Topic: Walks

Route Info:

5 miles (8.5km) | Moderate / Strenuous | 520m ascent / descent | allow 3-3½hrs

Start:

Glenridding village (car park or bus stop)

 

This varied circular walk from Glenridding climbs steadily to the broad col of Nick Head before reaching the summit of Sheffield Pike, one of the finest viewpoints above Ullswater. The route then continues along the ridge over Heron Pike before finishing with a short detour to Glenridding Dodd – a lower but perfectly positioned viewpoint above the village.

Easily reached from the hotel either by a short drive to Glenridding or by taking the bus along Ullswater from Aira Force, it’s an excellent half-day outing with consistently rewarding views.

Highlights

• Superb views over Ullswater throughout the walk
• A classic Wainwright summit (Sheffield Pike – 675m)
• Enjoyable walking across open fell
• Glenridding Dodd – a final, perfectly placed viewpoint

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Route description

• Head north through the village, following a clear footpath that runs alongside the lakeshore road before turning inland towards the valley of Glencoyne.
• Follow the well-defined path as it climbs steadily, parallel to the beck, with views opening behind you over the southern end of Ullswater.
• Continue on the main path as it rises more directly to the broad col of Nick Head, where the ground levels briefly and the landscape opens out.
• From Nick Head, turn left and follow the clear path as it climbs steadily onto Sheffield Pike. The final section is steeper and a little rocky but remains straightforward.
• From the summit cairn (675m), enjoy wide views across Ullswater and towards the Helvellyn range.
• Continue along the ridge to Heron Pike, following a clear path across open ground, which can be boggy in places.
• Descend carefully from Heron Pike by initially bearing right, then picking up a steeper, rockier path that descends rapidly, and which can be slippery after rain.
• Continue down to the col below Glenridding Dodd, then take the short detour up to its summit for superb views over Glenridding and Ullswater.
• Retrace your steps briefly back down to the col, then continue steeply down the ongoing path (this section is known as ‘The Rake’) in a southerly direction, heading for Glenridding and the lake.
• You reach the old miners’ track by a line of cottages, where you turn left along the track as it brings you back to the village, perhaps stopping off at the Traveller’s Rest for a well-earned pint.

Safety & practical information

Terrain: Fell paths with some steep sections on the ascent and descent. The ridge beyond the summit is exposed in places but follows clear paths throughout.

What to take: Map (OS OL5 – English Lakes NE), compass, waterproof clothing, warm layers, sturdy walking boots and sufficient food and water. A headtorch and basic first-aid kit are also recommended.

Other info: Although the paths are generally clear, mist and cloud can make navigation more challenging on the summit plateau. Check the weather forecast before setting out and allow sufficient time to complete the walk comfortably.

Route Info:

7.8 miles (12.7km) | Moderate / Strenuous | 550m ascent / descent | allow 4-5hrs

Start:
Patterdale

Starting from Patterdale at the southern end of Ullswater, this superb circuit climbs one of the most beautifully positioned fells in the Lake District. Although lower than many surrounding summits, Place Fell offers magnificent views along the full length of the lake and across to the Helvellyn range.

After an energetic – and, at times, relentless – ascent, you are rewarded with stunning panoramas, and the continuation along the ridge beyond the summit, then an undulating return above and along the shoreline, make this a particularly varied and enjoyable outing.

Highlights

• Magnificent views over Ullswater and the Helvellyn range
• A classic Wainwright summit (657 m)
• An enjoyable yomp along the summit plateau
• Scenic lakeshore return to Patterdale
• Divert to Silver Bay for a picnic and/or a swim

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Route description

• Start from the car park or bus stop at the Patterdale Hotel. Either walk along the road past the White Lion Inn before turning left over a bridge, or take the footpath behind the hotel which leads through woodland to the same lane at Rooking.
• At the end of the lane turn right through a gate, cross a small bridge and follow the well-signed path climbing steadily towards Boredale Hause, with increasingly fine views back along Ullswater.
• At Boredale Hause, where several paths meet, turn left (north) and climb the gravel zigzags up the southern flank of Place Fell.
• A short rocky gully near the top leads onto Round How, a superb viewpoint with sweeping views towards the High Street range, Angletarn Pikes and the Helvellyn fells.
• Continue north along the broad ridge to reach the cairn marking the summit of Place Fell (657 m).
• Beyond the summit follow the ridge north-east across open fell, enjoying fine views towards the northern end of Ullswater.
• Pass a sheepfold at Low Moss, then bear left onto a narrower path which descends northwards, skirting the western side of High Dodd.
• Continue descending as the path gradually converges with Scalehow Beck, passing a small disused quarry and building on the way.
• Soon reach a track above the intake wall where you turn left onto the Ullswater Way, following the bridleway along the lakeshore.
• This undulating shoreline path provides a beautiful contrast to the high fell terrain above, with excellent views across the lake.
• Continue along the lakeside path to reach Side Farm, where you turn right through the farmyard to follow the access road over cattle grids and across Goldrill Beck.
• Emerge beside the George Starkey Hut, where a short walk along the road returns you to Patterdale, bringing this fine Ullswater circuit to an end.

