Classic Coledale Circular Walk

The Classic Coledale Circular Walk is a spectacular Lake District adventure that will take you up a string of well-known fells for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Along this trail, you will climb uphill to traverse the summits of Grisedale Pike, Hobcarton Crag, Hopegill Head, Crag Hill, and Sail before descending along some minor hills to enjoy views overlooking the valley. This route is exposed to the elements, so make sure to check weather conditions before setting out on your journey.
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Route Description for Classic Coledale Circular Walk
Although parts of the Classic Coledale Circular Walk may be a bit challenging, the breathtaking Lake District scenery along this route should be more than enough of a reason to add this to your to-do list of walks in the region. The day begins just outside of Braithwaite and climbs uphill to the southwest, overlooking a hidden valley that is dissected by Coldeale Beck below. This route takes the approach of conquering the most challenging terrain at the beginning of the walk, which you will definitely appreciate after summiting a number of rugged peaks in short order. After slogging your way uphill, you will traverse the summits of Grisedale Pike, Hobcarton Crag, and Hopegill Head before turning to the south. Here, the trail will dip briefly before climbing back uphill to reach the highest point of the walk along the summit of Crag Hill. Enjoy the amazing views of the surrounding mountain peaks before following the trail east as it descends along the tops of Sail, Outerside, Stile End, and Barrow. From here, a brief downhill walk will take you through the village of Braithwaite to return to the car park where you started.
Getting to the Classic Coledale Circular Walk Trailhead
To reach the car park for the Classic Coledale Circular Walk from Keswick, drive northwest on Main Street for 0.5 km and continue straight onto High Hill/A5271. Follow this for 1.3 km and turn left onto the A66, continuing on for 1.6 km. Make a slight left on B5292 and follow it for 1.1 km to find the car park on the left.
Route Information
Classic Coledale Circular Walk Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherClassic Coledale Circular Walk Reviews
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Nearby Trails
- Osprey Viewpoint & Bassenthwaite Lake Walk
- Whinlatter 3-Fells Circular Walk
- Hawes End, Cat Bells, and Derwent Circular Walk
- Derwent Water Circular Walk
- Lonscale Fell Walk
- Barrow Fell Circular Walk
- Keswick to Honister Pass via Lodore Falls Walking Route
- Cat Bells and Maiden Moor Circular Walk
- High Spy Circular Walk
- Causey Pike Round
- Grisedale Pike & Hopegill Head Walk
- Walla Crag Walk