proper summit buzz.
- Top Tip: On a clear day, you’ll spot Windermere, Coniston, and even glimpses of the Pennines!
🏔️ 6.
Orrest Head
- Height: 239 metres (784 feet)
- Location: Windermere
- Estimated Time to Climb: 1–1.5 hours round trip
- Terrain: Tarmac and gravel path winding steadily uphill.
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Orrest Head was actually Wainwright’s first view of the Lakes — it’s low effort, maximum reward.
- Top Tip: Great choice if you’re arriving by train at Windermere — no car needed.
🏔️ 7.
Binsey
- Height: 447 metres (1,467 feet)
- Location: Northern Fells
- Estimated Time to Climb: 1.5–2 hours round trip
- Terrain: Grassy tracks and easy open moorland.
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Binsey feels remote but it’s super gentle — you get amazing 360-degree views without heavy climbing.
- Top Tip: Amazing for sunset if you fancy a chill evening hike.
🏔️ 8.
Gowbarrow Fell
- Height: 481 metres (1,578 feet)
- Location: Near Ullswater
- Estimated Time to Climb: 2–3 hours round trip
- Terrain: Varied — forest trails, open fell, and some rocky bits.
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: You can link it with a visit to Aira Force waterfall — one of the prettiest waterfall walks in the Lakes.
- Top Tip: Take the slightly longer loop route for the best lake views.
🏔️ 9.
Silver How
- Height: 395 metres (1,296 feet)
- Location: Grasmere
- Estimated Time to Climb: 2–2.5 hours round trip
- Terrain: Woodland paths, rocky sections, and open fell.
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Silver How delivers that “big mountain feel” with a very manageable effort level — a local’s favourite.
- Top Tip: Reward yourself with tea and cake back in Grasmere village afterwards — highly recommended!
🏔️ 10.
Latrigg
- Height: 368 metres (1,207 feet)
- Location: Near Keswick
- Estimated Time to Climb: 1.5–2 hours round trip
- Terrain: Grassy tracks, smooth paths; very accessible.
- Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Latrigg has one of the best panoramic views over Keswick and Derwentwater, and you can even drive most of the way up if needed.
- Top Tip: Perfect for a short hike after a lazy morning — especially gorgeous at sunset.
🥾 Quick Recap: Essential Kit for Your First Wainwrights
Make sure you bring:
- Proper hiking boots or grippy trail shoes
- Waterproof jacket (always, even if it looks sunny)
- Water and snacks (flapjacks = elite hiking food)
- Paper map (OS Maps OL4/OL5) or offline route download
- A warm layer + hat and gloves (yep, even in summer sometimes!)
🏁 Conclusion
Bagging your first few Wainwrights is where the real hiking addiction begins.
Each summit — whether it’s 200 metres or 900 — is a story, an adventure, and a step into one of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
Pick one from this list, plan your adventure, and go for it.
You’ll be standing on top of the world (or at least it’ll feel like it) before you know it! 🌄🥾
Already bagged a few? Let me know your favourite beginner Wainwright in the comments — I’m always looking for more local tips!
📌 Bonus Tip
Want an easy starter plan?
Do Orrest Head + Cat Bells in the same weekend — two amazing views, two very different vibes, and total beginner legends’ status unlocked. 🏆
Photo credit: James Qualtrough
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