Mountains in the Lake District National Park

Mountains in the Lake District National Park

Over 16 million people flock to the Lake District in England each year. Many of them attempt to climb some of the highest mountains in the Lake District National Park.

Mountains in the Lake District National Park

Not only famous for its beautiful lakes, Cumbria is also home to the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike at 3,209 feet.

From easy hikes to difficult climbs, the Lake District Mountains offer plenty of opportunity for visitors of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy a day out in the countryside.

Grasmoor is situated in the north of the Lake District near Keswick and is 2,800 feet high. This is the highest mountain between Buttermere, Braithwaite and Lorton, and towers over Crummock Water.

Skiddaw is situated close to Keswick and is over 2,800ft in height.

The Lake District is the birthplace of rock climbing in England, and is one of the country´s best known locations for taking a course in scaling the heights of some incredible mountains.

Many traditional climbs take place on mountain crags, with dozens of smaller outcrops. The Lake District is easy to get to from most parts of the UK, with excellent transport links to Penrith and Windermere, with the M6 passing closeby.

Climbers can always be assured of stunning views, and many rock climbing courses are offered in the central lakes, making Ambleside or Langdale a perfect base. Keswick, Ullswater and Langdale are also great places to stay if planning a rock climbing excursion, as even if the weather is bad, Cumbria has plenty of sandstone and limestone outcrops ringing the edge of the fells. It is usually possible to get good climbing in, even if the weather is generally poor.

A wonderful mountain walk is to Great Gable from Wasdale Head. The summit is instantly recognisable and resembles a rounded bun at the top. Mist can quickly descend on the mountain, making it dangerous, and you should save your ascent for one of the sunny days when you can see Lakeland, Lancashire and Yorkshire from the top.

The strong walls in the bottom of the valley were built during the 18th and 19th centuries to enclose the moorland and provide shelter for sheep. Excess stone was gathered into large mounds and can still be seen today.

If you embark on this walk, take your time to go into the small church of St Olaf, which is set in a circle of large trees and at only 12m by 5m is one of the smallest churches in the UK. The building has three windows, one of them a memorial to Queen Victoria.

From the corner of the car park, explore the walled track in the direction of St Olaf´s, and stroll on to Burnthwaite Farm. Follow the arrows through the farmyard and beyond, then turn right along a grassy route to a gate. From here you can enjoy stunning views, along a trail which was once used to transport slate from Dubs Quarry to Ravenglass.

Whatever your levels of fitness, there are hundreds of Lake District walks and climbs available. Visit a tourist information centre to find out about trails, walks and climbs near you.

If you are planning to climb mountains in the Lake District National Park, book into a luxury Windermere spa suite and make the most of your stay?

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