The Lake District is home to England’s highest peaks, offering dramatic landscapes and challenging climbs. The mountains (or fells as they are known) here have inspired generations of walkers, climbers, and writers, including Alfred Wainwright, whose guidebooks have become essential reading for hillwalkers.
It is worth noting there are various ways of measuring and categorising these mountains. Some references list only the peaks classified as “Wainwrights”, others look only at the absolute height above sea level and others take into account the relative height of the peaks compared to the surrounding topography.
In this article we adhere most closely to the latter and include only mountains that are classed as “Marilyns”. These peaks are required to have a relative height to their surrounds of over 150 metres (about 500 feet). This makes sense as it identifies individual fells rather than a series of peaks that are clustered together.
Here are the ten highest fells in the Lake District.
Scafell Pike – 978m (3,209 ft)
As the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike is a mecca for walkers aiming to reach its rocky summit. The ascent is steep and rugged, with routes from Wasdale, Borrowdale, and Langdale all providing different challenges.
The terrain becomes increasingly rough near the top, with a boulder field covering the summit plateau. But we would say the effort required to reach the summit is incredibly rewarding. The views stretch across the Lake District and, on clear days, you can see as far as Snowdonia, the Isle of Man, and even Scotland.
Scafell Pike is also part of the National Three Peaks Challenge, making it a popular climb for those looking to conquer the highest peaks of England, Scotland, and Wales in one go.
Helvellyn – 950m (3,117 ft)
Helvellyn is well-known for its dramatic ridges – Striding Edge and Swirral Edge – which offer stunning scenery for experienced walkers.
The most popular route begins in Patterdale and ascends via Striding Edge, a narrow and exposed ridge with steep drops on either side. While it requires careful footing, it provides an exhilarating approach to the summit.
The broad, flat top of Helvellyn often holds snow well into spring, and the views from the summit are spectacular, taking in Ullswater, Thirlmere, and the Pennines on clear days. An alternative route from Thirlmere offers a gentler but longer ascent, while avoiding the exposed ridges.
Skiddaw – 931m (3,054 ft)
Standing proudly above the town of Keswick, Skiddaw is one of the most accessible high mountains in the Lake District. Its smooth, grassy slopes are a marked contrast to the craggy peaks of the central fells, making it a popular choice for walkers who want a high summit without technical difficulties.
The main route follows a well-defined path from Keswick, leading steadily to the summit ridge. Despite its relatively gentle ascent, Skiddaw’s exposed upper slopes can still be challenging in strong winds. As you would expect, the views from the summit are far-reaching; stretching across the Solway Firth to Scotland in the north and over the Lakeland fells to the south.
Great Gable – 899m (2,949 ft)
One of the Lake District’s most iconic mountains, Great Gable dominates the view from Wasdale with its imposing, pyramid-like bulk. The climb is much as you would expect – steep and rocky – with popular routes from Sty Head, Honister, and Wasdale.
Great Gable’s summit is known for its war memorial, which commemorates members of the Fell & Rock Climbing Club who lost their lives in World War I. Every year on Remembrance Sunday, a ceremony is held here, drawing hundreds of walkers to pay their respects.
The views from the top are exceptional, with a stunning panorama of Wastwater, Scafell Pike, and the surrounding peaks.
Pillar – 892 m (2,927 ft)
One of the most remote of the Lake District’s major peaks, Pillar rises above Ennerdale and Wasdale with impressive cliff-like and rugged slopes. Its most famous feature is Pillar Rock, a towering crag that has been a climbing destination for over a century.
The most popular walking route begins in Wasdale and follows the ‘High Level Route’, with dramatic views over the Ennerdale valley. There is another approach from Ennerdale which is longer but provides a wilder, yet more peaceful ascent.
The summit is a broad ridge with stunning views towards the western fells and the Irish Sea.
Fairfield – 873 m (2,864 ft)
Fairfield forms the highest point on the classic ‘Fairfield Horseshoe’, a stunning ridge walk that begins and ends in Ambleside. This route takes in a series of smaller peaks, offering ever-changing views as it loops around the Rydal valley. The climb to Fairfield itself is relatively straightforward but becomes steeper and rockier near the summit.
On a clear day, the view from the top of the fell is spectacular, stretching across the Lake District, the Pennines, and over to Morecambe Bay. While Fairfield is often climbed as part of the horseshoe, it can also be approached directly from Patterdale for a shorter but steeper ascent.
Blencathra – 868 m (2,848 ft)
One of the most recognisable peaks in the Lake District, Blencathra has a striking ridged profile that dominates the northern fells.
The most (in)famous route to the summit is via Sharp Edge, a narrow and exposed arête that provides a thrilling scramble for experienced walkers. The ridge is particularly dangerous in wet or icy conditions, as its polished rock can become extremely slippery. An alternative route via Halls Fell Ridge offers an equally exciting but slightly less exposed scramble.
The summit ridge is broad and grassy, providing fantastic views over Keswick, Derwentwater, and the surrounding peaks.
Grasmoor – 852 m (2,795 ft)
Grasmoor is the highest of the north-western fells, rising steeply above Crummock Water. Its southern slopes are dramatic, with sheer cliffs dropping towards the valley below.
The most direct route up Grasmoor starts from Rannerdale, following a steep climb that quickly gains height. Towards the summit plateau, the terrain becomes much easier, offering a pleasant walk to the highest point.
The views from the top are exceptional, taking in the Solway Firth, the Isle of Man, and the full sweep of the north-western fells.
St Sunday Crag – 841 m (2,759 ft)
St Sunday Crag is one of the most recognisable peaks in the Helvellyn range, with its elegant shape rising above Ullswater.
The most popular ascent begins in Patterdale, climbing steadily via Birks before reaching the summit ridge. This walk provides spectacular views throughout, particularly across Ullswater and towards Helvellyn. The descent via Grisedale Tarn offers a scenic route back to Patterdale, passing the tranquil waters of the tarn before winding down through the valley.
High Street – 828 m (2,717 ft)
The name High Street dates back to a Roman road that once ran across its broad summit plateau. Unlike many of the Lake District’s rugged peaks, High Street has a much gentler character, with grassy slopes leading to a wide, open summit.
The most popular route up starts from Mardale Head and climbs via the Riggindale ridge, passing the dramatic cliffs of Rough Crag. The summit itself is marked by a trig point, and on a clear day, the views stretch across the Lake District, the Pennines, and even as far as Blackpool Tower.