03-05-2025
The Five Lake District fells considered the most dangerous to climb
As Summer is approaching, a hike in the Lake District becomes an appealing prospect to people of all abilities.
However, many fells have hikes that can be dangerous if you are not proficient enough, and with common unpredictability, we have highlighted the most dangerous hikes throughout the Lake District.
Drone shot of Sharp Edge (Image: Stuart Holmes)
Sharp Edge is akin to a knife-edge ridge requiring nerves of steel. It is a fully exposed grade I scramble in the Lake District, not to be undertaken lightly.
Alfred Wainwright described the scramble: 'a rising crest of naked rock, of sensational and spectacular appearance, a breaking wave carved in stone.'
Although only a couple of hundred meters long, the sharp drop either side of the ridge can feel like it takes a lifetime to navigate.
Anywhere We Roam, a travel blog, recommend attempting Sharp Edge if you have some scrambling experience, are comfortable with heights and the conditions are good.
Striding Edge is one of the most famous Lake District hikes (Image: Archive) Striding Edge is the famous and renowned ridge that flanks the south eastern passage to Helvellyn.
The route should Only be tackled if you are experienced and confident enough in your own abilities to do so as many people have come to grief crossing Striding Edge.
An airy ridge walk, the route requires a reasonable head for heights, scrambling skills in both ascent and descent, and experience to make your own judgements as to what is do-able.
Despite its dangers, Striding Edge is also a historic route. This ridge was originally used as a trade route by locals, who would travel between the towns of Ambleside and Patterdale, over time, it became a popular spot for walkers and hikers, who were drawn to its breath-taking views and challenging terrain.
Mountain surveyors climbing Swirral Edge Occupying the same fell as Striding Edge, Swirral Edge is an exposed scramble that should only be attempted if you're confident in your abilities and have a head for heights.
Often used as a descent by walkers attempting Striding Edge, It is steeper but shorter than the aforementioned route.
The views, however, are exceptional and the full panorama which you are granted from the third-highest point in England can be described as mind blowing.
Both routes are mountaineering territory and crampons and axes are often needed along with the skills to use them, especially in winter.
Weatherline service carries daily reports on conditions with advice on whether you need a full winter kit. At any time of year, be wary of strong winds on any narrow ridge.
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England (Image: Callum Liptrot) Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England with an elevation of 978 metres above sea level, and is home to the 'Bad Step' hike.
The Scafell Pike Corridor Route from Seathwaite is said to be a challenging route to the summit of Scafell Pike. It's 16 km in length and involves some scrambling on a couple of sections.
One of the hardest things about the Scafell Pike Corridor Route is its lack of clear waymarkers. This trail slips in and out of ridges following a wobbling path up to the summit. In addition to this, the summit plateau is mostly absent of any trail markings.
Broad Stand is a scramble shortcut onto Scafell, from below it looks like a straightforward way up, but it's more difficult than it first appears and also can be a challenging descent. Consider taking a rope and small rack for protection if you are considering taking on this challenge, and possibly abseiling if you're descending.
The poor rock holds lend itself to a high chance of hikers falling, which could create life threatening injuries.
290,000 people climb Scafell Pike each year, many of them taking part in the ' Three Peaks' to raise money for charity. However this mountain is one that gets the most rescue calls each year with over 600 dealing with people underestimating the challenge ahead.
