The Most Difficult Wainwright Hike, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the hike you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:26
Hikers often debate which trails truly test their limits as they traverse the rugged landscapes described by Alfred Wainwright. Knowing the toughest routes can help adventurers prepare adequately, ensuring they pack the right gear and condition themselves for the challenges ahead. This list serves as a crucial guide for trek enthusiasts wanting to tackle the peaks that demand respect and resilience.
Voting by those who have walked these paths provides real-world insights into difficulties faced on the trail. Your participation helps mold a resource that benefits the whole hiking community, encouraging better prepared adventures. As you browse through the rankings, consider casting your vote to share your experiences and help others find and conquer the most formidable hikes.
What Is the Most Difficult Wainwright Hike?
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163votes
Thorneh at English Wikipedia · Public domainIt is the highest peak in England and can be challenging due to its steep ascent and rocky terrain.Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, located in the Lake District National Park. It offers a stunning and challenging walk, attracting thousands of hikers each year. With its rugged beauty and breathtaking views, Scafell Pike is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.- Elevation: 978 meters (3,209 feet)
- Location: Lake District National Park, England
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
- Trail Conditions: Rocky and uneven
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229votesIt is a popular but challenging hike due to its steep climbs and narrow ridges.Helvellyn is one of the most challenging Wainwright hikes in the Lake District, England. It is a captivating mountain that offers breathtaking views and a thrilling hiking experience. Standing at 950 meters (3117 feet) tall, Helvellyn attracts outdoor enthusiasts and experienced hikers seeking a daunting yet rewarding climb.
- Location: Lake District, England
- Elevation: 950 meters (3117 feet)
- Difficulty: Very challenging
- Distance: Approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
- Time: 4 to 6 hours (depending on pace)
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313votesIt is a challenging hike due to its steep ascent and rocky terrain.Blencathra is a challenging mountain located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. Also known as Saddleback due to its distinctive shape, it offers a thrilling and demanding hike for experienced mountaineers.
- Elevation: 868 meters (2,848 feet)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Routes: Several routes available including Sharp Edge and Halls Fell Ridge
- Distance: Approximately 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles)
- Summit Coordinates: Latitude 54.6336° N, Longitude 3.0206° W
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49votesIt is a challenging hike due to its long and steep ascent.Skiddaw is a mountain located in the Lake District National Park in North West England. It is considered one of the most difficult Wainwright hikes due to its steep ascent and challenging terrain. Skiddaw offers breathtaking views of the surrounding fells and the Keswick area. The summit, known as Skiddaw House, stands at an elevation of 931 meters (3,054 feet).
- Location: Lake District National Park, England
- Elevation: 931 meters (3,054 feet)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Terrain: Steep and rugged
- Viewpoints: Breathtaking views of surrounding fells and Keswick area
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55votes
Great Gable
Alfred WainwrightIt is a challenging hike due to its steep ascent and rocky terrain.Great Gable is a mountain located in the Lake District National Park in North West England. It is considered one of the most difficult Wainwright hikes due to its steep and rocky terrain, challenging weather conditions, and breathtaking views. Great Gable stands at an elevation of 899 meters (2,949 feet) and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding fells and valleys. It is a prominent and iconic peak that attracts mountaineers and hikers from around the world.- Hiking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
- Location: Lake District National Park, England
- Elevation: 899 meters (2,949 feet)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Terrain: Steep and rocky
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617votesIt is a challenging hike due to its steep ascent and rocky terrain.Bowfell is a challenging Wainwright hike in the Lake District National Park, located in Cumbria, England. It is one of the most difficult hikes in the region, known for its steep ascents, rugged terrain, and stunning panoramic views. Standing at 902 meters (2,959 feet) tall, Bowfell offers a thrilling adventure for experienced hikers seeking a demanding and exhilarating ascent.
- Location: Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England
- Height: 902 meters (2,959 feet)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Terrain: Rugged and steep
- Views: Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
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75votesIt is a challenging hike due to its steep ascent and rocky terrain.Fairfield is a charming town located in southeastern Iowa, known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant community, and spiritual atmosphere. It offers a unique blend of small-town charm and progressive thinking, making it one of the most beautiful towns in Iowa.
- Scenic Beauty: Fairfield is surrounded by rolling hills, lush green forests, and beautiful prairies, offering stunning views throughout the year.
