Part 1 of 7 of the Wainwrights, one of most popular peak challenges in the UK. Includes Lakeland fells listed in 'Book 1: The Eastern Fells' of A. Wainwright's classic 'Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells'. The eastern fells are centered around Helvellyn and mostly lie on a north-south ridge between Ullswater and the Lake District's Central Valley.
Highest peak
Helvellyn
3,116 ft / 949 m
Most prominent peak
Helvellyn
2,341 ft / 713 m prom
Most climbed peak
Helvellyn
134 climbs
Most difficult peak
no info yet
Difficulty breakdown
no info yet
Highlights
Latest climbs

"Good trek round striding edge. Hit a few peaks on the day. Really good weather. Striding edge is a good challenge for those who are looking for something a bit more challenging. Don’t take it lightly, there are a few points where footing is difficult. There is a path that follows the edge so an easier route is available if needed." — CB-Climb • Sep 7, 2024

"Good trek round striding edge. Hit a few peaks on the day. Really good weather. Striding edge is a good challenge for those who are looking for something a bit more challenging. Don’t take it lightly, there are a few points where footing is difficult. There is a path that follows the edge so an easier route is available if needed." — CB-Climb • Sep 7, 2024

"Good trek round striding edge. Hit a few peaks on the day. Really good weather. Striding edge is a good challenge for those who are looking for something a bit more challenging. Don’t take it lightly, there are a few points where footing is difficult. There is a path that follows the edge so an easier route is available if needed." — CB-Climb • Sep 7, 2024

"I climbed from aira force to the High Cascades. I sat on the rocks at the side of the waterfall near the top. It was very refreshing. Then onto the open fell land, this was slightly boggy, a dog got free from their owner and chased a lamb! The scenery over mountains to the south was unreal, like something you would see in South America. As it was a hazy and hot day. Then onto summiting the mountain, this was the most difficult part as the ground accelerated rapidly. After taking a few breaks I made it to the trig point! It was very windy on top, taking a selfie proved to be difficult. The View of Ulswater was beautiful. Coming down was very much quicker than going up, having missed the bus by 15 minutes, I had another two hours to wait. Therefore I rushed to catch the second to last boat from Aira Force pier to Glenridding, having 3 minutes to spare! The 15 minute boat trip from divine, reminding me of Lake Como, as the sun was glistening off the water. Then I scranned at the Traveller's Rest, sitting outside in beer garden with my burger and chips. I saw lots of walks coming down from somewhere, most likely Helvelyn. Then after my hearty meal, I went to get the bus back to Winderm..." — rebeccacarlin • May 2, 2024

"Walked from Glenridding to Keswick. Nice views at the start but conditions turned awful. Visibility went to pretty much zero, started snowing heavily. Having to make my own footpaths wading through about 3ft of snow was sooooo tiring. Ended up skipping Great Dodd and just tried to make it down in one piece. Fun stuff!" — MrGrinch • Mar 2, 2024