Our part of the world pulls in hundreds of thousands of hikers every year, taking their pick from the 214 Wainwrights that can be found scattered across the region. Every summit in the Lake District boasts its own awe-inspiring views, but there are a certain few that stand out! Using tag data from Instagram, we have determined the 10 most ‘Instagrammable’ peaks, giving you plenty of inspiration for your next trip to see us!
The most instagrammed views in the Lake District
Using Instagram hashtag data, we analysed a series of Cumbria’s Wainwrights, determining the mountains and fells that are featured the most. The top 12 is as follows:
- Scafell Pike – 119,000 hashtags
- Hellvellyn – 112,000 hashtags
- Cat Bells – 73,000 hashtags
- Haystacks – 53,400 hashtags
- Blencathra – 51,100 hashtags
- Skiddaw – 50,900 hashtags
- Old Man Of Coniston – 26,700 hashtags
- Scafell – 25,200 hashtags
- Great Gable – 24,100 hashtags
- Loughrigg Fell – 17,600 hashtags
- Latrigg – 14,300 hashtags
- Helm Crag – 10,600 hashtags
1. Scafell Pike - 119,000 hashtags
There’s no surprises around the peak that has topped our roundup, given the fact that it’s also the highest mountain in the UK. Scafell Pike has been ‘Insta’d’ over 119,000 times, with some of the most breathtaking views being snapshots from the summit at sunrise – it’s definitely one of the best times to make the ascent, but it’ll often warrant a rather early start! Standing at 978 metres high, there are several routes up – and amongst these, there are a few that require a whole day of hiking before you’ll be above the clouds at the peak!
The shortest route up is from Wasdale Head, where you’ll need around 5.5 hours to get up to the summit and back; though weather conditions can impact this. Experienced hikers might be able to shave some time from this estimate, but likewise, given that you’ll be making your way up the highest mountain in the country, you might want to take some time to soak up the stunning views over the southern Lake District!
2. Helvellyn - 112,000 hashtags
The second spot is nabbed by the 3rd highest mountain in England, Hellvellyn. This is definitely a tourists’ favourite, and it’s a challenging yet rewarding traverse up to the top. Some of our favourite snapshots also showcase the fact that it’s a popular base for campers, setting up their tents in time to watch the sun set over Ullswater and Thirlmere. The path to the peak is easy to follow, and while some scrambling is required, it can definitely be tackled by those with some experience and the right kit – a good starting point would be some sturdy hiking boots!
3. Cat Bells - 73,000 hashtags
Instagram users’ third most popular fell is Cat Bells; and this doesn’t come as much of a surprise! This particular Wainwright is one of the most popular hiking routes in the Lake District, and it’s a go-to for families and groups, given its easy-to-moderate challenge level, and amazing views over Keswick and Derwentwater. Racking up 73,000 tags, snaps of the Cat Bells summit often feature a packed lunch, sunrises, and sausage dogs – yes, even the shortest of legs can make it all the way to the top!
There are several different routes that will lead you to the summit of this popular peak, but one of the most well trodden starts from Hawes End. If you’re open to a steeper climb, consider starting from Skelgill Bank, or you could plan an even longer route that’ll take you over the neighbouring summits of Maiden Moor and High Spy.
4. Haystacks - 53,400 hashtags
The fourth most snapped fell shows us that height doesn’t matter when we’re talking about the Wainwrights! Haystacks, standing at a modest 597 metres high, garners 53,400 tags from Instagram users, securing fourth place in our roundup. This summit is situated at the south-eastern end of the Buttermere valley, and hikers take on a 7.5km circular trail to reach the top. Snapshots of the views that Haystacks boasts showcase exactly why this fell is so popular, but the scenery that you’ll encounter on the way up is equally stunning! You’ll see mountain top tarns, a hidden bothy, and two infinity pools – making this a seriously special trail.
The route to the top is slightly challenging with some minor scrambling required, and it’ll take anywhere between 3-4 hours to tick this one off your list.
5. Blencathra - 51,100 hashtags
We’re heading back up high in terms of elevation for fifth place, as Blencathra secures its spot in our most Instagrammed Wainwrights. This mountain actually has six separate fell tops, with the highest being Hallsfell Top (2,848 feet high), and it’s definitely one for more seasoned climbers to try. The most daring hikers may even venture to Sharp Edge, a ridge walk which requires a lot of technical expertise to navigate; in fact, Sharp Edge alone is tagged 47,200 times on Instagram! It’s a short, scary stretch, but it can be completely avoided if you’d rather keep the level of challenge that this walk already offers.
