A easy 2.5 km fell walk in the Northern Fells, taking in one Wainwright including Binsey. Starting from Binsey car park, the route climbs 170 m. Allow around 47m by Naismith's Rule.
The Northern fells are broad, rounded, and often underestimated. Skiddaw and Blencathra dominate the skyline above Keswick and offer some of the best beginner-to-intermediate fell walking in the Lake District, with long ridges and tremendous views north into Scotland on clear days.
At 2.5 km with 170 m of ascent, this route is rated Easy. Good paths and manageable gradients make this accessible to most walkers with basic fitness and suitable footwear, making it a great choice for those new to Wainwright bagging.
The route takes in 1 Wainwright, covering 2.5 km from Binsey car park. Using Naismith's Rule, allow around 47m of walking time, plus extra for rest stops, navigation, and photos. Fine-tune your estimate with the Naismith Calculator.
The walk starts at Binsey car park. Check parking availability before you go as popular Lake District car parks fill quickly on weekends. The Lake District National Park Authority website has up-to-date car park information.
Download the GPX file to your device before setting off. The map shows the route and Wainwright summit positions. In poor visibility, always use a physical OS map and compass. Do not rely solely on a phone GPS in mountain terrain.
Late spring through early autumn (May to October) gives the best conditions. Winter walking on the fells requires additional skills and daylight planning. Always check the Mountain Weather Information Service before heading out.
A manageable route that doesn't demand a huge kit list — but good footwear and a waterproof are non-negotiable on the fells. This is what I carry.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.