Five beginner‑friendly Wainwrights to try this summer in Cumbria – and the kit you’ll actually need
If you’re looking to bag your first Wainwright this summer, you don’t need to start with the toughest Lakeland giants. Accessible, lower fells like Catbells, Latrigg, Hallin Fell, Binsey and Loughrigg give classic views, good paths and a realistic challenge for new walkers – as long as you turn up with sensible footwear, waterproofs and basic hill kit.
Catbells – the classic starter summit
Catbells above Derwentwater is many people’s first Wainwright, and with good reason: the route is short, well‑trodden and rewarded with big views over Keswick, Borrowdale and the central fells. There’s a little hands‑on scrambling near the top, but for most beginners in decent weather it’s more fun than frightening.
Because Catbells is rocky in places and can be busy, sturdy walking boots or hiking shoes with good grip are a must. A waterproof jacket with a hood, a small rucksack and enough water and snacks will keep first‑timers comfortable on the steep sections and during queues at the scrambly bits.
Latrigg – Keswick’s easy viewpoint
Latrigg is one of the most forgiving Wainwrights, thanks to its high start and clear paths. From the car park above Keswick, the gradient is gentle and the summit comes quickly, making it ideal for nervous newcomers, families and anyone testing out new kit.
Even here, where the walking is straightforward, it’s worth wearing proper footwear rather than casual trainers, especially in wet conditions. A light fleece, waterproof over‑trousers and a simple day pack with a drink, snacks and a headtorch (in case your evening stroll runs late) turn this “easy” fell into a safe, enjoyable introduction to hillwalking.
Hallin Fell – big Ullswater views for little effort
Hallin Fell, rising above the road near Howtown on Ullswater, is often recommended as a family‑friendly first Wainwright. The climb is relatively short but delivers sweeping lake views and a satisfying summit cairn, without long, exposed ridges or complex navigation.
For readers new to the fells, this is a good place to try a basic kit list: walking shoes or boots, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and a small pack with water, snacks and a printed map of the area. On hot days, a sun hat and sunscreen make just as much difference to comfort as an extra fleece does on cooler, breezy ones.
Binsey – a gentle northern dome
Binsey stands alone on the fringe of the Northern Fells and is often described as one of the easiest Wainwrights. Paths are straightforward and the grassy dome gives expansive views of Skiddaw and the Solway plain, without the sustained steepness of many central fells.
Because Binsey is quite open and exposed, even in summer you’ll feel any wind. That makes light gloves and a hat worth popping into your bag, alongside a waterproof layer and a mid‑layer. Walking poles aren’t essential, but some beginners find them helpful on the short, steeper sections or if the ground is muddy.
Loughrigg Fell – varied paths and lakeside scenery
Loughrigg sits between Ambleside, Rydal Water and Grasmere, and offers a tangle of paths, terraces and knolls that feel like proper fell country without committing you to huge height gain. Routes via Loughrigg Terrace are popular for their lakeside views and gentler gradients, making this a strong choice for a first “full” fell outing.
Because the path network can be confusing, especially in poor visibility, this is where basic navigation kit starts to matter. A small rucksack carrying an OS map, simple compass, water, snacks and a headtorch is sensible, even if you plan only a half‑day. Good footwear helps on the occasional rocky and eroded sections, and waterproofs earn their keep when showers sweep in from Windermere.
A realistic beginner’s kit list
Across all five fells, the essentials are broadly the same. For a Cumbrian audience, it’s helpful to strip the advice back to what genuinely matters for summer beginners:
- Walking boots or sturdy hiking shoes
- Walking socks
- Lightweight, waterproof jacket with hood
- Fleece or insulated mid‑layer
- Waterproof trousers
- Small day rucksack (around 20–30L) with a hip belt
- Water, snacks and a simple first aid kit
- OS map for the area and a compass
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Hat, gloves, sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Optional: walking poles for extra stability
Framed around these five approachable Wainwrights, you can angle the piece towards search terms like “easy Wainwrights for beginners”, “first Wainwright near Keswick” and “what to wear for Catbells”, while reassuring local readers that they don’t need full alpine gear to enjoy their first Lakeland summit – just some thoughtful preparation and respect for the fells.