There are plenty of ways up to the summit of this fell, and Alfred Wainwright (the author and fell walker who gave his namesake to the Lake District’s fells) detailed more routes up Blencathra than any other peak in the area! You could opt for several starting points, including Scales Fell, Halls Fell Ridge, and Blease Fell.
6. Skiddaw - 50,900 hashtags
We’re still climbing beyond the clouds as we hit sixth position, nabbed by Skiddaw. This 931 metre high mountain is a demanding peak to take on, and many of the most frequently taken routes stretch to around 5-6 hours of walking. Despite this, most of the trails are fairly non-technical, taking climbers through easy to follow trails.
Skiddaw is also accessible from Keswick, and there’s a route from here that will help you to tick a total of 7 Wainwrights off, including Skiddaw – start from Keswick, and climb Ullock Pike, Longside Edge, Carl Side, Skiddaw, Little Man, Lonscale Fell, and Latrigg.
Views from the summit of Skiddaw have been shared over 50,900 times on Instagram, and there’s no wonder as to why. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be looking out over Derwentwater and the Coledale fells, and if you’ve been lucky enough to venture up on a clear day, you will even see glimpses of Scotland in the distance!
7. Old Man Of Coniston - 26,700 hashtags
With 26,700 tags, Old Man Of Coniston is the seventh most Instagrammed Lake District Summit. This is definitely one of the most picturesque peaks, and it’s also one of the summits that often sees cloud inversions happen, making for some of the most breathtaking views. The hike can take between 4-6 hours to complete, depending on the route you take, and there are various starting points. Old Man via Low Water will see you set off from Coniston village, walking past the old quarries and up by Low Water Tarn. It’s a climb from here, but it’s steady, and there’s plenty of places to stop to take in the surroundings.
Some of our favourite snaps include some of the hidden slate mine ruins, dotted all throughout the trail. You’ll also see a lot of snaps from walkers who have uncovered one of the hidden gems of this peak – the Coniston Coppermines water fall, now a popular spot for Lake District wild swimmers.
8. Scafell - 25,200 hashtags
Scafell (not to be confused with Scafell Pike) secures eighth place in our list, helped along by the 25,200 tags used on Instagram by hikers who have conquered this 964m high mountain. Scafell is the final summit walkers will reach before Scafell Pike; there’s 14 metres between the final two peaks on this trail, and given how many more tags we tracked for Scafell Pike, it seems as though many walkers are able to push on and reach the big summit. It’s still an extremely rewarding climb if this is as far as you can get though, and you’ll have been walking for around 3 and a half hours by the time you arrive here.
9. Great Gable - 24,100 hashtags
24,100 tags has landed Great Gable in position 9 – but we think this Wainwright deserves a lot more praise, as it offers some of the most mesmerising, panoramic views of the Lake District. Its difficulty level may be the deterrent here though, as a considerably hard stretch of scrambling and the ability to take on steep, hard ascents is required for walkers that are keen on arriving at the summit. There are a few potential routes to take, but they all have this level of challenge in common.
The impressive views that we were talking about roll in from early on during this trail though, with Wastwater being one of the most snapped landscapes on this fell. Great Gable is the seventh highest peak in this range, and it cuts an impressive outline in the Western Lake District skyline – in fact, it’s best known for its pyramidal side profile!
10. Loughrigg Fell - 17,600 hashtags
We’re completing our roundup with Loughrigg Fell, which comes in as the tenth most Instagrammed Lake District peak with 17,600 hashtags. This is a fell-runner’s favourite, given the nature of the path – it’s a relatively level, even walk, making it ideal for those that want to pick the pace up slightly. Conversely, it’s also one of the best walks for families exploring the Lake District, as it offers an easy to moderate route with seriously stunning views over Keswick. While it’s a popular peak, it still offers a sense of tranquility, and it’s a great place to watch the sun set.
The route can be completed in 2-3 hours (and even quicker if you’re running!), and you can pair your hike to the summit up with a lovely stroll from Ambleside.
Tick more Wainwright’s off your list when you stay at Snittlegarth
Feeling inspired by these Insta-worthy views? Make it your mission to take them all on, and make Snittlegarth your home-from-home to return to in between the peaks. You’ll be within easy reach of several of the fells that have featured in this roundup; all you have to do is have your camera skills at the ready!
Discover our Lake District lodges, cabins, and luxury shepherd’s hut, and book your stay online now with us, or check our latest availability for all of our accommodation types.
