Grisedale Pike
A dramatic Lake District peak offering expansive views, challenging hikes, and thrilling mountain bike descents.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace.
Grisedale Pike
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic Lake District peak offering expansive views, challenging hikes, and thrilling mountain bike descents.
"This has to be one of the very best views in the English Lake District."
🚗 Parking near Braithwaite
Arrive by 8 AM for the free car park, or use lay-bys on Whinlatter Pass.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Essential for uneven terrain, scree, and steep sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Distinctive Summit Ridge
Summit
A unique row of craggy outcrops creates an undulating, memorable summit profile.
Panoramic Lake District Views
Summit
Offers expansive views in all directions, being one of the northernmost peaks.
Force Crag Mine
Descent route
Explore the remnants of this historic mine on a scenic descent into Coledale Beck.
Waterfall Chasing
Various trails
Some routes, like the Coledale Horseshoe, feature beautiful waterfalls and pools.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking near Braithwaite
Arrive by 8 AM for the free car park, or use lay-bys on Whinlatter Pass.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Essential for uneven terrain, scree, and steep sections.
🗺️ Carry a Map & Compass
Essential for navigation, especially in changing weather.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Sustenance is crucial for longer hikes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking near Braithwaite
Arrive by 8 AM for the free car park, or use lay-bys on Whinlatter Pass.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Essential for uneven terrain, scree, and steep sections.
🗺️ Carry a Map & Compass
Essential for navigation, especially in changing weather.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Sustenance is crucial for longer hikes.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
The light is incredible for photos, especially for mountain biking descents.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Many visitors hike with their dogs, enjoying the views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Grisedale Pike for its breathtaking panoramic views and distinctive summit ridge, making it a highlight for hikers and photographers. The opportunity to explore historic sites like Force Crag mine adds to the appeal. Some find the parking challenging and certain routes demanding, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"What a good walk, bit of an uneven push from the mine but well worth it"
Sean
"Part of an Autumn walk from Braithwaite taking in Sail in a nice circuit."
Tim Nicholson
"There are many places in the English Lake District that you can see an awesome view before you, but this has to be one of the very best. Being one of the most northerly peaks in the park means you get great views in all directions & the Pike is high enough & far enough away from higher peaks to provide an expansive view. Just a short(ish) walk to the north west is Hopegill Head, another readily accessible peak. There are numerous options for descent of the Pike but my favourite is tracking around the horseshoe to the south west then dropping down into Coledale Beck to check out Force Crag mine. The walk out is then an easy but long trek out along a flat track that sits on the north bank of the valley.
The best place to park is a tiny, rough car park (free) that's just up outside of the village of Braithwaite. Get there early (no later than 8am) or you'll probably not be able to find a parking space. As you face west in the car park there are tracks off to the left & right. To the left will take you along the flat track that goes to Force Crag mine. The track on the right goes on up to the track to Grizerale pike. From the car park it will take a reasonably fit person about 2 hours to get to the summit.
April 2023 Update: I summited Grisedale Pike for dawn. This time I parked at the Whinlatter Car Park & took the much easier path that follows the broken stone wall to the top (on the Eastern flank of the Pike). Having done both main approaches I would do this one every time from now on. I got to the top in just over an hour (& I'm very unfit). The faster ascent is due to the car park being a good distance up the Whinlatter Pass. To access the start of the route make sure you follow the path on the main road side of the flowing water you can hear next to the car park. The path on the left of the stream does not go in the direction you want, although it looks like it does. The dirt road/path eventually takes you to a gate that is the start of the ascent. The car park is a maximum of £8 for the whole day but if you want a shorter stay it's less. Pay on exit & the machines accept cards."
Craig Sparks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended parking is a small, free car park just outside Braithwaite. Arrive by 8 AM to guarantee a spot. Alternatively, there are lay-bys on the B5292 Whinlatter Pass, about a mile up from Braithwaite.
Grisedale Pike is easily accessible from Keswick. You can drive to the Braithwaite area, which is a short journey. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally preferred.
