While the hotels have been closed for an extended period of time due to the national lockdowns, our teams have been busy staying active and enjoying the local scenery. One of which is Inn on the Square receptionist, Evie, who has made it her mission to complete all 214 Wainwrights.
Evie has really been making the most of the beautiful weather we’ve had lately by tackling some of the Lake District’s most challenging peaks, and each time she has celebrated with a Corona at the top! (the good kind… not the virus kind.)
We realise beer gardens are now open for outdoor drinks, including at our very own Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Inn on the Lake and the Kings Arms, but nothing quite beats that first sip of beer on top of a fell to mark the end of a challenging climb.
In commemoration of her achievements, she’s shared some of her favourite Lake District views with us which we’ve decided to share with you.
Of course, if you do plan on enjoying a beverage at the top of a fell (whether it’s alcoholic or not) remember to take care, act responsibly and leave no trace.
1) Great Gable
Height: 899m
Standing tall at the far end of Wastwater lies the epic Great Gable. Known for its dome-like stature, Great Gable is one of the most popular Wainwrights, with a variety of different routes that will take you to its summit.
Despite offering uninterrupted views across Wastwater (on a clear day of course), our favourite route up this iconic fell starts at Seathwaite deep within the Borrowdale Valley, approximately a 10-minute drive from our Borrowdale based hotels.
2) Fairfield
Height: 873m
If you’re a regular walker of the Lake District fells, odds are you’ll have heard of the Fairfield Horseshoe and perhaps you’ve even walked it yourself! This 10.2 mile circular walk across 8 different Wainwrights located between Grasmere/Rydal and Ullswater makes for an excellent day out and certainty warrants a cheeky drink at the top of the highest point on the route!
On the walk, you’ll experience views across Ullswater, Grasmere, Rydal, Windermere, Elterwater and Coniston Water.
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3) Scafell Pike
Height: 978m
If any walk justifies a refreshing drink at the top, it’s certainly England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Despite being the highest peak in England, there are a choice of routes up to the mountain’s summit which range from moderately easy, to extremely ambitious.
If you wish to head up ‘the easy way’ then we recommend starting the walk from Wasdale Head. If you’re looking for a exciting challenge, start your walk from Seathwaite within the Borrowdale Valley.
4) Blencathra
Height: 868m
The sheer mass and size of Blencathra makes it instantly recognisable to anyone who loves the Lake District and it makes for a fantastic walk. When driving down the A66 from the East it is one of the first fells to greet you and its unique shape makes it dominate the landscape.
Located behind the village of Threlkeld, Blencathra is only a short 5-10 minute drive from our Keswick town centre hotels, and the journey mainly avoids windy roads which is a plus.
5) Barf
Height: 468m
Despite being much more reserved in its stature than the other fells on this list, Barf is a delightful fell that offers amazing views across Bassenthwaite, Skiddaw and Derwentwater.
Although its height is moderate in comparison, the walk up Barf will still get your heart pumping, especially if you choose to take the route via the Bishop of Barf – you’ll recognise it as being that large white ‘rock’ on the side of the fell when driving down the A66.