Safety & practical information

Terrain: Fell paths with some steep sections on the ascent and descent. The ridge beyond the summit is exposed in places but follows clear paths throughout.

What to take: Map (OS OL5 – English Lakes NE), compass, waterproof clothing, warm layers, sturdy walking boots and sufficient food and water. A headtorch and basic first-aid kit are also recommended.

Other info: Although the paths are generally clear, mist and cloud can make navigation more challenging on the summit plateau. Check the weather forecast before setting out and allow sufficient time to complete the walk comfortably.

Route Info:

8.5 miles (13.5 km) | Strenuous | 850 m ascent / descent | allow 5-6 hrs

Start:

Beckside car park in Glenridding, by tourist information (or the bus stop)

Starting from Glenridding at the southern end of Ullswater, this classic mountain circuit climbs one of the Lake District’s most famous peaks by its most dramatic route. After ascending to the col at Hole-in-the-Wall, you crest the magnificent Striding Edge to reach Helvellyn’s summit plateau and its iconic, cross-shaped shelter. You descend via the scarcely less dramatic Swirral Edge, taking in views of Red Tarn while bagging the bonus summit of Catstycam close by. From here, you can enjoy a glorious yomp downhill to reach the Traveller’s Rest back in Glenridding, where you can celebrate having completed one of the finest mountain walks in England with a refreshing pint of Helvellyn Gold.

 

Highlights

• One of the Lake District’s most iconic mountain routes
• The famous Striding Edge ridge scramble
• A classic Wainwright summit (Helvellyn – 950m)
• Magnificent views across Ullswater and the central fells
• Dramatic Red Tarn and Catstycam – the ‘bonus’ summit

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Route description

• Leave the Glenridding village car park and walk up the road beside Glenridding Beck, passing through the village and beyond Gillside campsite. Continue up the rough track alongside Mires Beck, heading towards the obvious notch high on the skyline.
• At a gate cross the footbridge and climb steeply beside the beck. As the path approaches a wall it turns right and then zigzags up the fellside. Higher up the gradient eases as you reach the broad ridge of Birkhouse Moor.
• Continue along the ridge to the famous Hole-in-the-Wall, now a ladder-stile marking the start of the approach to Striding Edge.
• Beyond the wall the path threads through rocky ground before reaching the narrow crest of Striding Edge, one of the most famous ridge walks in the Lake District.
• Follow the ridge carefully, using your hands where necessary on short rocky steps. A path runs just below the crest for those who prefer to avoid the most exposed sections.
• Near the end of the ridge the crest drops away sharply. A short chimney scramble on the left leads down to the path below, though an easier bypass gully can be used slightly earlier if preferred.
• From here climb steeply up loose ground onto the broad summit plateau, emerging near the Gough Memorial.
• Turn left to reach the summit shelter and trig point on Helvellyn (950m), with wide views across the central Lake District and down the length of Ullswater.
• Continue north on the summit plateau (steep drop-off on your right) to a large cairn marking the top of Swirral Edge, then turn right to descend the ridge. The upper section is steep and loose, requiring care.
• Lower down the ridge becomes rockier before easing as the path drops towards Red Tarn, beautifully set beneath the towering headwalls of Helvellyn.
• Just before reaching the tarn a path branches right down towards Glenridding. You can descend here, but it would be a shame to miss the short detour up Catstycam, whose airy summit offers superb views back to Helvellyn and across Ullswater.
• From the summit retrace your steps to the col and descend to Red Tarn, from where the dramatic headwalls of Helvellyn and the ridges of Striding and Swirral Edge can be admired from below. It might be a bit cold for a swim, but this is a good spot for refreshments.
• Leave the tarn on the clear path beside Red Tarn Beck, descending steadily towards Glenridding.
• Near the former Greenside Mine buildings cross the footbridge and follow Greenside Road back down into the village, perhaps stopping for a pint at the Traveller’s Rest before continuing back to starting point.

Safety & practical information

Terrain: Mountain paths and rocky ridges with steep and exposed sections. The Striding Edge ridge involves scrambling and requires the use of hands in places. The descent via Swirral Edge is also steep and rocky.

