The Highest Mountains in the Lake District: Top 20 Fells

The Highest Mountains in the Lake District

For those looking to understand the geography of the high fells, the most common question is identifying the highest mountains in the Lake District. The answer begins with Scafell Pike, which stands at 978 m. Not only is it the highest fell in the region, but Scafell Pike is also the highest mountain in England. Across the breadth of the national park, the landscape is defined by deep tarns, steep crags, and high ridges, but only a select few peaks rise above the notable 3,000-foot mark.

Throughout this guide, two figures are given for each fell. The first is the modern surveyed height in metres. The second is Alfred Wainwright's own figure in feet, taken directly from his Pictorial Guides. Because modern surveying techniques have updated our understanding of the landscape, these figures differ slightly for some fells. Both are provided here to give a complete picture.

The Four 3,000-Foot Fells

Just four Lake District fells stand above 3,000 feet. These are the most prominent summits in the region, drawing walkers to their slopes in all seasons.

• Scafell Pike: The highest of them all, a rocky summit rising above Wasdale and Eskdale.
• Scafell: Separated from its higher neighbour by the steep drop of Mickledore hause.
• Helvellyn: The third highest fell. Helvellyn's summit is reached by Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, with Red Tarn sitting deep in the basin between them.
• Skiddaw: The northernmost of the 3,000-foot peaks, standing high above Keswick.

Where the Highest Fells Stand

The highest mountains in the Lake District are not spread evenly; they are clustered in distinct geographical groups across the national park.

In the Southern Fells, standing tall around Eskdale, Wasdale, and Langdale, you will find a concentration of high ground. This area is home to Scafell Pike, Scafell, Great End, Bowfell, and Esk Pike. The terrain here is characterised by sharp crags, high hauses, and steep gills.

To the east, one long ridge runs above Thirlmere and Ullswater. This unbroken high-level route includes Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Catstye Cam, Raise, White Side, Dollywaggon Pike, and Great Dodd.

The Northern Fells, rising above Keswick, are dominated by a massive block of high ground. Here stand Skiddaw, Skiddaw Little Man, and Blencathra. To the west, standing remote above Wasdale and Ennerdale, are the distinctive summits of Great Gable and Pillar. Finally, Fairfield stands prominently above Grasmere and Patterdale, while Grasmoor commands the skyline above Crummock Water.

The Twenty Highest Fells in Order

For those keeping a record of the peaks, The 214 Wainwrights — Terrain Map Poster has every one of the 214 Wainwrights pinned and numbered in height order. The twenty highest mountains in the Lake District are:

1. Scafell Pike — 978 m / 3,210 ft
2. Scafell — 964 m / 3,162 ft
3. Helvellyn — 950 m / 3,118 ft
4. Skiddaw — 931 m / 3,053 ft
5. Great End — 910 m / 2,984 ft
6. Bowfell — 903 m / 2,960 ft
7. Great Gable — 899 m / 2,949 ft
8. Pillar — 892 m / 2,927 ft
9. Nethermost Pike — 891 m / 2,920 ft
10. Catstye Cam — 890 m / 2,917 ft
11. Esk Pike — 885 m / 2,903 ft
12. Raise — 883 m / 2,889 ft
13. Fairfield — 873 m / 2,863 ft
14. Blencathra — 868 m / 2,847 ft
15. Skiddaw Little Man — 865 m / 2,837 ft
16. White Side — 863 m / 2,832 ft
17. Crinkle Crags — 859 m / 2,816 ft
18. Dollywaggon Pike — 859 m / 2,810 ft
19. Great Dodd — 857 m / 2,807 ft
20. Grasmoor — 852 m / 2,791 ft

Wainwright Maps

Following the heights of the fells is a traditional part of exploring the landscape. To support this, we provide a collection of Wainwright Maps, with each sheet measuring 50 x 70cm. For those tracking their progress, The 214 Wainwrights Map and Checklist provides a tick box and date line per fell, available unframed for £44.99.

For a detailed view of the ridges and valleys, The 214 Wainwrights — Lakeland Contour Map and The 214 Wainwrights — Blueprint Contour Map Poster map out the topography of the region. Both contour maps, along with the Terrain Map Poster mentioned earlier, are priced at £129.99 framed or £44.99 unframed. You can also view the full list by book at our directory: directory of the 214 Wainwrights.

Fells & Mountains Art Collection

Our broader Fells & Mountains collection brings the colour and atmosphere of these heights indoors. Please note that the paintings are impressions of these fells, not photographs of them. We offer pieces representing many of the peaks detailed above, including Lone Figure on High Fell Crag (Scafell Pike) and Vibrant Ridges above the Tarn (Helvellyn).

Sizes and Framing

The square paintings in our store are sold at 40cm, 70cm, and 90cm sizes. They are available on both paper and canvas, with several framing choices to suit your preference.

• Unframed prints: Available at £59.99, £79.99, and £99.99.
• Framed prints: Priced at £89.99, £129.99, and £199.99.
• Unframed canvas: Priced at £79.99, £119.99, and £169.99.
• Framed canvas: Available at £109.99, £159.99, and £209.99.

When selecting a framed piece, frames are provided in black, white, or natural wood finishes. Everything is made to order. It takes 2-5 working days to print your piece, followed by 3-7 working days for UK delivery. Framed pieces arrive with hanging fixings fitted, and a gift message can be added at checkout if you are sending a piece to a friend or family member.

Whether you are standing by the shore of Red Tarn looking up at Swirral Edge, or tracing the path from Great End to Bowfell, knowing the heights and geography of the fells deepens any visit to the Lake District.