Rugged Ridges, Quiet Valleys & Classic Lakeland Vibes
If you’re craving dramatic ridges and tranquil lakes without the crowds, the Western Fells are your go-to. Nestled between Buttermere, Wasdale, and Ennerdale, this less-trodden corner of the Lakes delivers granite peaks, steep valleys, and unforgettable days on the fells.
Ideal for adventurous day walkers and Wainwright chasers alike, these routes offer a mix of half-day challenges and full ridge missions. Pack your boots and let’s explore the best walks in this wild corner of Cumbria.
1. High Stile Ridge from Buttermere
- Peaks: Red Pike (826 m), High Stile (807 m), High Crag (744 m)
- Distance & Time: ~13 km / 5–6 hours
- Start Point: Buttermere village
- Route Type: Linear ridge walk
- Why It’s Great: Classic skyline with sweeping views of Crummock and Buttermere lakes
- Top Tip: Go clockwise to tackle the steepest sections first, then enjoy a gentler descent
2. Pillar via High Level Route – Wasdale Head
- Peak: Pillar (892 m)
- Distance & Time: ~15 km / 6–7 hours
- Start Point: National Trust car park, Wasdale Head
- Route Type: Ridge loop
- Why It’s Great: Airy traverse with craggy Pinnacle Ridge, minimal traffic
- Top Tip: Best in summer—trail can be boggy in wetter months
3. Haystacks from Honister (or Buttermere)
- Peaks: Haystacks (597 m), with nearby peaks optional
- Distance & Time: ~10 km / 4–5 hours
- Start Point: Honister Pass car park or Buttermere
- Route Type: Loop
- Why It’s Great: A personal favourite of Wainwright—rocky summit, high views, cosy lakeside finish
- Top Tip: If parking is full, start from Buttermere and include Fleetwith Pike
4. Great Gable via Green Gable & Windy Gap
- Peaks: Great Gable (899 m), Green Gable (801 m)
- Distance & Time: ~10 km / 5–6 hours
- Start Point: Wasdale Head or Sty Head
- Route Type: Ridge ascent
- Why It’s Great: Iconic fell with dramatic summit views and climbing heritage
- Top Tip: Use Sty Head pass for more route options and transport links
5. Mellbreak from Loweswater
- Peak: Mellbreak (512 m)
- Distance & Time: ~6 km / 3–4 hours
- Start Point: Loweswater car park
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Why It’s Great: Petite but steep—great intro to the fells with peaceful lake outlooks
- Top Tip: Head on a weekday for near solitude
6. Caw Fell & Haycock from Ennerdale
- Peaks: Caw Fell (697 m), Haycock (797 m)
- Distance & Time: ~12 km / 5–6 hours
- Start Point: Ennerdale Bridge
- Route Type: Ridge circuit
- Why It’s Great: Remote, rugged, and rarely crowded—super quiet terrain
- Top Tip: Pick up a grid-ref map or GPS—paths here are often faint
7. Fleetwith Pike via Warnscale Bottom
- Peak: Fleetwith Pike (648 m)
- Distance & Time: ~7 km / 3–4 hours
- Start Point: Warnscale Bottom car park
- Route Type: Out-and-back
- Why It’s Great: Rare gem—towering summit, high drama with minimal effort
- Top Tip: Be ready for steep sections—great camera angle early in the morning light
Final Thoughts
The Western Fells offer classic Lakeland scenery with a quieter, more rugged edge. Whether you’re in it for ridge drama or lakeside solitude, these walks hit golden middle ground: big views, fewer crowds, and day hikes you’ll remember.
Photo by Amit Jagnade on Unsplash