Public transport to the immediate vicinity of Grisedale Pike is limited. Buses may run to nearby villages like Braithwaite, but you'll likely need to walk or cycle from the bus stop.
For a faster ascent, consider parking at Whinlatter Car Park and taking the path along the broken stone wall on the eastern flank. This route is generally less strenuous.
Yes, Grisedale Pike is a popular spot for mountain biking, with some epic descents. However, be prepared to carry your bike up some sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Grisedale Pike is a natural mountain landscape, so there is no entrance fee. Parking at designated car parks may incur a charge, such as the Whinlatter Car Park which costs up to £8 for the day.
As a natural outdoor attraction, Grisedale Pike is accessible at all times. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No, tickets are not required for Grisedale Pike. It's a public access area for hiking and outdoor activities.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but always practice Leave No Trace principles. Be mindful of the weather and your own capabilities.
Absolutely! Grisedale Pike is a fantastic destination for a day trip from Keswick or other nearby towns, offering rewarding hikes and stunning scenery. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
From the Braithwaite car park, a reasonably fit person can reach the summit in about 2 hours. The Whinlatter Pass route can be quicker, taking just over an hour.
The difficulty varies by route. Some paths are steep and can be uneven, with scree sections. It's considered a moderate to challenging hike depending on the chosen path.
There are no facilities directly on the mountain. You'll find amenities in nearby villages like Braithwaite or Keswick.
Expect expansive, panoramic views of the Lake District fells, valleys, and lakes. It's particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset.
While some routes are challenging, families with older children who are used to hiking can enjoy Grisedale Pike. Shorter, less steep routes are available.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit ridge offers dramatic shots. The approach from Braithwaite with Force Crag mine in the foreground, and views during golden hour are also spectacular.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides beautiful light. Sunrise and sunset can also offer dramatic cloud inversions.
Drone usage is generally permitted in open countryside, but always check current regulations and be respectful of other visitors and wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can capture distant fells. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
Weather can be a challenge, with fog and rain reducing visibility. The terrain can also be tricky, so prioritize safety when setting up shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key advice for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, dress children in layers, and consider a shorter loop or an 'out and back' route to manage energy levels. Make the hike an adventure by pointing out interesting flora and fauna, and emphasize the journey rather than just the summit.
🚵 Mountain Bikers
While many routes provide an incredible riding experience, be prepared for some hike-a-bike sections on the ascent, as not all paths are cyclable. Top tips for bikers: Ensure your bike is well-maintained, wear full protective gear, and consider routes that incorporate the Coledale Horseshoe for a challenging and rewarding ride.
+1 Always be aware of other trail users and practice responsible riding. 🚶 Solo Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Grisedale Pike: Routes and Challenges
For those seeking a more scenic or varied route, the Coledale Horseshoe is a highly recommended circular walk. This route often includes Grisedale Pike along with other Wainwrights like Whiteside and Hopegill Head, and can involve scrambling and more technical sections.
A more accessible ascent can be made from the Whinlatter Pass, utilizing a path along a broken stone wall. This route is often quicker and less strenuous, making it a good option for those with lower fitness levels or when time is limited.
Mountain Biking Grisedale Pike
While the views and trails are a major draw, riders should be aware that some routes may require carrying or pushing bikes up certain steep sections. This is particularly true for routes that don't involve dedicated bike trails.
Despite this, the challenging climbs are often rewarded with epic descents that make the effort worthwhile. +1Popular routes often incorporate the Coledale Horseshoe or explore the trails around the Whinlatter Forest Park, which offers a network of purpose-built mountain bike trails. Always ensure you have appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, and be mindful of other users on the trails.
+1Photography Opportunities
The 'golden hour' – the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset – is a magical time for photography here. The warm, soft light bathes the fells in a beautiful glow, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the contours of the landscape.
Cloud inversions, where mist fills the valleys below, can also create breathtaking scenes, adding an ethereal quality to your photographs. Beyond the summit, consider capturing the historic Force Crag mine on your descent, or the picturesque waterfalls found on some of the hiking routes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit