“These hills may be small, but the views are big enough…”

Winter is an extraordinary time for hiking, the way snow transforms a landscape can make you feel as though you’re in an alpine paradise. Although winter hiking has many benefits, it also has a few downsides. You may feel as though you are racing against the clock when trying to fit in big hikes, so we’ve put together a list of some little winter Wainwrights. These hills may be small, but the views are big enough…

Loughrigg Fell (Via Rydal Caves)

Rydal Caves

**OS GRID REF: NY 3548 0580**

**Distance: 3.5 miles**
**Height: 1099 feet**
**Time: 2-3 hours**
**Near to: Grasmere**

**Loughrigg**
**OS GRID REF: NY 3470 0513**

Loughrigg Fell is the perfect little winter walk providing views over Grasmere and exploring the Rydal Caves on the way up.

The route starts near Ambleside at White Moss car park, following a woodland trail up to a straightforward footpath leading to Rydal Caves. Once you reach the caves, have a skip inside using the stepping-stone trail and enjoy views of Rydal Water. From the cave entrance, a path veers up above leading to a steep section of scree. Here, there is an accumulation of stones but don’t be fooled, this isn’t the top. It is a great spot to catch your breath and have a snack though. Onwards, the path reverts back to a noticeable trail meandering through the bracken, eventually ending at the summit trig. Some of the best views over Grasmere and the surrounding fells are gained heading down the stone-stepped footpath ending at the shores of Grasmere and looping back to the car park.

2. Latrigg

**Distance: 5 mile**
**Height: 1177 feet**
**Time- 3-4 hours**
**Near to: Keswick**

**Latrigg**
**OS GRID REF: NY 2794 2476**

Latrigg is a small fell often paired with neighbouring giant Skiddaw, however if you’re short of time, running up to Latrigg alone is still ideal for a little morning stroll, offering beautiful views over Derwentwater.

Latrigg is a convenient walk if you’re staying in Keswick as you can start this hike from anywhere in the town. Head up towards the Pheasant Inn pub and follow the rusted yet very useful signpost on the road reading ‘Railway Station, Latrigg, Skiddaw’. Further down the road on the right-hand side is another signpost for Skiddaw, follow this footpath over the A66 and into steep woodland. The path will lead up to a gate where the trail splits either to Skiddaw or Latrigg. Take the path veering left, there is a signpost marked for Latrigg. As you approach the summit you will notice a lovely little bench overlooking Derwentwater. The actual top is not clear and is marked by a tiny cairn not far from the bench. You can either turn back to Keswick the way you came or continue along the summit ridge until you see a woodland path, which circles back to the start.

3. Raven Crag

**Distance: 1.7 mile**
**Height: 1170 feet**
**Time- 1-2 hours**
**Near to: Grasmere**

**Raven Crag**
**OS GRID REF: NY 3034 1880**

Raven Crag is a short but steep hike situated at the northern end of Thirlmere reservoir. The route is less than two miles, so shouldn’t take you too long and it offers fantastic views over Thirlmere and neighbouring fells on a clear day.

To start, head towards the northern end of Thirlmere, there are a few spots along the roadside to park. Once parked up, head along the road crossing the dam until you reach the footpath leading up into the woodland, it is not signposted however it is a clear, well-trodden path. The path shortly comes out of the woodland and you can see the crags of the mountain shadowing over you. The path meanders up until you reach the wooden boarded steps leading to the well-maintained wooden summit viewpoint. Close fells White Side and Helvellyn can be seen from the top. This hike is an ‘out and back’ route which returns the way you came.

4. Helm Crag

**Distance: 2.5 mile**
**Height: 1329 feet**
**Time- 1-2 hours**
**Near to: Grasmere**

Helm Crag
**OS GRID REF: NY 32650 09350**

Helm Crag is a popular peak attracting visitors due to its unique summit rock resembling the shape of a lion and a lamb from the road below. It’s a fairly short hike and has a cosy pub at the bottom, what more could you want?

Parking on the roadside verge on the A591 just outside the Travellers Rest pub is a good place to start this walk. From the roadside, head towards Easedale Road until you find the signpost that reads ‘Far Easedale and Helm Crag’ beside Brimmer Head Farm. From here, follow the footpath through to a gate at the end of the trail. The path continues through an old quarry. As height is gained, views down to the farm and over Easedale will open up. The path continuing on is clearly marked by little cairns. It’s hard to miss the summit due to its unique formation. There’s a little scramble to reach the top of the summit rock, which offers views over towards Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell. Turn back and follow the path back to the pub where you can have a well-earned drink.

5. Bessyboot (Rosthwaite Fell)

**Distance: 3 mile**
**Height: 1807 feet**
**Time- 1-2 hours**
**Near to: Keswick**

**Bessyboot**
**OS GRID REF: NY 2583 1249**

Tarn at Leaves

**Bessyboot**
**OS GRID REF: NY 25846 12241**

A lesser-known route, Bessyboot is a hidden gem nestled in the southern fells. You may hear this mountain under the name ‘Rosthwaite fell’ due to the ridge having separate tops, but Bessyboot is the Wainwright recognised summit.

The route starts at Stonethwaite, a little village in Borrowdale. There is parking nearby the church. The path towards the fell starts just around the corner from the churchyard. The route starts flat and gets steep as it meanders around the fell-side. As you gain height, views open up over towards Skiddaw. The path is grassy and rocks are scattered around making navigation slightly harder than more trodden mountains, however there are path markers. The path leads up to Tarn at Leaves before turning into a little scramble to reach the summit, which can be seen clearly from the tarn. On a clear day, you can see surrounding mountains including Base Brown, Dale Head, Skiddaw and Great Gable. You can either return the route you came, or drop down into Combe Beck and circle back round to the church.

Written by Kate Dawson, Content Writer for One Lake District