Experience: This route is suitable only for confident and properly equipped walkers with a head for heights. It should not be attempted in poor weather, high winds, or when snow and ice are present.

What to take: Map (OS OL5 – English Lakes NE), compass, waterproof clothing, warm layers, sturdy walking boots and sufficient food and water. A headtorch and basic first-aid kit are also recommended.

Other info: Weather conditions on Helvellyn can change quickly and the summit plateau is often considerably colder and windier than the valleys below. Check the forecast before setting out and allow plenty of time to complete the walk safely.

 

Route Info: 6.5 miles (10.5km) | Moderate | 450m ascent / descent | allow 3-3½hrs

Start:The Royal Hotel, Dockray

Rising quietly above Dockray, the long ridge of Matterdale Common and Brown Hills leads to one of the more overlooked summits in this part of the Lake District. This walk builds gradually from the hotel door onto open fell, following a broad, grassy ridge to Hart Side and its neighbour, Birkett Fell. It’s a route that feels increasingly remote as you go, with wide views across Ullswater, Blencathra and the Northern Fells – but without the crowds of the better-known peaks. On a clear day, it’s a wonderfully satisfying half-day outing with a real sense of space.

Highlights

• A true “from the door” fell walk
• Quiet, open ridge walking with very few people
• Expansive views toward Ullswater and Blencathra
• The remote feel of Hart Side’s summit
• Reach a lesser-known Wainwright felltop (756m)

 

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Route description

• Bear right from the hotel door, then turn right onto the road, After a short distance, turn right again onto a footpath as you enter Watermillock Common, heading away from Dockray in a SW direction.
• The path heads round to the left of the hills ahead (Common Fell) and Ullswater soon comes into view – and it stays there for some time, as the path converges with a drystone wall, which you follow for around 1.5km along a fine terraced line.
• The view keeps improving as the walk progresses, as you skirt the side of Brown Hills.
• After this wonderful terraced section, it’s time to leave the lakeside line and head inland towards Hart Side, in a NW direction. The summit lies up to the right, often out of sight until the final approach.
• On reaching the remote-feeling summit of Hart Side, Skiddaw and Blencathra should be discernible in the distance to the north.
• Retrace your steps from the summit cairn for around 200m before descending left (NE) to another cairn topping Birkett Fell, overlooking Ullswater. This fell was named after Lord Birkett, known as the ‘Saviour of Ullswater’ for his decisive 1962 speech in the House of Lords, which helped prevent the lake from being turned into a reservoir.
• Descend across open, pathless ground towards Matterdale, its glorious U-shaped valley spread before you. On meeting a footpath, turn left along it towards Dowthwaitehead in a northerly direction.
• Approaching the hamlet, you cross Aira Beck via a footbridge, where there’s precious little indication that this will turn into the spectacular waterfalls of Aira Force lower down.
• Once in the hamlet, the path turns right through fields and you walk along the lush valley floor for around 1.5km with Aira Beck now over to your right.
• Soon after rejoining the beck, you meet a quiet lane, along which you turn right to head back down into Dockray and the Royal Hotel.

Safety & practical information

Terrain: A mix of tracks, grassy fell paths and open access land. Paths become faint or intermittent on the ridge and during the descent from Hart Side. Some sections can be wet, rough and boggy, particularly after rain.

What to take: Map (OS OL5 – English Lakes NE), compass, waterproof clothing, warm layers, sturdy walking boots and sufficient food and water. A headtorch and basic first-aid kit are also recommended.

Other info: Navigation is the main challenge on this route – paths are not always clear, so it’s best undertaken in good visibility. The area is exposed to the weather, with few landmarks once on the fell, and livestock may be present on open ground.

Route Info: 3 miles (4.5km) | Moderate | 240m ascent / descent | allow 1½-2hrs

Start: St Peter’s Church, Martindale

When we once told a local character we’d been up Hallin Fell, she remarked approvingly: “Ah yes, maximum views for minimum effort” – and that’s exactly how this short walk feels, despite the steep, grassy ascent to the perfectly situated summit. Beginning and ending by the tiny church at Martindale (which is well worth a poke around), this short but immensely rewarding loop offers magnificent Ullswater views before descending to the lakeshore and returning via woodland paths and open fellside.

