Fell Walks

Ullswater - Aira Force and Gowbarrow trail

Experience Aira Force at its best as you head towards the thunderous roar of the waterfalls. Pass through woodland with lush green ferns and evergreen specimen conifers that tower over open glades. Then, emerge from the confines of the gorge to enjoy expansive views over Ullswater from the summit of Gowbarrow.

• The Aira Force and Gowbarrow trail (4.5 miles / 7.2 km)
  
  

Helvellyn

One of Alfred Wainwright's favourite mountains. Gaining its summit (949m/3114') from Glenridding it is a classic Lakeland walk. 

Eden's part of the Lake District also contains numerous other fell walks that feature in Wainwright's popular pictorial guides for 'The Northern Fells', 'The Eastern Fells' and 'The Far Eastern Fells'. 

The Wainwright guides are available to buy from most Eden Tourist Information Centres, and in Eden's Outdoor shops.

There are numerous other fells including:

• Blencathra - Height: 868m / 2848'
• Gowbarrow - Height: 481m / 1578'
• Sheffield Pike - Height: 675m / 2215'
• Place Fell - Height: 657m / 2156'
• Bannerdale Crags - Height 678m / 2230'
• Bowscale Fell - Height: 702m / 2303'
• Mardale III Bell - Height: 760m / 2493'
• Harter Fell - Height: 778m / 2552'

Note: All heights are approximate.

More information is available via Walking leaflets and OS Maps covering Eden or visit The Wainwright Society website.

Helvellyn was named the number 1 walk in 2018 on ITV's Britain's Favourite Walks: Top 100 with Julia Bradbury.

Haweswater

Mardale Head area for the ascents of Mardale III Bell and Harter Fell is at the end of the road that runs alongside Haweswater reservoir. Although an extensively farmed estate, there are many access areas, public rights of way and permissive paths giving access to the fells and common land. The RSPB manage Naddle Forest, which is a nature reserve and site of special scientific interest.

At the dam end of the reservoir you can head out along Haweswater's northern shore from Burnbanks (limited parking) to The Forces waterfalls and beyond.

Ullswater 'Steamers'

Ullswater 'Steamers' has a selection of walks on their website for you to enjoy.

The Eden Valley 

Nine Standards Rigg is the summit of Hartley Fell a few miles south-east of Kirkby Stephen. The name is derived from a group of standing stones or cairns, the Nine Standards, located near the summit.

A circular route starts either in Kirkby Stephen or on Hartley Fell road end and visits the Nine Standards.

This 'Nine Standards' walk has been kindly supplied by Peter McWilliam from his book 'Exploring the Landscape: A Walker's Guide to the upland of Upper Eden.'

The book is available from Penrith Tourist Information Centre.

• The Nine Standards - (11 or 5 miles / 5 hours or 2 - 2.5 hours.)

Wild Boar Fell

A walk around Wild Boar Fell, near Kirkby Stephen offers great views and can be found on the Where 2 Walk website.

• Wild Boar Fell
   

Alston and the North Pennines

Alston and The North Pennines offer some stunning landscapes to explore.  From open moorland to hay meadows and waterfalls, The North Pennines have some stunning views to discover.  

North Pennine Ridge (Southern section).  This walk passes over Cross Fell - the highest point in England (outside the Lake District).  The walk partly follows the Pennine Way National Trail and gives stunning views over the Eden Valley.  This route is a serious undertaking in any weather.

• North Pennine Ridge (Southern Section) Distance: 14.5 miles (23 km).  Grid reference: NY689249. 
  
  

North Pennine Ridge (Northern section).  Starting at Hartside Top on the A686 between Alston and Melmerby, this route takes in some of the stunning landscape of the North Pennines.

• North Pennine Ridge (Northern Section) Distance: 12.8 miles (20.5km) Grid Reference: NY616418.
  
  

Open Access walks

Great Knipe: This fell walk culminates with the headland of Great Knipe, with its commanding views over the Stainmore Pass and across the upper realms of the greater Eden valley.

• Great Knipe (7.5km / 4.7 miles)
  
  

Dufton Pike: The village of Dufton nestles quietly on the western flank of the North Pennines overlooked by Dufton Pike - the focus of this walk. This is a mountain walk in miniature and is perfect for when you have a few hours to spare. The short sharp climb being ample payment for the reward once you reach the summit: an extensive panorama across the Eden Valley to the distant Lakeland Fells, and unique view of the main Pennine Scarp lying close by.

• Dufton Pike (8 km / 4.97 miles)

Safety on the fells

For Information on Safety on the Fells and other useful contact information visit our Walking Help webpage.

The Walking booklets from the Discover Eden Series, available from most Eden Tourist Information Centres list more Fell Walks in the area.  Visit our Walking leaflets and OS Maps webpage for details of the walks available.  Walks include Kirkby Stephen, Ewbank Scar and the Nine Standards and Mallerstang, Wildboar Fell and Pendragon Castle.