Raven Crag Walk: A Scenic hike overlooking Thirlmere in the Lake District

Overlooking the north end of Thirlmere, Raven Crag is one of the best short hikes in all of the Lake District. It has the most incredible view of Thirlmere Reservoir with Helvellyn looming in the background. If you’re looking for a fun, quick adventure with an epic summit payoff, this is the walk for you.

Where to Start Your Raven Crag Hike

The walk starts from the Thirlmere Dam car park, located just off the A591. Parking costs £4 for 6 hours, giving you more than enough time to enjoy the hike and soak up the stunning views.

There’s also a free lay-by nearby with space for 3-4 cars, directly across from the start of the trail.

The hike up

The hike begins with a steep climb through the forest that’ll definitely get your heart pumping! The path is well-marked, and the incline quickly makes its presence felt—it’s uphill right from the start. As you wind through the trees, you’ll enjoy the shade and occasional glimpses of Thirlmere through the trees..

After this initial climb, you’ll reach a fire track that splits into several routes. Take the path to the left and continue upwards. Soon, you’ll come across a well-maintained boardwalk that leads to the final ascent to Raven Crag’s summit. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with an impressive panorama of Thirlmere and Helvellyn—perfect for a snack break and plenty of photos!

The hike down

Head back down to the fire track, and head north through the forest towards Sipping Crag. The descent is a lot gentler and allows you to enjoy the peaceful woodland surroundings without the steep exertion of the ascent. You’ll follow the perimeter of the forest before looping back towards the car park.

On the way, you’ll pass through Bridge End Farm before eventually reaching the dam. It’s a nice change of scenery, with views of the surrounding countryside opening up as you make your way back to your starting point.

View route on OS Maps or download route GPX file

How long does it take to walk up Raven Crag?

The walk takes just over 2 hours from start to finish and is approximately 6.5 kilometres.

Parking and start location for Raven Crag hike

Parking for the Raven Crag walk is conveniently located by the Thirlmere Dam, right next to the reservoir. It costs £4, giving you a total of 6 hours to explore the area, which is more than enough for the hike and to take in the stunning views.

If the main car park is full, there’s also a small lay-by just off the A591, with space for 2-3 cars, directly opposite the start of the walk.

Kit list for hiking

As mentioned, it's essential to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for any walk you do. Here's a list of items to bring:

• Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support

  • You can get a decent pair of boots from Cotswold Outdoors, Mountain Warehouse or Blacks. You don’t need to spend a load of money, but anything with ankle support should do the job. I have the Scarpa Rush TRK Gore-Tex boots and they are fantastic!

• Waterproof jacket and trousers - even in the summer, taking a waterproof jacket that offers protection from the wind is key

• Warm layers (fleece, hat, gloves) - gloves come in handy when navigating rocky sections

• Map and compass (and the ability to use them)

• Food and water

• Sunscreen

• First aid kit

• Mobile phone (with a full battery) + portable charger