Walk Summary
A traverse of the fells that run along the east side of Ullswater. Superb views of the lake and the fells around Glenridding. (Almost) guaranteed to see Deer...although they might not be that close. Keep your eye out for Buzzards. Wonderful area for a walk.
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Date: 21/11/2023
Length: 7.61 miles
Height Gain: 655 m
Terrain: Grassy tracks, muddy/boggy tracks, rocky (though easy) descent from Round How, lightly used roads
Navigation: Map, compass and gps required. The tracks are reasonably obvious (although the one between Mortar Crag and The Knight is a little vague).
Start: Martindale Carpark (opposite St Peter's Church
Route: Martindale Carpark (opposite St Peter's Church, Sleet Fell, High Dodd, Mortar Crag, The Knight, Place Fell Tarn, Place Fell, Round How, Boredale Hause, Boredale
Map: OL5 Lake District - North eastern area
Weather: Grey, sun at the end of the day
Walkers: Nun, Kapitan and Cabin Boy
Captain's Log
Martindale
The weather forecasters had said today would provide the best weather for this week. We were therefore disappointed that our drive to Martindale was carried out in a winter gloom. High Street's ridge was cloaked in mist. I felt a bit cheated. We parked opposite St Peter's Church and a cold wind chilled us as we booted up. At least it wasn't snowing.
Today's walk would be a north to south traverse of Place Fell with a return down the Boredale valley. Today's plan included four Explorer hills and a Lakeland tarn. We could see Sleet Fell, our first Explorer hill, over to the west and we set off along the single track road in its direction.
Heading To Sleet Fell
Looking Back To Ullswater On The Ascent To Sleet Fell
Sleet Fell Cairn With Halling Fell In The Background
Sleet Fell
A Red Squirrel ran across the road in front of us and up on to a stone wall. I approached to take a photo, but it then scooted off along the wall and up a tree. That perfect Red Squirrel photo would have to wait for another day. It was a bit too dark to get a good shot anyway. We branched off the road to Sandwick and then on to a track running along the base of Sleet Fell. It gradually ascended until it reached a north ridge and then went up steeply to the summit. There was a great view along Ullswater and also over to Hallin Fell on the other side of the valley. The climb had warmed me up considerably and so I decided to take a middle layer off. I took off my fleece, put it in my rucksack and we set off again. About a 100 metres later, I realised my head was cold. My baseball cap was missing! I must have put it down on the ground when I took my fleece off. We all traipsed back to the summit of Sleet fell, but we couldn't find the cap. I took my rucksack off and dragged my fleece out. The baseball cap had got caught inside it when I'd pulled the fleece over my head and I'd stuffed it inside my rucksack without realising. The Kapitan and the Cabin Boy rolled their eyes as though they had the misfortune of walking with an idiot. I put on my baseball cap with a flourish and stomped off towards High Dodd with as much dignity as I could muster. Despite their misgivings, the Kapitan and the Cabin Boy followed.
High Dodd
High Dodd was just a down and up from Sleet Fell, with the up being slightly bit more than the down. The sun had joined us just before the top, but disappeared as we reached the summit. At least the mist seemed to be gradually rising, although the top of Place Fell was still covered. A track descended down the south side of High Dodd to the large stone sheepfold at Low Moss. A lone deer stared at us on the flanks of Place Fell, seemed to get bored, and then disappeared over the ridge. We headed off upwards on the track to Mortar Crag which then bent south westwards to the small pyramid of The Knight. I could also see Bleaberry Knott to the north of The Knight. I had intended doing Bleaberry Knott as an out-and-back from The Knight, but it looked a greater distance than I'd envisaged with more ascent and descent too. I told the Kapitan and the Cabin Boy that we'd leave Bleaberry Knott for another day. They didn't look upset by the news.
High Dodd's Summit
Glenridding From The Knight
Ullswater From The Knight's Summit
The Knight
The Knight is a little, craggy pyramid. We settled down on its summit for a break. There was a marvellous view across the valley to Sheffield Pike and White Stones where we had walked yesterday (see White Stones Spectacle). It had been misty and horizontal rain yesterday, but the fell was bathed in glorious sun today. Odd how the sun never seems to shine where we are walking.
A track delivered us to the top of Place Fell. We had to descend a short distance to tick Place Fell Tarn. We retraced our steps back up to the top of Place Fell. Despite already having his photo taken several times next to Place Fell's trig, the Kapitan still felt the need to have it taken one more time. He scrambled over to it and took a selfie.
Round How is a short hike to the south of Place Fell's summit and was our last Explorer hill of the day. We started our descent to Boredale Hause. I'd brought my long lens with me and I was disappointed that we'd only seen the one deer. We settled down for lunch and we scanned the flanks of the fells for our elusive friends. Nothing.
Deer Ahoy!
Boredale Valley
The descent into the Boredale valley is initially steep and rocky. It is also wet, with plenty of water falling down the track. The stones ran out and then we started on grass with an easier gradient. One moment I was walking along, and the next moment I was flat on my face in the mud. I'd slipped on the grass, twizzled around 180 degrees and then fell flat on my face. By the time the Kapitan and the Cabin Boy caught me up I was wiping muddy water off my glasses with a hanky. I hadn't enough hankys to dry my jacket and trousers though. The Kapitan and the Cabin Boy were wise not to laugh although I did hear some chuckling behind me when we set off walking again.
The Kapitan spotted them first. A dozen or so deer below Hawk Crag. They were a good distance away, but I got my long lens out and took some photos anyway. As I was taking photos, lots more became visible on the skyline above. Hurrah! It had been worth lugging my long lens around with me after all.
A Buzzard led us down the valley, perching on branches now and again, giving me the opportunity to snap some pictures. It landed on a branch near the tarn at Garth Heads. Two Crows took exception to this and dive bombed it. The Buzzard lost patience and started making its way back up the valley. The Crows cawed in triumph.
The hills glowed golden when we got back to the car. The weather Gods had saved the best for the end of the day. Despite being a gloomy start, the mist had generally moved away from us when we approached. My tumble in the mud had dampened my clothes but was unable to dampen my spirit, especially when wildlife started to appear in the Boredale Valley. It had been a delightful walk.
Buzzard
Buzzard Attacked By Crows
