With the Lake District getting busier and busier as we head closer into the warmer, summer months, you may be wishing there was somewhere quieter to walk in the Lake District, away from the crowds. Known for being less explored, the Caldbeck Fells are tucked away from any major tourist destinations. With grassy fells, wild ponies, disused mining areas and incredible views over the northern fells and Scotland, this 14km, circular walk gives you a great introduction to everything Caldbeck has to offer. Check out all the route details and download the map below.
At a Glance
Difficulty: Moderate - mixed terrain walking with some boggy sections
Distance: 13.8km/8.6miles
Total Ascent: 518m
Est Time: 4.5hrs
Starting location: Caldbeck car park, CA7 8DU (donation requested)
Facilities: Public toilets in Caldbeck & a local cafe and pub
Dog friendly: Yes, but beware of livestock
Caldbeck Fells Circular Walk to High Pike
The trail starts in the peaceful village of Caldbeck where you’ll find a donation payment car park, beautiful stone cottages, a lovely pub and cafe and lots of gorgeous walks. From the car park, cross the river and follow the public footpath across open farmland before joining a road for a short distance to head out of the village. This is a quiet lane so you’re unlikely to have to dodge much traffic.
Once at the buildings at Nether Row, follow the fork to the right along the well maintained and obvious footpath. It rises gently to begin with but you’ll soon find yourself on a steeper section, giving wonderful views of Caldbeck behind you.
As you ascend, the landscape begins to change from open fields to moorland. Looking around here, you can see signs of the mining history that once dominated the area. Old mine workings and disused shafts are dotted within the landscape as this was once an area where lead and copper were extracted from the ground.
The path eventually takes a turn to the left and rises towards the summit of High Pike. This section is quite grassy so can get boggy in wet weather. On a clear day, you’ll have panoramic views over towards Scotland so it’s worth stopping to take a look back here. Soon, the summit of High Pike comes into view where you’ll find a well-positioned bench to enjoy the view across to the northern and central fells of the Lake District as well as a trig to get your summit photos with. Even on sunny, summer day the wind can really pick up here so if you're stopping here for lunch, be sure to take an extra layer like the My Urban Trail packable jacket to keep you warm.
It’s on the summit that you’ll really get a sense of solitude; this is completely different from the busy summits you might be used to elsewhere in the Lake District. The mountains spread out in front of you from the summit of High Pike with big skies, heather-covered hills and much, much quieter paths. It really does feel so empty up there.
From the summit, the route heads around the eastern side of High Pike, following a well defined path gradually downhill to the site of more old mine workings. As you descend, keep an eye out here for the semi-wild fell ponies.
The fell ponies of Caldbeck are a highlight of this area. These semi-wild ponies are frequently spotted grazing on the Caldbeck Fells with their long, tousled manes flowing in the wind. They will often be in small groups and although they are peaceful animals, it’s best to keep a respectful distance from them. The ponies are semi-wild as they are owned and monitored by local landowners who check on their welfare. These ponies are a native breed to the Lake District and would once have transported goods and people across the fells.
Once you have descended past the old mine workings, the final part of the route involves crossing through farmland before crossing some boggy sections back towards the buildings at Nether Row. From here, retrace your steps back to the village centre. I recommend a visit to The Muddy Duck Cafe before you leave; they do some delicious food and drinks and have a lovely area to sit outside if the weather is on your side.
Caldbeck Fells Circular Walk Downloadable Map and Route
Download the Ordnance Survey route and map here.
You can also download the PDF version of the route and print it out.
-
Start and end point in Caldbeck
-
The path heads right up towards the summit of High Pike
-
The summit of High Pike
-
The path veers left through farmland before meeting up with the earlier junction where you retrace your steps back
Komoot App Downloadable Route
Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.
Is there public transport to Caldbeck?
There is limited public transport to Caldbeck using a public bus service (Route 553) that only runs from March to November. It is also only available on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
You can find out more about this service here.
How long is the Caldbeck circular route?
The route is just under 14 km and you can expect it to take around 4.5 hours not including rest stops or speed.
How hard is the Caldbeck circular?
The hike to High Pike is considered moderate with well-defined paths but also many boggy sections in wet weather. The elevation gain is around 520m with some steep sections at the start of the climb to High Pike. The views from the summit are well worth the effort though!
Where is the parking in Caldbeck?
Caldbeck has a free car park (correct at time of writing - May 2025) and they just ask for a donation to park there. The car park is just off the B5229 road through Caldbeck. Click here for the location on Google Maps.
Will I see the wild ponies on the Caldbeck Fells?
The ponies are often seen on the Caldbeck Fells in large groups so your chances of seeing them grazing are quite high. Remember to keep your distance and treat them with respect; be calm, and gentle as they can be unpredictable. Of course, seeing them is never guaranteed but keep an eye out and your fingers crossed that you see them.
For additional UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, check my other blog posts here on MY URBAN TRAIL and follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram.
Happy adventuring!
Izzy