Description
Saturday 27 July 2024 – The High Street Fells
The Route: Our ascent from Brothers Water takes us up Pasture Beck, a delightful, steep-sided valley surrounded by high ridges. The day’s one big, steep ascent climbs to the Col at Threshwaite Mouth with long views back down towards Ullswater. We then climb to the summit of Thornthwaite Crag at 2569 feet / 783 metres, with its unusual 14 foot slate column for a cairn! We cross high moorland to Mardale Ill Bell, a summit with craggy ridges and fine views over the corrie tarns of Blea Water and Small Water – fine examples of the Lake District’s post-glacial landscape. From here, we join a track, once trodden by Roman soldiers and aptly named High Street. This Roman Road stretches 12 miles / 20km over the high fells between Ambleside and Brougham Fort near Penrith. The highest point at 2718 feet / 828 metres is High Street’s summit and the highest mountain in the range – again stunning views close to the summit’s eastern shoulder look over the dramatic cliffs, ridges and tarns above Haweswater Reservoir far below. A delightful descent takes us over our final summit, The Knott, with its commanding position above Hayeswater. We descend to the valley and back to Brothers Water through the village of Hartsop.
Sunday 28 July 2024 – Place Fell and Angle Tarn Pikes
The Route: We start our trip on the Ullswater Steamer, from Glenridding Pier down to Howtown Bay – it’s a ride across the lake and into an enchanting bay with its traditional Lakeland hotel. From here, we pass through the hamlet of Martindale before climbing a shoulder looking down on the pastures of Boredale – this takes us high, to the summit of Place Fell 2156 feet / 657 metres. Its heather and juniper slopes dominate Ullswater below, with great views towards the Fairfield and Helvellyn ranges. Our descent puts us on a track to ascend Angle Tarn Pikes, two rocky outcrops high above one of the Lake District’s most beautiful mountain waters – Angle Tarn with its pretty island, rocky shores and surrounding crags. A lovely descent with steep sided views over Patterdale brings our linear adventure to a close.
Please note: On both days, to maximise your enjoyment and safety, it’s possible we may have to alter routes according to weather conditions and party ability. Or in the unlikely event that the steamer is unavailable. Alternative routes will be in the same area.
Meeting and Parking
Saturday 27 July 2024 – The High Street Fells
We meet at Cowgate Car Park at the north end of Brother’s Water, Hartsop, CA11 0NZ. This is a free National Trust Car Park. Please being some coins to make a donation in the box or display your National Trust Card if you are a member.
Please note: The post code is approximate. The car park is just north of the turning to Hartsop, on the northern tip of Brother’s Water.
Please see a Google Map showing the location of Cowgate Car Park which is by Cow Bridge on this map here.
Sunday 28 July 2024 – Place Fell and Angle Tarn Pikes
Parking: We meet at the Car Park Toilets at Greenside Rd, Glenridding, Penrith CA11 0PA. This is a Pay and Display Car Park which (currently) costs £8.50 for the day and takes cards and cash. RingGo users can pay by calling 01539889209 , SMS 81025 (Location ID 37316).
The Steamer: We’ll walk together to the steamer which currently costs £9. We’ll advise if you need to book tickets in advance.
Coming by Bus or Train?
We’re keen to support public transport use and reduce emissions. If you’re arriving reasonably nearby, we’ll give you a free lift. Ask us when you book.
Facilities
Our Meeting Points: On Saturday there are no toilets at Cowgate Car Park at Brothers Water. However, there are toilets in the car park at Glenridding where we meet on Sunday.
Glenridding is 10 minutes drive from Brothers Water and has a few shops, cafes, pubs, hotels, accommodation, campsites and a visitor centre.
See a map of the local area here.
Walk Difficulty
These are Harder Walks. Here is our walk difficulty guide >
FAQs
We have created a separate page of the most frequently asked questions here >
Accommodation
Click here to see a Google map of accommodation near this walks start.
Respect, Protect and Enjoy!
We all want to respect, protect and enjoy the fragile upland environments where we walk, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. Following The Countryside Code really helps…
Respect:
- Be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
- Be nice, say hello, share the space
- Follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect:
- Take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
- Do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
- Always keep dogs under control and in sight
- Dog poo – bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
- Care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy:
- Check your route and local conditions
- Plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do
- Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory
Want to know more?
- Sustainability – our actions and fund raising to support the local environment, communities and economy.
- Contact Us – ask a question or make a suggestion.