The Lake District National Park is home to ten of the highest mountains in England. Boasting lofty peaks and stunning lakes, the area is the perfect location for walking and climbing. Whether you are an experienced climber or looking for a challenging walk, there are plenty of mountains and fells to choose from.
How many fells are there in the Lake District?
In his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Alfred Wainwright described 214 fells, with lots of walkers setting their sites on tackling them all! List of Wainwright’s ranks the mountains by height, meaning you can work your way from biggest to smallest, or just pick your favourites. So, if you’re looking for a challenging walk with stunning views, the Lake District National Park is the perfect place. Here is your guide to the lakes, and our top six Lake District Mountain picks…
Scafell Pike
At 3210ft above sea level, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. Surrounded by peaks, the views on the climb are incredible. Scafell Pike has many well-trodden routes, with some grade 1 and grade 2 scrambles, others are just fine mountain walks to be enjoyed at your own pace. You can start the walk at Wasdale Head, at the Wasdale Head Inn.
Starting point: Wasdale Head, Southern Lake District
Ascent: 978m (3210ft)
Estimated time: 5 hours
Scafell
Scafell Pike’s smaller neighbour Scafell sits at 3162ft and is the second-highest mountain in England. Scafell is separated from Scafell Pike by a nature feature called Mickledore. Despite its slightly smaller size, Scafell still has dramatic landscapes and spectacular views.
Starting point: Wastwater, Southern Lake District
Ascent: 964m (3162ft)
Estimated time: 5 hours
Helvellyn
Helvellyn is the tallest peak in a range of the same name, and the third highest mountain in England. However, unlike the Scafell mountains, Helvellyn is easier for walkers to ascend with access paths all around. Originally formed by volcanic activity, Helvellyn sits at 3117ft and is surrounded by three massive coves. Boasting spectacular views, it’s no surprise Helvellyn is one of the most popular mountains in the Lake District. The rugged landscape and will take your breath away.
Starting point: Central to the Lake District National Park
Ascent: 950m (3117ft)
Estimated time: 4/ 5 hours
Skiddaw
The aesthetic of Skiddaw is considered as the perfect mountain, with slopes drenched in bracken, grass, heather, and scree, Skiddaw offers walkers unrestricted views from its summit. There are several different routes walkers can take to reach the Skiddaw summit, however the most popular is is by taking the Jenkin Hill Path. This route was established as a pony route for Victorian tourists and still attracts thousands of tourists each year. Skiddaw is not as rugged as looking visually as some of the other mountains in the Lake District but still holds some special qualities.
Starting point: Keswick, Northern Lake District
Ascent: 931m (3053ft)
Estimated time: 6/ 7 hours
Bowfell
At 2960ft, Bowfell is the fifth-highest Lake District mountain. Set in a wonderful position at the head of the Langdale Valley. Bowfell is the perfect walk if you’re looking for a lovely day out in the Lake District.
Starting point: Bowfell via the Band
Ascent: 902m (2960ft)
Estimated time: 6 hours
Great Gable
Great Gable lies in the heart of the Lake District and offers some of the best panoramic views from its rocky summit. Starting at Honister Pass, walkers will work their way through complex, high-level terrain to Beck Head. The walk is a challenging and rewarding day out, offering spectacular views and excellent rock terrains.
Starting point: Honister Pass
Ascent: 898m (2949ft)
Estimated time: 5/ 6 hours
What you need to know about the Lake District Mountains
Whether you’re a novice walker or an experienced hiker, the Lake District Mountains is the perfect day out to soak up stunning views and rocky landscapes. There are plenty of visitor centres dotted around the Lake District to help you with directions or just to offer your a friendly face on your walk.
The Lake District is home to a wealth of lakes and villages where you can enjoy some food and drink. Lake Windermere offers stunning views with plenty of activities and places to eat and drink.
The best time to visit the Lake District is May – September when walkers can benefit from milder weather.
List of Lake District Mountains
There are a number of lakeland fells and mountains:
| Fell | Ht (feet) | Ht (metres) | Grid Ref |
| Scafell Pike | 3210 | 978 | NY 215072 |
| Scafell | 3162 | 963 | NY 207064 |
| Helvellyn | 3117 | 950 | NY 341151 |
| Skiddaw | 3054 | 930 | NY 261291 |
| Bowfell | 2960 | 902 | NY 245064 |
| Great Gable | 2949 | 898 | NY 211103 |
| Pillar | 2927 | 892 | NY 171121 |
| Fairfield | 2863 | 872 | NY 358117 |
| Blencathra | 2847 | 867 | NY 323277 |
| Crinkle Crags | 2816 | 858 | NY 248049 |
| High Street | 2718 | 828 | NY 441111 |
| Steeple | 2687 | 818 | NY 157117 |
| High Stile | 2644 | 806 | NY 169147 |
| Coniston Old Man | 2635 | 803 | SD 272978 |
| Grisedale Pike | 2593 | 790 | NY 198225 |
| Glaramara | 2560 | 780 | NY 247105 |
| Dow Crag | 2553 | 778 | SD 263978 |
| Red Screes | 2547 | 776 | NY 396088 |
| Wetherlam | 2502 | 762 | NY 288011 |
| Red Pike (Buttermere) | 2479 | 755 | NY 160154 |
| Robinson | 2417 | 736 | NY 202168 |
| Harrison Stickle | 2403 | 732 | NY 282074 |
| Harter Fell | 2129 | 649 | SD 219997 |
| Causey Pike | 2035 | 620 | NY 217209 |
| Haystacks | 1959 | 597 | NY 194132 |
| Lingmoor | 1530 | 466 | NY 327093 |
| Catbells | 1481 | 451 | NY 244199 |
| Helm Crag | 1299 | 396 | NY 327093 |
| Walla Crag | 1234 | 376 | NY 277213 |
| Loughrigg Fell | 1101 | 336 | NY 347051 |
| Castle Crag | 980 | 299 | NY 249159 |