Smaller Fells for Beginners in the Lake District

Published on 15 May 2025

The Lake District is famous for its dramatic peaks and sweeping valleys, but you do not need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the area. There are plenty of shorter fells that are perfect for beginners, offering manageable climbs, beautiful views, and a real sense of achievement. Exploring these smaller fells is a great way to build confidence and experience before tackling the higher peaks.

One of the most popular beginner-friendly fells is Loughrigg Fell, located near Ambleside. The routes to the summit are gentle and well-marked, and from the top, walkers are rewarded with stunning views of Windermere, Grasmere, and the surrounding fells. Loughrigg Fell is ideal for a morning or afternoon walk and can easily be combined with a stroll around Loughrigg Tarn for a longer experience.

Nab Scar, near Ambleside and part of the Fairfield Horseshoe ridge, is another excellent option. The climb is steady but not overly strenuous, and once on the ridge, the views over Rydal Water and the surrounding valleys are spectacular. Nab Scar offers a sense of walking on a real fell without the intensity of higher mountains, making it perfect for those new to hill walking.

For those starting from Keswick, Catbells is a classic Lake District fell for beginners. Its distinctive shape and moderate paths attract many walkers, but the route remains accessible to anyone with a basic level of fitness. The climb is gradual, and the summit provides one of the most photographed views in the Lake District, overlooking Derwentwater and the surrounding fells.

Tarn Hows and its surrounding hills offer another gentle option, especially for those looking for scenic views with minimal effort. The route around the tarn is mostly flat, but a short climb to nearby hills provides rewarding vistas over Coniston Water and the surrounding valleys. This area is ideal for walkers who want a mix of lakeside paths and a small fell climb.

Finally, Wansfell Pike, near Ambleside, is a short but satisfying climb. The route through Troutbeck or via Stockghyll Woods provides a good introduction to fell walking. The summit gives panoramic views over Windermere and the surrounding fells, giving beginners a real sense of achievement.

Walking these short fells allows beginners to enjoy the Lake District without the pressure of high-altitude climbs or long, challenging trails. They provide a perfect introduction to mountain walking, offering beautiful scenery, manageable ascents, and plenty of opportunities to build confidence. By starting with these accessible fells, new walkers can gradually progress to more challenging routes while fully enjoying the beauty of the Lake District.

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