Highlights

• Superb summit panorama over Ullswater
• A classic Wainwright felltop (388m)
• Beautiful lakeshore walking along Ullswater Way
• Peaceful woodland paths through Hallinhag Wood
• A perfect short outing, achievable in under 2 hours

 

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Route description

• From the small parking area beside St Peter’s Church at Martindale, follow the obvious grassy path heading north-west up the open fellside. The path climbs steadily, with increasingly impressive views opening out – both behind you back into Martindale, and then across Ullswater and the surrounding fells.
• After around 20-25 minutes of ascent, the gradient eases as you approach the broad summit ridge of Hallin Fell (388m), marked by a prominent cairn. Despite its modest height, the panorama here is superb, with Ullswater stretching away to the north-west and the higher fells of the Helvellyn range rising dramatically beyond.
• Continue beyond the summit in an easterly direction, following the clear path as it begins to descend the far side of the fell. The path soon steepens as it drops towards the lakeshore.
• On reaching the shoreline path, part of the Ullswater Way, head north and then west as you pass beneath Geordie’s Crag and then reach Kailpot Crag, a favourite wild swimming spot on warmer days where the more daring like to jump into the lake from a rocky height.
• Continue along the lovely shoreline path, much of it running through Hallinhag Wood. There are various small pebble beaches along the way which are good places to pause and take in the view.
• After walking along the shore for 20 minutes or so, turn inland just before reaching Sandwick Bay. The junction is easily missed and lies just before a gate leading to the bay. From here, head up through woodland beside a drystone wall before joining the elevated path along Hallin Bank, with views over Ullswater and along the valleys of Boredale and Howe Grain.
• Near the end of Hallin Bank, turned left to join a path above Hause Farm which brings you back to the start of this short but undeniably beautiful circuit.

Safety & practical information

Terrain: Well-defined grassy and lakeside paths throughout, though the descent towards Ullswater can be steep and occasionally slippery in wet conditions.

What to take: Map (OS OL5 – English Lakes NE), compass, waterproof clothing, warm layers, sturdy walking boots and sufficient food and water. A headtorch and basic first-aid kit are also recommended.

Other info: Although short, the route includes exposed fellside and lakeshore sections. Paths may be muddy after rain, and livestock may be present on the open fell.

Route Info: 4.5 miles (7.5km) | Moderate | 370m ascent / descent | allow 2½-3hrs

Start: Hawse End car park, or from Keswick take the Launch boat across Derwent Water

A classic Lake District fell walk with a short but rewarding climb and big, 360-degree views, returning along the shores of Derwentwater.
One of the Lake District’s most popular and rewarding short walks, Cat Bells offers a fine introduction to fell walking, with superb views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. Starting from Hawse End on the western shore of the lake, the route climbs steadily to the summit before descending to the lakeshore and returning along peaceful woodland paths.

Easily reached from the hotel by car, or by taking the Keswick launch across the lake, it makes an ideal half-day outing in one of the area’s most beautiful settings.

Highlights

• A classic Wainwright summit (Cat Bells – 451m)
• Superb views over Derwentwater and Keswick
• Enjoyable, hands-on sections on the ascent
• A scenic lakeshore return via Brandelhow
• Combine with a boat trip on Derwent Water

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Route description

• From the parking area or lakeside jetty at Hawse End, follow the clear path up onto the northern end of the Cat Bells ridge, just above the road. You soon begin to zig-zag up the fellside.
• The path climbs steadily up Skelgill Bank (338m), with views quickly opening out over Derwentwater. Continue along the ridge, before reaching a few short, hands-on sections across craggy terrain – though these are straightforward and well-used.
• After a final pull, reach the summit of Cat Bells (451m), marked by a cairn and offering wide-ranging views across the lake and toward Keswick, the Skiddaw massif and Blencathra.
• Continue south along the ridge, descending gently to the broad col at Hause Gate, where several paths meet.
• From Hause Gate, descend the steep but obvious path bearing left (south-east). Before reaching a plantation of conifers, you join the main terrace path, continuing downhill before following a drystone wall to reach the road.
• Turn left along the road, but after around 300m head right down a track and then footpath through Manesty Park to the lakeshore at Brandelhow Bay.
• Here join the lakeshore path and follow it north through woodland, passing High Brandelhow Landing and then Low Brandelhow.
• Continue along the pleasant shoreline path until you return to Hawse End, completing the circuit.

Safety & practical information

Terrain: Well-defined fell paths throughout, with some steeper, rocky sections on the ascent. A few short sections require hands for balance. The lakeshore paths are generally easy but can be uneven in places.

What to take: Map (OS OL4 – English Lakes NW), compass, waterproof clothing, warm layers, sturdy walking boots and sufficient food and water. A headtorch and basic first-aid kit are also recommended.

Other info: This is a very popular route and can be busy, particularly in good weather. Care is needed on the steeper sections, especially in wet conditions. The ridge is exposed to wind, and paths can be slippery after rain.