Known for being much quieter and less explored, the Caldbeck Fells are tucked away from any major tourist destinations but are a great place to hike. With grassy fells, wild ponies, disused mining areas and incredible views over the northern fells and Scotland, this 14km, circular walk is a great introduction to everything Caldbeck has to offer and is a great Lake District walk. Get the full route details here.
😮Moderate: mixed terrain with some navigation required.
⛰️Terrain: boggy sections, grass, road, pathless sections
↔️Distance: 13.8kmkm/8.6miles
⌛Time taken: 4 -5 hours without rest stops
📈Ascent: 518m
Start point: Caldbeck Car Park, CA7 8DU
🗺️Click here for the OS downloadable route.
🗺️Download the route on Komoot
🗺️Click here to download the printable PDF map
🗺️Map needed is OS Explorer OL5 Penrith, Patterdale & Caldbeck
Caldbeck circular route details
Car parking and starting the route
The route starts at the main parking area in Caldbeck. Parking is free for the day but they ask for a small donation to place in the honesty box (correct at time of writing June 2025).There are public toilets just up the road from here and there is a cafe and a pub in the village too.
Public transport option: 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.
The path to High Pike, the high point of the Caldbeck Fells, starts off from the village, crossing the river and following the public footpath across open farmland before joining a single track road. Once you meet the buildings at Nether Row, there is an option to go right or left. Go right; you’ll be returning on the other path at the end of the walk. You’ll soon find yourself on a steeper section, giving wonderful views of Caldbeck behind you.
Section 1; up onto the summit of High Pike in the Caldbeck Fells
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 once you reach the summit. 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.
Section 3; descending back to Caldbeck
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.
How hard is the hiking in the Caldbeck Fells?
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.
Take a look at this video of the wild ponies in the Caldbeck Fells:
Let me know if you’ve ever hiked in the Caldbeck Fells or if you do this route and what you think of it! I love to read your comments. 🙂 Or, if you’re looking for somerthing a little different to do in the Lake District, check out this post on the Bowder Stone.