Plan and record your progress through the Wainwright Fells of the Lake District
Raise is part of Wainwright's Eastern Fells as forms one of a number of peaks that make up the Helvellyn range. While it is large in its own right, being the 12 highest peak in the Lake District, being in the Helvellyn region means many walkers are drawn away to that more famous mountain, making Raise a much quieter option for Wainwright walkers looking to complete a peak from their Wainwright Fell Maps away from the crowds. Raise walks are particularly rewarding for the views, with the rocky summit showing all of the major fells as well as Thirlmere. Being the largest mountain at the Northern end of the Helvellyn ridge means those completing Raise walks will be spoilt for choice when choosing where to direct their gaze.
Direct routes to Raise are commonly taken from Glenridding via Sticks Pass, while Raise is a good place to go to complete a number of Wainwright fells in one day of walking. While many take in Helvellyn, an alternative and much quieter route can be rewarding, in a circular trek from Glenridding. This includes a number of fells at the Northern end of the Helvellyn ridge that are not so well known, but perfectly dramatic and picturesque in their own right. Starting with the diminutive Glenridding Dodd, the path continues to Sheffield Pike and then Hart Side. More fells are completed from your Wainwright Maps as the route continues to Stybarrow Dodd and Raise, before ascending White Side, returning to the starting point through the Glenridding Valley.
Raise is also interesting as it is home to the only permanent ski lift to be installed in the Lake District, with the Lake District Ski Club founded to provide a place for enthusiastic winter sports participants to get their snowy thrills in Lakeland.
Further detail on Raise and the fells in the Helvellyn range can be read about in Book One, The Eastern Fells, by Alfred Wainwright, a volume of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.