Whenever you visit a mountainous region like the Lake District, the obvious temptation is to head straight for the highest peaks. But often the best walks with the finest views are found on their smaller neighbours, as Steve Goodier discovers on this stunning circuit of Place Fell in the Ullswater valley.
Famed Lakeland guidebook author Alfred Wainwright wrote that “on a first visit to Patterdale, Place Fell should be an early objective.” And of those who have climbed it, few would disagree with him. Place Fell is not the loftiest peak that Patterdale has to offer but it is certainly one of the best viewpoints. The fell rises 656m, and as well as the main summit there is plenty of rough ground for the curious to explore.
This energetic route starts at the Patterdale Hotel, with its aptly named ‘Place Fell Inn’ where you can enjoy a meal and a drink after your long day out. From Patterdale the route climbs steeply to Boredale Hause and then continues to the summit trig point of Place Fell. It then makes a complete traverse of the fell before dropping down to follow the undulating shores of Ullswater to return back to the start. This lakeside section makes a grand finale to the walk.
And to quote Wainwright again, “the lakeside path from Salehow Beck to Patterdale is the most beautiful and rewarding walk in Lakeland” – so you are in for a great day!
How hard is climbing Place Fell from Patterdale?
DIFFICULTY: Medium | DISTANCE: 12.8km | TIME: 4 hours | TOTAL ASCENT: 564m
FITNESS: Lots of steep ups and downs in rough surroundings.
TERRAIN: Mostly good paths and tracks throughout. There is little in the way of exposure, but some rough going, and the descent can be wet after rain.
NAVIGATION: Paths and tracks are generally clear and easy to follow, so navigation is generally straightforward on Place Fell.
Where is the start of the walk?
Large pay and display car park facing the Patterdale Hotel.
What's the best map for Place Fell circuit?
-
CLICK HERE to view and download our digital route guide in OS Maps
-
OS Explorer OL5 (1:25k)
-
OS Landranger 90 (1:50k)
-
Harvey Superwalker XT25 Lake District East (1:25k)
Place Fell circuit | Step-by-step route guide
-
Exit the car park, going right to go right again (for ‘Side Farm’) after School House B&B. Follow track over a bridge continuing to Side Farm and café. Continue to go right at a track junction. Follow the track through two gates to a tarmac lane. Go immediately left through a gate (signposted ‘Angle Tarn and Boredale Hause’). Rise over a bridge curving right. Follow the rising path, soon curving left and then right at a small junction. Rise on the path and when the angle steepens stay ahead (left) at another small junction. Continue rising, staying ahead when the lower path joins higher up. As the angle eases, curve left to reach a pipe and small cairn on a flatter area below Boredale Hause.
-
Take the path left at path junctions. Stay ahead curving left past an old sheepfold. Follow the rising path to cut back left, climbing steps to Place Fell ridge. Curve right climbing more steps. Continue to climb a rough gully to the viewpoint cairn above it. Continue on the path heading towards summit to scramble up rocks carefully to the trig on Place Fell summit.
-
Drop down the rocks on the other side of the summit. Follow the path northeasterly to curve right, descending past a tarn. Follow the descending path towards Ullswater, dropping down odd rocky steps. Continue down to a col and sheepfold. Pass the sheepfold, staying left at a fork beyond. At the path junction under High Dodd go left, staying left immediately at a junction right. Continue past a ruined mine building to descend the right side of the valley. At the next fork stay left (better path) and continue down to pass waterfalls drawing closer to the beck. Soon curve right towards Ullswater. At a large flat boulder over the path take a path left descending steeply to cross boggy ground and reach a track by a wall.
-
Go left to cross a bridge. Go right and cut left by a wall rising to cut right (‘Ullswater Way’). Soon descend and stay ahead when the wall heads right. Rise up and down steadily with Ullswater right, finally climbing steps to reach the viewpoint at Silver Point.
-
Follow the descending path continuing above the lake. At a junction left (by ‘Ullswater Way’ marker) stay ahead curving right then left. Continue with Ullswater Lake right. Eventually climb steps, picking up a wall right. Now follow a track passing a campsite right. Continue to a junction at Side Farm. Go right following your outbound route back to the car park.
What walking gear do I need for this route?
Here's a selection of the best walking gear selected by LFTO's testing team: Walking boots | Hiking daypack | Waterproof jacket | Walking trousers | Walking poles | Walking mid-layers | Base layers
Where can I eat and drink?
There are pubs, cafés and shops in Patterdale and Glenridding.
Where's the best place to stay?
The Patterdale Hotel. Side Farm offers camping. Patterdale Youth Hostel.
About the author
Steve Goodier is an experienced hillwalker and freelance outdoor writer specialising in hiking routes in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Scottish Highlands. He's walked and climbed all over the world and produces regular walking routes for Trail magazine and LFTO.
This route originally appeared in the February issue of Trail magazine. CLICK HERE to become a Trail magazine subscriber and get 50% off a whole year of digital OS Maps