Glaramara is a gruelling but gorgeous walk to complete if you have the stamina. There are few flat sections to catch your breath on this hike, so in this blog, we walk you through some of the best routes as recommended by Alfred Wainwright, where to park and what to pack during your stint in the Lake District.
We’ve been writing blogs about Alfred Wainwright’s walks through Cumbria for a while now, but to provide a summary for new readers on our blog; Alfred Wainwright was a well-known walker, writer and artist from the 20th Century. He is famous for having completed and documented numerous walks around the Lake District, including various illustrations across multiple volumes.
His published works have gained quite a following, and many avid hikers in the North-West aspire to complete all the Wainwrights someday. In this series of blogs, we help you achieve this feat by providing tips, tricks and accommodation suggestions.
There is little worse than embarking on a hike in the sun and returning to your vehicle soaked through, chilled to the bone, with no idea how to solve the situation. In our country, you should be prepared for quick changes in the weather so you should pack a change of clothes to leave in the car in case it rains. This way, you can still enjoy your hike in the rain, knowing that you won’t also be facing a soggy trip back to your luxury holiday cottage in the Lake District.
Given the sometimes-boggy terrain on Glaramara, we also recommend packing a spare pair of shoes if you intend to go out for a celebratory meal afterwards.
Where you decide to park will largely depend on how you decide to approach Glaramara. For example, one of the most popular routes completed by Wainwright starts from Seatoller, but other favourites include parking at Borrowdale or Seathwaite.
Wherever you park, you shouldn’t have much trouble here and there are plenty of free to parks roads near the base of Glaramara, or if you park at Seatoller, you can use the National Trust pay and display.
This walk will take at most around five hours to complete, so make sure that you leave yourself enough time on your ticket to finish the walk with time for pit stops and rests.
Glaramara’s peak sits at around 800m and overlooks most of the surrounding fells and mountains. On a clear day, the view from the top is incredibly rewarding, looking out to Great Gable and Great End which scrape the 900m range.
Aside from the previously mentioned boggy land, there is also a lot of steep scree nearing the peak. This section can be ascended without having to get hands-on, but if you’re not confident or worried about slipping, then you may want to pack some light gloves to protect your hands and grip on the journey up.
The hike is a long one, so naturally, you will need to pack an adequate supply of water to hydrate yourself, as well as food and snacks to keep your energy up. Planning a picnic at the summit is a good idea, especially if you want to give yourself time to enjoy the view.
The routes to the top and back down are not always clear, the incline steep and the terrain difficult, making this a hike that would not be recommended for young children.
Once you’ve reached your car and set off for your accommodation, you will be heading through a few lovely villages and towns where you can stop for a hearty dinner, such as one of the many pubs in the heart of Keswick or the Wetherspoons in Kendal.
On the other hand, you might be quite hungry by the end of your walk, in which case you might prefer to eat somewhere in Seatoller. Nearby places to get food include the Royal Oak Hotel in Borrowdale, Langstrath Country Inn and The Flock Inn Tearoom if you arrive before it’s closing time.
If you’re interested in pursuing other walks in Cumbria and the Lake District, we have plenty of blogs on different Wainwrights for those looking for a walk with lots of scenic variation, walks where you can swim, and walks with the best views.
Please read any of our following blogs if you’re interested in completing other Wainwrights:
Walking with Wainwright – Old Man of Coniston
Walking with Wainwright – Langdale
