During his passion project in the 50s and 60s, Alfred Wainwright selected a, some might say, quite random selection of 214 Lakeland tops to sketch and document. That selection has become a shopping list for many people, and it gives a fantastic structure to an exploration of the Lake District.
Along with the big favourites like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Blencathra, there are a few satisfyingly easy and quick tops, that can be done when time is short or the weather is less clement.
Little Latrigg may be the champion of views vs effort, especially if done from the car park to the north. Approaching from this angle, either via the direct grassy line or the well maintained contouring track, with Skiddaw behind you, the view to the south slowly reveals itself, the Coledale and Newlands Horseshoes, the Jaws of Borrowdale, the sweep of the Dodds range, and finally the bird’s eye view over Keswick and Derwent Water.
Where the actual summit is is almost irrelevant. The rocky outcrop overlooking Keswick feels like the top, but there is an inscribed stone with the name and height hidden on the grassy top if you can find it.
On a sunny day, the bench is a pleasant place to admire the view.
On a less pleasant day, it’s a short hike back to the car and the cafes in Keswick.
Distance: 2 km/1.3 miles
Height gain: 100 m/330 ft
Time: 45 mins
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