Top three walks from the Ullswater Steamers
Holidays are all about relaxing and enjoying a change of scenery. For some people the narrow lanes and steep passes of Lakeland mean that driving around is anything but relaxing. Many of our Lake District cottages have parking spaces so why not take advantage of the excellent bus service to go off exploring. On several lakes there is also a boat service, operating round the lake trips with various stopping points. We have several Lake District cottages in Ullswater and Patterdale, which are handy for the steamer service on Ullswater. I have used the Ullswater Steamers for a number of interesting linear walks, the beauty of which are that you do not need to retrace your steps or complete a circular walk back to your starting point. Here are three great walks from our Ullswater cottages in the Lake District, suitable for any ability.
Low Level Take the steamer from Glenridding to Howtown and walk clockwise along the shore of the lake. This is a very simple low level walk underneath the diminutive Hallin Fell and the wonderful view point of Silver Crag on Place Fell. There are no refreshments on route but you can call in to the Howtown Hotel before you set off. They serve an excellent afternoon tea with homemade treats. The walk is about 8 miles in length but there are no big climbs. If 8 miles seems like too much, then you can walk around the base of the fell for a shorter, more gentle route back to where you started.
Medium Level Disembark at Howtown and make your way around the front of Hallin Fell (or over the top) and aim for Beda Fell. This is a lovely climb and great for older children, the climb is not too steep and maintains interest with rocky resting places on the route upwards. You can continue to the Angle Tarn Pikes, which are ripe for exploring or drop down to Boredale Hause, where the chapel ruins are perfect for a picnic. From Boredale Hause it is a simple walk downhill along a clear path to Patterdale, 1 mile from Glenridding. At the end of the path downhill, you pass through a farm which serves simple hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream.
High Level Take the steamer from Pooley Bridge to Howtown. Walk up the valley of Fusedale, slowly climbing along the beck towards Wether Hill. Although the climb at the head of the valley is steep, it is not far to climb onto Wether Hill. On reaching the grassy top of Wether Hill, you will find yourself on an ancient Roman road, which stretches from Ambleside to Penrith. To continue climbing to the south, leads to Rampsgill Head and High Street, the mountain which takes its name from the road. This walk returns to Pooley Bridge, walking north along the ridge to Loadpot Hill. There are interesting ruins on the summit and as you descend further, there are several ancient stone circles. The largest of these is called The Cockpit. Eventually the path following the course of the road turns to the left and joins a minor road back to Pooley Bridge.
Top five walks using public transport in the Lake District
Here is a list of our top five ways to see the Lake District and Eden Valley without using your car.
A Ratty walk Wainwright wrote a small book called Walk’s from Ratty. It was published in the late 70’s and if you can find a copy then make sure you buy it. It features 12 brilliant walks from the different train stations, complete with his usual illustrations. The walks allow you to enjoy a ride on the Ratty and a scenic walk in beautiful Eskdale. One of my favourites is the walk from Irton Road over Muncaster Fell.
Keswick to Grasmere Keswick to Grasmere I hear you say? Yes it is entirely feasible, using two buses! There are two ways to go about this walk, depending on your preference and where you are staying.
First check the bus timetable, you need to work backwards from the time of the second bus. Drive your car down to Langstrath and park up for the day. Make sure you have allowed enough time to catch the Borrowdale Rambler back into Keswick and hop on the 555 to Grasmere (both buses arrive and depart in of Booths). Get off in Grasmere village and begin your walk. When you get back to Borrowdale, your car will be waiting for you and you can just set off for home. You can also reverse these steps and park up in Grasmere and take the bus round to Borrowdale. Both are great walks.
To start the walk from Grasmere, leave the village and walk up the Easdale Road. A well trodden path leaves the road towards Easdale Tarn. At the tarn you may need to call on your navigational skills to reach the top of High Raise. The path continues upwards but the plateau above the tarn can be confusing so make sure you take a map and compass.
From the summit of High Raise, descend along Greenup Edge towards the col and the bear left alongside Greenup Gill and into the far reaches of the Borrowdale valley. It is now a case of following the path to Stonethwaite and your car. The Langstrath Inn is a good stop for post walk refreshment but doesn’t open on a Monday. The walk is easily reversed and navigationally easier from Borrowdale to Grasmere.
Honister Rambler to Buttermere The trouble (if there is such a thing) about living in the Lake District is the sheer abundance of great walks right on my doorstep. The choice can be mind boggling sometimes. Whenever I find myself struggling to make a decision, I usually head to the bus stop to catch the Honister Rambler to Crummock Water. My undoubted favourite walk from the Honister Rambler is to jump off at Cinderdale Common (ask the driver to drop you off just after the cattle grid) and climb Whiteside. The ridge to Hopegill Head and Grisedale Pike is stunning. The walk finishes in Braithwaite via Grisedale Pike or Coledale valley. From Braithwaite you can march the last two miles back to Keswick or catch the regular Cockermouth-Keswick bus from the village. Ullswater Steamer I have walked several interesting routes using the Ullswater Steamers. Sometimes the simple ones are the best, and a modest little walk along the shore is just heavenly. Click here for some great walks from the Ullswater Steamers.
The Steam Railway The Carlisle to Settle line runs through the Eden Valley and is often referred to as the most scenic line in the country. There are several stations in the Eden Valley making it perfect for hopping off to explore the countryside and villages. Or you could just stay on the train and enjoy the view – the three peaks of Yorkshire, beautiful Eden Valley sandstone and the Lake District fells around Haweswater and Ullswater.
www.sallyscottages.co.uk
Sally’s Cottages 7 St John’s Street Keswick Cumbria CA12 5AP Tel: 01768 780 571 Email: [email protected]