Easy access from the south to the stunning Far Eastern Fells – join one or both days.
With easy access for a weekend’s hiking, the Lake District’s Far Eastern fells are often less visited than other more popular fells. Yet, these hills tower over Ullswater with dramatic crags, lush valleys and stunning views towards the Helvellyn range. On Saturday, ascents include Mardale Ill Bell and High Street. Sunday’s walks begins with a steamer ride to an Ullswater bay before we ascend Place Fell and the beautiful Angle Tarn Pikes. Each day is a circular route, from the south end of Ullswater, starting in (or close to) the villages of Glenridding and Patterdale – join one or both days. There’s more information about meeting up and booking your own accommodation below.
Price range: £55.00 through £105.00
Saturday – 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 – 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 swop the routes around, or alter routes according to weather conditions and party ability. Or, in the unlikely event that the steamer is unavailable, an alternative route will be offered in the same area.
| The Walk | Saturday – 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 the valley 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 with far below. A delightful descent takes us over our final summit, The Knott, with its commanding position above ‘sparkling’ Hayeswater. Then we descend into the valley and back to Brothers Water through the delightful village of Hartsop. Sunday – 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 one of the Lake District’s most beautiful Lakes, and into an enchanting bay with its traditional Lakeland hotel. From here we pass through a lovely Lakeland hamlet Martindale before climbing a shoulder looking down on the pastures of Boredale – this shoulder takes us high to the summit of Place Fell 2156 feet / 657 metres – it’s heather and juniper slopes dominates Ullswater below, with great views towards the Fairfield and Helvellyn mountains. Our descent puts us on a track to 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. |
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Here’s an Essential Kit Kist for all our walks >
Saturday – The High Street Fells
We meet at a field car park next to Langton Adventure Centre, Hartsop CA11 0NZ. This car park is on the left, just after you take the turn into a lane signposted to Harstop, near the north end of Brother’s Water. Please bring an estimated £5-£7 cash donation for parking.
Sunday – Place Fell and Angle Tarn Pikes
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 £9 for the day and takes cards and cash. RingGo users can pay by calling 01539889209, SMS 81025 (Location ID 37316).
The Steamer: We’ll all walk together (10-15mins) to catch the 0945 steamer to Howtown Bay, arriving at 1020. This (currently) costs £13 (approx.) for the single trip. You can book the 0945 from Glenridding Pier to Howtown Bay (single) on the day. (You can also book online here > . We’ll advise you before the day if you need to do this) .
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.
Our Meeting Points: On Saturday there are no toilets at the car park. 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.
These are Harder Walks walking at a Moderate Pace. Here is our walk difficulty guide >
Please be aware that you will need to tackle paths on terrain that will be steep, hilly, rocky and potentially boggy and slippery in places (if wet). There are steep drops near to pathways which can and must be avoided during the hike.
We have created a separate page of the most frequently asked questions here >
You can book local accommodation in Patterdale and Glenridding villages on the shores of Ullswater.
Click here to see a Google map of accommodation in and around Glenridding and Patterdale.
Recommended Accommodation: Fairlight Guest House and Cafe > (next to Saturday’s Meeting Point Car Park).
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…