Silver How Lake District
A rewarding fell walk from Grasmere offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Lake District's iconic fells and lakes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Silver How Lake District
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rewarding fell walk from Grasmere offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Lake District's iconic fells and lakes.
"Immense views for very little effort – a must-do in the Lake District!"
👟 Good Footwear Essential
The summit can be boggy, especially in wetter seasons. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone! The panoramic vistas from Silver How are incredible, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Panorama
Silver How Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree views of surrounding fells, valleys, and lakes like Grasmere and Windermere.
Wray Gill Ravine
Trail from Grasmere
A charming, miniature ravine with lush foliage and a gentle stream, offering a picturesque detour.
Grasmere Village Start
Grasmere Village
The quaint village provides a perfect starting point, with amenities and easy access to the hiking trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views for Minimal Effort
Grasmere Parking & Trailheads
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Good Footwear Essential
The summit can be boggy, especially in wetter seasons. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone! The panoramic vistas from Silver How are incredible, especially during sunrise or sunset.
⏱️ Allow 2-3 Hours
This hike is perfect for a half-day excursion. Enjoy the climb, summit, and descent at a relaxed pace.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Silver How is a great choice for families and beginners. The climb is manageable, and the views are rewarding for all ages.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Good Footwear Essential
The summit can be boggy, especially in wetter seasons. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone! The panoramic vistas from Silver How are incredible, especially during sunrise or sunset.
⏱️ Allow 2-3 Hours
This hike is perfect for a half-day excursion. Enjoy the climb, summit, and descent at a relaxed pace.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Silver How is a great choice for families and beginners. The climb is manageable, and the views are rewarding for all ages.
🚗 Grasmere Parking
Park in Grasmere village for easy access to the main trailheads. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Silver How for its stunning panoramic views and accessibility, making it a highly recommended hike for all levels. While the climb can be steep in parts, the rewarding vistas and manageable duration make it a favorite for families and beginners. Some note that the summit can be boggy after rain, emphasizing the need for appropriate footwear.
"If your visiting Grasmere, then Silver How is a must. Maybe a steep in parts climb up, but perfect for beginners or families, just take your time and enjoy the views!"
Rob Gardner
"Very easy and nice walk. And on the small top you'll get an amazing view of the surroundings. Just amazing. Good place, if the weather is nice, to just relax."
Mr T
"Silver How is a lovely little Wainwright just above Grasmere
Probably the best place to park is in Grasmere and can be climbed in a couple of hours.
Easy walking for the main part than the last section is quite steep
Extensive views on a clear day, including the Pikes, Bowfell, Heron Pike and Fairfield as well as the surrounding areas."
Mathew Bourne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular starting point is Grasmere village. From there, you can take two main routes: one near National Trust Allen Bank House or via the trail from Red Bank Road close to Grasmere Lake. Both offer a pleasant ascent.
Yes, the best place to park is in Grasmere village. There are several car parks available, though they can fill up quickly during peak season.
You can take a bus to Grasmere village, which is well-connected to other Lake District towns. From the village, it's a short walk to the trailheads.
Most hikers approach Silver How from Grasmere. The trails are generally well-defined, making it easy to navigate.
Due to its natural terrain and steep sections, Silver How is not generally considered accessible for wheelchair users. It's best suited for those who can manage uneven paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to hike Silver How. It's a public fell accessible to everyone.
Silver How is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The best time to visit depends on daylight and weather conditions.
No permits are required for hiking Silver How. Enjoy the natural beauty freely!
The trails leading to and up Silver How are free to access. Parking in Grasmere village may incur a fee.
Yes, Silver How is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors complete the hike to Silver How and back in 2-3 hours, depending on their pace and how long they spend at the summit.
The views are spectacular! You'll see panoramic vistas of the central fells, including Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, and Fairfield, as well as Windermere and Grasmere lakes.
Silver How is considered an easy to moderate hike. The main part of the walk is gentle, with a steeper section towards the summit. It's suitable for beginners and families.
Wear comfortable hiking attire. Good walking shoes or boots are essential, especially if the ground is wet, as it can be boggy. Layers are advisable as weather can change quickly.
There are no facilities at the summit of Silver How. It's a natural fell, so be prepared to carry any food or water you need and take all litter with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots. Look for opportunities to capture the lakes, surrounding fells, and dramatic cloud formations, especially during sunrise or sunset. 
Absolutely! Sunrise over Grasmere and Rydal Water is particularly stunning from Silver How, and sunset provides beautiful golden hour light.
Drone usage is generally permitted in the Lake District National Park, but always check current regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The entire summit area provides excellent viewpoints. The eastern side offers great views towards Grasmere and Rydal Water, perfect for sunrise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At the top, the panoramic views provide a great reward for little legs, offering a sense of achievement and a chance to spot different landmarks.
🚶 Solo Hikers
For those seeking a sense of accomplishment without an overly strenuous climb, Silver How is perfect. It allows for a good workout and a chance to connect with nature, all within a reasonable timeframe.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the summit, the trail itself offers photographic interest, with features like Wray Gill providing opportunities for more intimate landscape shots.
The changing light conditions, from the soft hues of dawn to the dramatic skies of sunset, offer diverse photographic possibilities throughout the day. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wainwright Connection
Wainwright described Silver How as a 'delightful little fell' offering 'immense views for very little effort'. This sentiment is echoed by many modern visitors who appreciate its accessibility and rewarding scenery. For those following in Wainwright's footsteps, Silver How represents a manageable yet significant achievement. Its inclusion in his guides has cemented its status as a popular destination for both seasoned fell walkers and those new to the Lake District's mountainous terrain. The fell's relatively low altitude (1292 ft) and straightforward ascent make it an ideal introduction to the Wainwrights.
Family-Friendly Adventure
Beyond the ease of the climb, the summit offers captivating views that will engage children's imaginations. The opportunity to see lakes, valleys, and distant fells provides a real sense of accomplishment.
Photography Opportunities
+1 From this vantage point, you can frame stunning shots of Grasmere and Rydal Water to the east, the Langdale Pikes and Bowfell to the south, and the central fells stretching out in all directions. +1Many visitors share breathtaking images of cloud inversions, golden hour light, and sweeping landscapes from Silver How.
The presence of Wray Gill, a picturesque ravine, also provides opportunities for more intimate nature photography along the trail. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, Silver How offers ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the Lake District. 
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