The Northern Fells

Great Calva

690m | 2264ft

Great Calva is a fell in the Lake District, England. It is in the Northern Fells, lying roughly at the centre of this region of high ground. As a result, it is distant from roads and quite remote by Lakeland standards.

Popular Routes

Great Calva via Skiddaw House
Distance: 12.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
This route starts from the car park at the end of the Blencathra Centre road, following the Cumbria Way past Skiddaw House before ascending Great Calva from the south. The path is well-trodden but can be boggy in places.
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Great Calva from Mosedale
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting from the hamlet of Mosedale, this route takes you through the beautiful Mosedale Valley, ascending via the east ridge of Great Calva. The path is less defined, offering a more remote experience.
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Great Calva via Knott and Coomb Height
Distance: 16km
Difficulty: Challenging
This longer route begins at the car park near Mungrisdale, taking in Knott and Coomb Height before reaching Great Calva. It offers stunning views but requires good navigation skills, especially in poor visibility.
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Parking

Blencathra Centre Car Park
A small car park at the end of the Blencathra Centre road, ideal for starting the Skiddaw House route.
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Mosedale Parking Area
Limited roadside parking available in the hamlet of Mosedale, suitable for the Mosedale route.
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Mungrisdale Car Park
A small car park in Mungrisdale village, convenient for the Knott and Coomb Height route.
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Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Penrith, with bus services to Keswick. From Keswick, local buses or taxis can be used to reach the starting points.
Limited services

Closest Towns

Keswick
A bustling market town with plenty of amenities, located about 10 miles from Great Calva.
Threlkeld
A small village closer to the starting points, offering a few local pubs and accommodation options.

Pubs & Restaurants

The Horse & Farrier Inn
A traditional pub offering hearty meals and a selection of local ales, perfect for post-walk refreshments.
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The Mill Inn
A cozy pub in Mungrisdale, known for its friendly atmosphere and good food.
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Good to know

The weather in the Northern Fells can change rapidly, so be prepared for all conditions.
Some paths can be boggy, especially after rain, so waterproof boots are recommended.
Great Calva is part of the Lake District National Park, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.