3 Walks That Bag at Least 3 Wainwrights

Introduction

If you’re on a mission to conquer Wainwrights in the Lake District, why not make the most of your day by bagging multiple peaks in one go? Alfred Wainwright mapped out 214 summits, and for many hikers, ticking off as many as possible is the ultimate goal. These three epic walks not only offer incredible views and varied terrain but also let you tick off a whole bunch of Wainwrights in a single outing. So, lace up your boots, pack your snacks, and get ready for a day of peak-bagging adventure!

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Walk 1: The Coledale Horseshoe

Wainwrights Bagged: 

- Grisedale Pike  

- Hopegill Head  

- Whiteside  

- Eel Crag (Crag Hill)  

- Sail  

- Scar Crags  

- Causey Pike  

- Outerside  

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Approximate Distance: 10 miles (16 km)

Difficulty Level: Challenging – This walk includes steep ascents, exposed ridges, and a good amount of elevation gain, making it a tough but rewarding day out.

Why It’s a Must-Do: The Coledale Horseshoe is one of the Lake District’s classic ridge walks, offering a thrilling day out in the North-Western Fells. With sweeping ridges, steep ascents, and some of the best views in the region, this walk is a must for any serious Wainwright bagger.

Route Overview: Starting from the village of Braithwaite, you’ll begin with a tough but rewarding climb up Grisedale Pike. From here, the walk takes you over Hopegill Head and along the dramatic ridge to Whiteside. Next up is the imposing Eel Crag (Crag Hill) before continuing to Sail and Scar Crags. The route finishes with the iconic Causey Pike, followed by a descent that takes in Outerside for good measure.

Highlights: The ridge walking on this route is spectacular, with incredible views of the surrounding fells and valleys. The sense of achievement as you tick off multiple Wainwrights is unbeatable, especially with the dramatic landscapes unfolding around you.

Top Tip: For an even bigger adventure, consider extending your walk to include Barrow after Outerside. It’s an extra push, but the views and the satisfaction of bagging one more peak make it worth it.

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Walk 2: The Fairfield Horseshoe

Wainwrights Bagged:

- Nab Scar  

- Heron Pike  

- Great Rigg  

- Fairfield  

- Hart Crag  

- Dove Crag  

- High Pike  

- Low Pike  

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Approximate Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km)

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging – The route involves sustained climbs and long descents, with some rocky sections, but the path is generally well-defined.

Why It’s a Must-Do: The Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the most popular walks in the Lake District, and for good reason. This classic horseshoe route lets you bag eight Wainwrights in a single day, all while enjoying a full day of ridge walking with uninterrupted views over the Eastern Fells.

Route Overview: Starting in Ambleside, the walk begins with a steady climb up Nab Scar, the first of your Wainwrights for the day. The path then takes you along the ridge, ticking off Heron Pike and Great Rigg before reaching the summit of Fairfield, the highest point on the route. From here, the descent brings you over Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, and finally Low Pike, before looping back to Ambleside.

Highlights: The views on this walk are simply stunning, with the entire route offering panoramic vistas over the fells, lakes, and valleys. The sense of achievement at the end of the day, having bagged eight Wainwrights, is second to none.

Top Tip: Many hikers tackle this route clockwise, but going anti-clockwise can offer quieter paths and a fresh perspective on the views. Plus, it’s always nice to finish the day with the easier descent.

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Walk 3: The Newlands Horseshoe

Wainwrights Bagged: 

- Catbells  

- Maiden Moor  

- High Spy  

- Dale Head  

- Hindscarth  

- Robinson  

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Approximate Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)

Difficulty Level: Moderate – While the climbs can be steep, the terrain is generally manageable, making it a rewarding day out for those with a reasonable level of fitness.

Why It’s a Must-Do: The Newlands Horseshoe is a beautiful circuit that combines the ever-popular Catbells with several other stunning peaks in the Newlands Valley. This walk offers a mix of challenging climbs, scenic ridges, and some of the best views the Lake District has to offer, making it perfect for a day of peak bagging.

Route Overview: Starting at Hawes End, the walk kicks off with a climb up Catbells, one of the most iconic and beloved fells in the Lake District. From Catbells, the route follows the ridge to Maiden Moor and High Spy, each offering incredible views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. The climb continues to Dale Head, where you’ll be treated to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the area. From there, it’s on to Hindscarth and finally Robinson, before descending back into the valley to complete the horseshoe.

Highlights: The view down the Newlands Valley from Dale Head is one of the best in the Lake District, and the entire ridge walk offers nonstop scenery that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Plus, bagging six Wainwrights in a day? That’s what we call a successful hike.

Top Tip: To beat the crowds, start your walk early, especially on weekends. The sunrise over Derwentwater from Catbells is worth the early alarm!

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Conclusion

Bagging multiple Wainwrights in a single walk is the perfect way to experience the best of the Lake District’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re tackling the dramatic ridges of the Coledale Horseshoe, the sweeping vistas of the Fairfield Horseshoe, or the iconic peaks of the Newlands Horseshoe, these walks offer a full day of adventure and accomplishment.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, start ticking off those Wainwrights, and share your stories with us. We’d love to see which peaks you’ve conquered!

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Extra Tips

- What to Pack: Make sure you’re well-prepared with a map, compass, waterproofs, and plenty of snacks. These are full-day hikes, so you’ll want to be ready for anything the Lake District weather throws your way.

- Best Times to Go: Late spring to early autumn is ideal for these walks, as the weather is usually more stable and the days are longer. But remember, the Lake District can be busy, so an early start is your best bet for a peaceful hike.

- Stay Safe: Always check the weather forecast before setting out, let someone know your route, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions in the fells. Safety first—these walks are incredible, but the mountains demand respect.

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