Which is the best peak to go up in the Lake District?

Question

I'm going to go walking in the Lake district and am not sure whether I'll have time for all the main peaks, Scafell Pike, Old Man of Coniston and Hellvellyn - if you could only go up one, which one would it be?

Answer 1

Ive been up all of these, living in the lake district.  Old man is a great walk especially through the old slate quarry, but i find its a bit out on its own and does not provide quite as a dramatic view as the others

Scarfell is out of the way, depends on which side you go up,  getting to wasdale from around the west coast is quite a drive,  the view also from scarfell being the largest of the 3 is great on 2 sides but the west just looks out towards the sea.

Hellvellyn for me has everything,  surrounded by many other hills it has a fantastic climb up,  if you come through striding edge its quite a dangerous but spectacular walk,  the views all the way up are great and you really feel your in the heart of the lakes.  The other 2 seem to be just on the outskirts.

But to me they are all fantastic in their own way and im sure which ever you choose you will enjoy, especially if its a clear day.

Answer 2

Depends what you're after...for the views and the enjoyable walk, I'd do Helvellyn, although it can get a bit crowded. If you like to sit back and think "I've climbed the highest peaks in all these countries", do Scafell. Old Man wouldn't even make my top 10.