Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Wainwright Guide: Book Three – The Central Fells
Silver Howe is one of the fells that is often overlooked by its better known neighbours, but visitors to Grasmere should not pass up the opportunity to do this hike! It has fantastic views over both Grasmere and Rydal Water, as well as Windermere in the distance. Multiple fells and ranges can be viewed from the summit including Loughrigg, Helm Crag, the Fairfield Horseshoe and the Langdale Pikes. Overall, a pretty incredible view in all 360 degrees!
The best thing about this hike is that it’s not too steep and you can make it into a nice circular walk. Jonny and I first did the walk in the summer months but having also done it in the winter the colour changes in the surrounding scenery are incredible. A brilliant option for fell walkers of all abilities at any time of year.
Where to Start?
Jonny and I start this hike from Grasmere. There are a few small car parks in the village that have pay and display machines, however if you’re looking to park somewhere for free then I would recommend parking in the lay by on the A591.
From your chosen parking spot you’ll need to make your way towards the green in the middle of the village. If you chose to park at the above location simply keep the lay by on your right and take the very first road on the right you come across. Continue to follow it, past a play ground and some shops, until you eventually come to the green on your left. The walk will start from here.
Start your walk looking out from the green to the art gallery opposite. Turn left and as soon as you reach the corner follow the sign up the private road to Allan Bank, a National Trust property. It is most famously one of the homes of William Wordsworth and is open to the public to see inside.
Follow the road up towards the house but just before you get there, a small path will lead off towards the right.
The day that Jonny and I did this hike we were lucky enough to see one of the aircraft drills in action as we started to wander along the path. We witnessed an army plane flying only a few feet above our heads. It made a colossal rumbling down the valley but my goodness was it incredible!
The path leads to a small farmhouse and a fork in the road. Take the path to the left that starts to become slightly more uneven. There is even a small hand-written sign to point you towards the path to Silver Howe. Go through the gate at the end of the path and continue to follow the track to begin the real ascent.
Ascent
This little section of path has a fairly gentle incline although it does become a little uneven underfoot. In the winter months it can feel a little like you are climbing a small waterfall so make sure you are wearing the appropriate footwear and watch your step!
At the top of the narrow, uneven path another gate will appear. Once through this gate the path becomes more like a normal fell path would. The first section is grassy and a little steep but just continue to follow it upwards.
Looking back on yourself you will start to see amazing views of Grasmere, with Helm Crag in particular taking centre stage.
The next part of the path takes you through a small patch of juniper trees. A gin lovers paradise! These are a unique feature of the ascent up Silver Howe and make it one of my favourite hikes.
Once through the sea of juniper you will arrive at a small beck that needs to be crossed. This is fairly easy in the summer, slightly more of a challenge in the winter months but nonetheless it’s still as fun and exciting!
After scrambling up on the other side of the gill you will be able to see the summit come into view! It’s a pleasant wander across a small plateau before making your final steep ascent.
Summit
A small cairn marks the summit, overlooking the beautiful Grasmere and Rydal Water. One of my favourite things about this fell is that it always seems to be quiet at the summit. Fell walkers seem to favour the surrounding Wainwrights leaving Silver Howe peaceful. I could quite easily sit up here for hours and enjoy the views all around. Definitely in my top 10!
Looking in the opposite direction you can see out towards Blea Rigg and the Langdales. The fitter amongst you would be able to head out this way to do a large loop and conquer these fells before dropping back into Grasmere.
Descent
Start your descent by heading up the steep path you just came up. The view you are rewarded with is outstanding, especially in the golden light of the low afternoon sun. It seems to cast shadows in all the right places, highlighting the dramatic nature of the landscape.
As you reach the cairn on the path photographed above you’ll notice a path to the right. Head this way through a gully of scree to start descending towards Grasmere.
Once you pass the scree the path becomes well defined and easy underfoot, albeit a little bit steep.
As you get further and further down the fell the view of Grasmere becomes unbelievable! It is absolutely stunning and one of the primary reasons I like to take the hike in this direction rather than going the other way round.
When you reach the stone wall the path splits. Heading to the right will take you towards Loughrigg. We normally head to the left and back to Grasmere.
Be careful on the path from here as it becomes a little uneven underfoot.
The path will take you through a small series of gates but will always remain obvious to follow. The very last gate leads out onto the road that runs around the lake, opposite Faeryland Grasmere where you can stop for a small refreshment.
Turn left here and follow the road back into town. Once you get to Tweedies you can either stop for a post-hike pint or turn left and it will bring you back to where you turned off to Allan Bank.
There are so many nice cafes and restaurants in Grasmere you can take your pick of the best place to refuel!
All in all Silver Howe is one of the most beautiful, unique hikes in all the Lake District. Highly recommended to walkers of all abilities!
Have you done Silver Howe yet? Let me know in the comments!
