Martindale, Place Fell, Boredale Hause, Beda Fell, Cumbria

Martindale, Place Fell, Boredale Hause, Beda Fell, Cumbria.
[13.8 km] Tue 20 Jun 2017

Plan + Profile

OS Grid ref: NY 43395 18371
Lat/Long: 54.557394, 02.876776

I enjoyed a sunny drive north along the M6 to Penrith. I left here and drove to Pooley Bridge where the clouds began to roll in.
I followed the narrow lane down the east side of Ullswater as far as Martindale. I was lucky that I didn't meet any large vehicles coming the other way. I left my car at the Old St Martin's Church and follow the road for a short distance over the river then headed north along the grass track by Howergrain Beck.

Christy Bridge

Early view up Bannerdale from St Martin’s Church near Ullswater.

This took me back to the narrow lane which I followed for a short distance to the west where I left to descend a cottage access track which is also the footpath. I reached the gates and as I went through three large dogs bounded out from the house. The owner came out and apologised as I continued along the path where I left through another gate. The track is incredibly overgrown and was difficult to get through with shoulder high grass and nettles.

Lowther Barn accommodation

At Doe Green I re-joined the tarmac road and continued towards Sandwick. I soon reached a narrow stony track heading to the west which I followed it to an old barn which has been converted to an accommodation building called Lowther Barn and it also advertise teas online but the place was closed. I continued along the stony track to a footbridge where I left it to head up the river towards Scalehow Force Waterfall. My plan was to follow a footpath shown on the Open Street Map website. The path isn’t shown on any other map I’ve seen and I soon found out why.

Top of Scalehouse Force Waterfall

Ullswater from Kilbert How

There isn't a path. It was easy for a while but after crossing the river I had to head up a very steep slope through deep ferns. I eventually reach the top of the waterfall where I crossed over. I then found the best route I could up Low Birkenhead Fell and then across to Gilbert How. I followed occasional sheep tracks but there was still no sign of a footpath. The weather was rather strange as it was very cloudy and overcast but seemed to be brightening up.

Deer on the fell

I continued across Birk Fell until my main objective of Place Fell appeared in the distance. I hadn’t seen anyone so far but as I approached the trig post I could see that people were around. There was a couple who had stopped to have something to eat and drink. I stopped briefly at the trig post then started my descent to Round How.

Place Fell Trig Post

Descending Place with Brothers Water in the distance

On my way down I met many people coming up. The pass improved slightly as I descended to reach Boredale Hause and the ruin of Chapel in the Hause. I followed the minor path and started the climb to Beda Fell. Shortly after crossing Freeze Beck I met a young lady coming down the other way. We chatted for a while and then she continue down to Boredale Hause. I continued up along the ridge and over Beda Fell which was very pleasant walking with slightly hazy views. I reached the site of an old camp I’d used in 2004.

Looking back up Boredale

I stopped briefly to admire the view then continued north where I started my descent. I met two men walking up as I descended to a cross path where there was a metal bench in commemoration to [D. A. Fay 1942-1993]. This is where I turned right to follow a good green path through deep ferns back to the Winter Crag Farm. Here I was back at the road and a short walk back to my car. I had another look at St. Martins Old Church and walked round the back to look at the Grave of Richard Birkett, the curate for 67years who died in 1699.

Memorial bench to D. A. Fay 1942-1993.

St Martin's Church

Grave of Richard Birkett