Patterdale to Howtown and back on the steamer

The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes the Lake District such a special place. One of the best examples of this type of landscape is the eastern shore of Ullswater. The craggy flanks of Place Fell sweep down to the blue waters of the lake. In a perfect visual balance the mix of trees, scree, crags and open fell is a delight to walk through. No roads or constructed routes penetrate this wild corner. Just an old bridleway paved with rough stones and edged with moss fringed rocks.

The walk along this bridleway is a relaxed affair, particularly when you combine it with a return journey on the elegant lake steamer. The route is easy to follow on the ground but some parts are a bit rough so make sure you dress accordingly. There are plenty of idyllic picnic spots for lunch, or alternatively you could set off early enough and grab lunch in the pleasant Howtown Hotel at the end of the walk before you catch the steamer.

Grade: Easy Start/Finish: Pier car park near Glenridding, Ullswater, GR NY390169 Distance: 6.6 miles (10.7km) Time: 3-4 hours Height gain: 225m Terrain: lake side, roads, farm access track, stony bridleway, woodland and pasture. Maps: OS Landranger 90, OS Explorer OL5, Harveys’ Superwalker (1:25 000) Lakeland East, British Mountain Maps Lake District (1:40 000).

1. From the car park follow the A592 South towards Patterdale. It is narrow in parts so make use of the permissive paths on either side. Cross Grisedale Bridge and continue along the road as it swings East through Patterdale. 100m past the church is a track on the left. Take this track and follow it towards Side Farm (camp site). Follow the track up through the farm then turn left onto the bridleway at the top of the yard.

2. This is the bridleway around the eastern shore of Ullswater and is followed first North to cross the raised promontory of Silver Crag (ignoring the entrance to the campsite) then North East across lower half of Birkfell to Roscombe Rigg. Take time to explore off the bridleway; the bays and promontories are fascinating places and each of them gives a different perspective of the lake.

3. After Roscombe Rigg the bridleway turns East and ducks inland a bit to avoid lakeside pasture. It climbs slightly though, so you still get good views of the lake. The bridleway ends at a T junction with the minor road to Sandwick. Turn left onto the road and follow it North for 100m to a path on the right.

4. Take the path and follow it first across pasture then through the depths of Hallinhag Wood and finally across open fell as it makes a big sweep around the base of Hallin Fell. At Waternook the path splits. Take the left branch down to the shores of Ullswater. After 100m it splits again,

Walking route: Patterdale to Howtown Page 1 of 2

take the left branch for the steamer pier, or take the right branch to Howtown for the Howtown Hotel.

Map

Walking route: Patterdale to Howtown Page 2 of 2