couple walking in the lake district

Classic Walks

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Walks

About Classic Walks

As many of our visitors come to the area for walking holiday in the Lake District, we list below some of the classic mountain walks, with an approximate time from the start point from Park Cliffe by car, and brief general information about the route. Please refer to the relevant OS map for detailed planning. All times given are approximations – they will vary according to ability, conditions and traffic. We recommend you leave details of your route with someone, or at reception and that you check weather conditions before setting off. For all mountain walks, even in summer, we recommend that you have the following with you:

  • Waterproof/windproof jacket
  • Sturdy boots with ankle protection (not trainers)
  • Hat and gloves (even in summer it can be cold on the tops) and spare warm clothing.
  • Food and drink
  • Compass
  • Whistle
  • Ordnance survey map

Helvellyn (3116ft) Ascent from Glenridding:
This is the classic ascent via Striding Edge.
Starting point: Glenridding Car Park (386 170)
OS map: OL5
We suggest a circular walk, returning via Dollywaggon Pike, and Lantry’s tarn. Allow 6 hours walking. From Park Cliffe, take the A592 to Bowness on Windermere, and at the mini roundabout in Bowness, take first left to Ambleside. At the next roundabout, straight over, signposted Glenridding and Ullswater. It will take about 45 minutes from Park Cliffe by car to the start point.
Ascent from Thirlmere:
This is a more direct (and consequently steeper) route. Allow 5 hours walking. Starting point: Wythburn Car Park (326 135) OS map: OL5

From Park Cliffe, take the A592 to Bowness on Windermere, and at the mini roundabout in Bowness, take first left to Ambleside. At the next roundabout, go left, continue through Ambleside and Grasmere, and as Thirlmere Lake becomes visible on your left, look out for Wythburn Car Park on the right.
It will take about 40 minutes from Park Cliffe by car to the start point.

Scafell Pike (3206ft) The highest mountain in England.
Ascent from Seatoller:
Via the corridor route, return via Esk Hause. Allow 6 hours walking.
Starting Point: Seathwaite (GR 235 122) limited parking along the road verge leading to the hamlet.
OS map: OL 4 and 6

From Park Cliffe, take the A592 to Bowness on Windermere, and at the mini roundabout in Bowness, take
first left to Ambleside. At the next roundabout, go left; continue through Ambleside and Grasmere to Keswick.
From Keswick, take the B5289 in the direction of Rosthwaite, and park on the roadside leading to the hamlet
of Seathwaite. It will take about 90 minutes from Park Cliffe by car to the start point.

Coniston Old Man (2631 ft)
We suggest a circuit taking returning via Swirl How and Wetherlam. Allow 6 hours walking. An alternative is to descend via Dow Crag and the Walna Scar road.
Starting point: Coniston (302 976) There is a car park in the centre of the village. OS map: OL6

From Park Cliffe, go right on the A 592 and take the car ferry across the lake (approx £4.50 for car and passengers). Or, go left on the A592 to Newby Bridge, and then turn right at the roundabout in the direction of Barrow. At Greenodd, take the A5092 and A5084 to Coniston village.
It will take about 60 minutes from Park Cliffe by car to the start point.

Bowfell (2960ft) and Crinkle Crags (2816ft)
A classic Lakeland walk. Allow 6 ½ hours walking.
Starting point: Old Dungeon Gill Hotel (286 061) Car park next to the hotel – turn right from the car park and
look for a track to Stool End Farm. OS map: OL6

From Park Cliffe, take the A592 to Bowness on Windermere, and at the mini roundabout in Bowness, take first left to Ambleside. Do not go in to Ambleside, but follow signs to Skelwith Bridge (A593) and from there to Langdale (B5343).
It will take about 75 minutes from Park Cliffe by car to the start point.

The Fairfield Horseshoe (Fairfield 2863ft)
A classic circular walk, taking in High Pike, Dove Crag, Fairfield, Great Rigg and Heron Pike. Allow 6 ½ hours walking (10 ½ miles).
Starting point: Ambleside village (376 046) several car parks in the village. From the centre, walk up North Road, past the Unicorn pub, and look for signs to High Sweden Bridge. OS map: OL7 and 5
From Park Cliffe, take the A592 to Bowness on Windermere, and at the mini roundabout in Bowness, take first left to Ambleside.
It will take about 25 minutes from Park Cliffe by car to the start point.

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