Route: Patterdale
Area: Eastern Lake District
Date of walk: 17th July 2019
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 3.8 miles
Ascent: 800 feet
Weather: Cloudy and warm, with the odd spot of rain
The Mountain Weather Information Service predicted a rather gloomy day, with the best of the weather being in the east of the district. I decided to head that way in the hope of revisting one of my favourite fells – Place Fell. I made an early start and parked outside the George Starkey hut in Patterdale, where there is free parking for a small number of cars. The weather was fairly miserable, but I decided to carry on as far as Boredale Hause, at which point I’d consider the options depending on weather conditions
I followed the path to Side Farm which starts from the side of the George Starkey hut and, after passing through the farm, started the ascent up the path to Boredale Hause. On reaching this crossroads it was decision time and I dithered for a while. The weather was still gloomy and overcast and a few spots of rain caused me to decide on an alternative low level route. I descended from the hause down a loose path in the direction of Hartsop and Brothers Water. There are lovely views into Deepdale from here
On reaching the main valley path I turned sharp right to head back towards Patterdale. The lovely path passes through the small settlements of Crookabeck and Rooking. Just beyond Rooking I followed the lane towards the valley road, turning off just before it to walk beside Goldrill Beck until I reached the track to Side Farm. From here I retraced my steps back to the start. It hadn’t been the walk I’d planned, but it was a pleasant outing and I can recommend it to anyone looking for a low level walk which enjoys good views
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
Earlier in the week, poppy seed heads in the garden...
....and a dragonfly which landed on my hand
The start of today's walk as I pass by the George Starkey hut on the outskirts of Patterdale
I follow the track to Side Farm - the path to Boredale Hause is up on the right
Passing through Side Farm
A view back along the track to Patterdale
The path rises above Rooking, which I'll walk through on the way back
I follow the easy slanting path up the fellside
Hartsop Dodd and a glimpse of Brothers Water
Looking back to Ullswater
Thanks to Fix the Fells for keeping the path in good condition
Looking back to the head of Ullswater
Deepdale below - the higher fells have their heads in the clouds, and I was still undecided about continuing up to Place Fell
I arrive at Boredale Hause. Decision time. The weather was still rather gloomy and so I elected for Plan B...
...I descended towards Deepdale - the well used path is very loose and slippery at first
Looking back up to Place Fell
Brothers Water ahead
Hartsop Dodd
I descend to the Hartsop path below and turn sharp right here
I join the track leading back to Patterdale
Looking into Deepdale on my left...
I pass by an old barn near Crookabeck
Looking back to the barn
I walk though the small settlement of Crookabeck and continue along the easy track...
Birkhouse Moor above Patterdale
I arrive at Rooking - I turn left here
I follow the lane as far as Goldrill Beck
Goldrill Beck, where I follow a path on its right hand side
Looking across the meadows to the foot of Place Fell
Patterdale comes into view on the left...
I cross the bridge over Goldrill Beck and retrace my steps back to the start. It hadn't been the walk I'd originally intended but it turned out to be 2 hours very well spent
