Hikes/United Kingdom/England/Lake District

Clough Head & Calfhow Pike Circular Walk

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4-5.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
11.3 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
724 m
User Ratings
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Clough Head & Calfhow Pike Circular Walk

The Clough Head & Calfhow Pike Circular is a moderate walking route near Keswick that will take you uphill for some amazing views of the rolling hills and rugged fells of the Lake District. The trail makes a steep ascent along the western slope of Clough Head before descending along the summit of Calfhow Pike to reach the valley floor below. Paths on this route can be hard to distinguish at times, so remember to bring a GPS or trail map for this adventure.

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Route Description for Clough Head & Calfhow Pike Circular Walk

The Clough Head & Calfhow Pike Circular Walk isn’t the most popular trail in the Keswick area, but its challenging terrain and beautiful views of the surrounding hillscape are enough to make for a worthwhile afternoon on the trails. The route will initially take you across some open terrain to the east, before climbing up the steep and rugged hillside to reach the summit of Clough Head at 726 m. Here, you will enjoy some nice views across the valley and surrounding fells. After taking in the views, follow the trail downhill to the summit of Calfhow Pike before working even further along the steep slope to arrive at the valley floor. Head north along St. John’s Beck and follow the forested slopes of High Rigg until you eventually arrive back at the trailhead where you began your adventure.

Getting to the Clough Head & Calfhow Pike Circular Walk Trailhead

To reach the trailhead for the Clough Head & Calfhow Pike Circular Walk from Keswick, head east on Penrith Road for 1.3 km and turn left onto Penrith Road/A591, following it for another 0.8 km. Merge onto the A66 and continue on it for 0.6 km before making a right onto Burns. Follow this for 1.8 km and turn right, where you will arrive at the trailhead in 0.6 km.

Route Information

  • When to do

    March-October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Pets allowed

    Yes

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Clough Head & Calfhow Pike Circular Walk Elevation Graph

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Clough Head & Calfhow Pike Circular Walk Reviews

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