- Transcendental Meditation: Fairfield is renowned for being the home of Maharishi University of Management, which emphasizes Transcendental Meditation. The town's collective focus on spirituality and well-being creates a unique and peaceful atmosphere.
- Public Parks: Fairfield boasts several well-maintained public parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, picnicking, and relaxation.
- Historical Architecture: The town is adorned with numerous historic buildings and houses, showcasing architectural styles ranging from Victorian to Gothic.
- Cultural Diversity: Fairfield prides itself on its cultural diversity, welcoming individuals from various backgrounds and creating a vibrant and inclusive community.
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811votesIt is a challenging hike due to its steep ascent and rocky terrain.The Pillar is considered one of the most challenging Wainwright hikes in the Lake District, Cumbria, England. It is a prominent and imposing fell situated in the Buttermere valley. Its steep and rugged terrain makes it a formidable and technical ascent for experienced hikers.
- Elevation: 892 meters (2,926 feet)
- Location: Buttermere Valley, Lake District, Cumbria, England
- Difficulty: Very challenging
- Terrain: Steep and rugged
- Scrambling: Requires scrambling skills
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98votes
High Street
Alfred WainwrightIt is a challenging hike due to its long and steep ascent.The 'High Street' is a challenging hike located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It follows a prominent ridge that extends from the junction of Martindale and Rampsgill valleys to the summit of High Raise. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding fells, tarns, and expansive landscapes.- Location: Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England
- Hike Type: Ridge walk
- Total Distance: Approximately 20 kilometers
- Elevation Gain: Around 900 meters
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
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100votes
VanuitVoorburg · CC BY-SA 3.0It is a challenging hike due to its steep ascent and rocky terrain.Coniston Old Man is a prominent fell, or mountain, located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It stands at a height of 803 meters (2,634 feet) and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.- Height: 803 meters (2,634 feet)
- Location: Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England
- Type: Fell/Mountain
- Views: Panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- Accessibility: Accessible via well-defined footpaths
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Ranking factors for difficult hike
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DistanceThe overall length of the hike, including the ascent and descent. Longer hikes usually involve more effort, endurance, and time, making them more challenging.
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Elevation gainThe total height gained during the hike, measured from the lowest point to the highest point of the trail. Greater elevation gain typically means steeper and more strenuous climbs.
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TerrainThe difficulty of the terrain, including steepness, trail conditions, and any obstacles or technical sections that may require additional skills, such as scrambling or rock climbing.
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Weather and climateThe potential for weather-related challenges, such as high winds, heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, which can affect the difficulty and safety of the hike.
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NavigationThe ease or difficulty of following the trail, including the presence of clear path markers and trail maps, and the potential for getting lost or disoriented.
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Experience and fitness levelThe level of physical fitness and hiking experience required to complete the hike safely and enjoyably. A hike that may be easy for an experienced and fit hiker might be very challenging for a beginner or someone who is less physically fit.
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Time commitmentThe estimated time required to complete the hike, including travel to and from the trailhead, rest breaks, and any potential obstacles or delays.
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SafetyThe likelihood of hazards, such as falling rocks, landslides, avalanches, or dangerous wildlife encounters, and the availability of rescue and medical services in case of emergencies.
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AccessibilityThe ease of reaching the trailhead, including the availability of parking, public transportation, and other amenities nearby.
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PopularityThe number of other hikers likely to be encountered on the trail, which can affect the overall experience and difficulty level, especially on routes with bottlenecks or limited space for passing.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult Wainwright hike. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or hike is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1896 views
- 160 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each hike once every 24 hours. The rank of each hike is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most difficult wainwright hike
The Lake District in the UK is known for its stunning landscapes and challenging hikes, with Wainwright's walks being some of the most popular. These walks are named after Alfred Wainwright, a British fell walker and guidebook author who documented over 200 walks in the Lake District. While all of his walks offer unique challenges, some are undoubtedly more difficult than others. In this article, we will explore the toughest Wainwright hikes and what makes them so challenging. From steep inclines and rocky terrain to unpredictable weather conditions, these hikes require endurance, determination, and a love of adventure. So, if you're up for a challenge, read on to discover the most difficult Wainwright hikes in the Lake District.
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