Hill suggestions for a Lake District day trip?

[Somerled87]

Hi folks,

My experience in the LD doesn't go much further than popping in to visit Scafell Pike on a 3 peaks day. I'll have a day passing through in November to myself and wondered if anyone has any suggestions?

Preference would be for a 3000+ ft hill, possibly combining other lower hills too. Closer to a main road would be a bonus, with more time for walking. I'm comfortable with scrambling and exposure, but equally happy just walking.

I'm anticipating crisp, frosted ground and clear sunny English weather, but on the minute off-chance that it's all cloud and rain "Plan B" suggestions are also welcome!

Thank you.

[jmarkb]

If you really want 3000ers, then you don't have much choice:

Scafell + Scafell Pike: arguably best done from Eskdale, but that's a pain to get to.
Helvellyn: Classic route is Striding Edge + Swirral Edge, good time of year to do it to avoid the crowds.
Skiddaw: a bit dull really, nicest round is via Ullock Pike.

Other options, assuming your want fairly quick access from the M6:

Fairfield Horseshoe
Coledale Horseshoe
Long Stile, High Street and Harter Fell from the head of Haweswater
Langdale Horseshoe (various different length options)

and a slightly unusual one which is a favourite of mine:

Blencathra from Mungrisdale, via Bannerdale Crags and Sharp Edge, back via Souther Fell.

[prog99]

For ease of access and 3000+ then Skiddaw although its not the most exciting of hills. Otherwise up sharp edge and down halls fell on Blencathra (Marks route is good too)

[Dunfie]

All the above suggestions look good.

If the weather means you can only manage a half day then you could consider the Steel Fell, Calf Crag, Gibson Knot and Helm Crag horseshoe from Grasmere. No where near 3000ft but it still provides a real sense of remoteness and a decent challenge along a fine ridge.

[Somerled87]

That's great, thanks for taking the time to respond. I think Helvellyn for plan A, I like the idea of doing an otherwise busy walk out of season, and the name of the hill sounds good. Plan B in poorer weather will be Blencathra or dunfie's Grasmere horshoe depending on cloud level.

Much appreciated!