Far Eastern Fells Archives - The Running Fox

Place Fell

Nov 17, 2022

Baitstops Facts and Figures

Height: 657m
Height: 2155 feet
Bible Position: Place Fell
Conditions: Cloudy and windy at the top but warm for November
Viewranger Stats:

Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book: The Far Eastern Fells
Position: Lowest in The Far Eastern Fells
Other Wainwrights on this walk: None

It’s been a while! So long in fact, I forgot how to update a blog article so it has taken me a few days to remind myself. With lockdown and everything going on the past couple of years, we have not had much opportunity to get out, so it was great to be back on the fells. Place Fell was a top we did almost 15 years ago on a very cold crisp morning. This time we have had a very mild spell so it wasn’t going to be the -6 temperatures we had last time.

Start of the walk

We were parked up and ready to walk by 9 am opposite the Patterdale Hotel. We set off with Dicksons steak pies in hand back along the road, past the school and turned right at the George Starkey hut.

The path took us over the beck and along to Side farm campsite. Here we turned right and began the gentle climb to Place Fell.

Place Fell in Cloud — Looking towards Place Fell

The start of the climb took us to the right towards Boredale Hause, moving away from the summit direction, to later bend back towards the summit.

Looking back across the valley towards the Patterdale Hotel

At Boredale Hause we turned left and we were now heading directly for the summit. It was a very steady climb today and about an hour later the summit was just ahead.

Place Fell summit

Just after 10.30 we reached the summit. A well built cairn sitting on top of the rocks. We were in cloud now and the wind had picked up so it was the coldest part of the walk, up to now it had been quite warm for November.

Derek at PlaceFell — Second time back here

We saw another couple of walkers at the top and then dropped over the other side to get out of the wind and time for a cuppa. We dropped a little and then walked away from the path only about 5 yards to the right but that took us out of the wind. The way we were going to go down was walking away from the car, back down to the lakeside further round the lake and then walk back to the car.

The Descent

Once we started again we were heading for the next valley down in the picture above, right in the centre towards the lake. Just like the ascent, the descent was fairly gentle and in no time we were at the sheepfold, a little shelter created by Dalemain Estates, West Martindale Commoners and Natural England to give us walkers some shelter from the cold, wet weather out on the Fells.

Sheepfold 2 — Low Moss Sheepfold looking back down to Ullswater

We kept walking down towards the lake and about 10 minutes after Low Moss sheepfold we came across this old quarry building.

Quarry building 2 — The Quarry building from the other side, looking back up the path, we had come from the right of picture.

Next to the building was a very strange water feature where the water was tumbling down the rock but we couldn’t see the source of the water above and we couldn’t see where it was going below, it just disappeared underground.

Another 20 minutes or so and we were almost back down to lake level.

Lake ahead — Ullswater and ground level right ahead

The last 50 yards or so was the steepest and slippiest part of the descent but we were back at the lake by 12.30. Just over 5 miles covered so far but almost another 4 miles to walk back to the car around the lake.

It was a very warm, bright day at lake level so we had a good walk around Ullswater with the opportunity for more photos along the way.

Scalehow Beck tumbling down the hillside

Artists Tribute — A tribute to 3 artists who were inspired by the landscape

Waterfall back at Side Farm and almost the end of the walk

So we were now back at Side Farm and only a half mile walk along the path back to the car. We were back at the car just after 2.30. One of the lowest tops on our walks today but a long walk none the less. A very different perspective today than 15 years ago from a weather point of view.

See you on the next one.

Ill Bell

Jun 17, 2017

Baitstops Facts and Figures

Height: 757m
Height: 2484 feet
Bible Position: The Troutbeck Fells
Conditions: Hot and sunny
Viewranger Stats:

Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book: The Far Eastern Fells
Position: 9th highest in Far Eastern Fells
Other Wainwrights on this walk: Yoke

The second walk of the year and hopefully we will have completed the 63rd top out of 71 by the end of the day. Peter picked me up at 6.00 am and it was already a sunny morning as we set off for Kentmere, a little village near Windermere. There are not many parking spaces in Kentmere, just a handful at the Village Hall and most of them were taken, even at 7.45 am. We got one of the last spaces alongside the Hall, put our boots on and started walking at 8.00 am with scotch eggs in hand.

Start of the walk

The first part of the walk was on a road as we walked out of the village to the Nook where we turned right to head up the Garburn Pass.

Pointing us in the right direction

The road was now unmade and quite rocky as we began to gently climb up Garburn Pass for about a mile and a half.

Badger Rock

It wasn’t 9 o’clock but it was already very warm and sunny. We stopped a couple of times for drinks and we had also bumped into 3 or 4 people this early into the walk. It looked like this was a popular walk because it formed part of the Kentmere Horseshoe.

On the way up to Yoke

There was a clear path all the way today so even in poor weather it would be a good walk to do.

Looking back down the path

Yoke was now in view and just ahead of us, we reached the summit just after 10.00 am. We were now on the ridge and could see our target Ill Bell just ahead. As we looked down to the right you could see Kentmere Reservoir and got a great view of the Kentmere Horseshoe.

Kentmere reservoir

There was a short drop from Yoke and then a gentle climb up to Ill Bell.

Ill Bell Summit

We reached the summit just after 10.30.

Ill Bell just ahead

The summit

We sat on the summit for 20 – 25 minutes, had some bait and watched several walkers go by. It was still quite early and with a fairly gentle descent ahead, we had plenty of time.

The descent

Looking back to Ill Bell

The walk back to the car was very warm, consequently we stopped another couple of times for more drinks and what was left of the bait. We got back to the car just before 1.30 got changed and drove to the next village, Staveley for a pint in the Eagle and Child.

In conclusion, only 8 tops left to do now and the end firmly in sight.

See you on the next walk.

Walk Stats

High Raise (Martindale) and Rest Dodd

May 27, 2017

Baitstops Facts and Figures

Height: High Raise Martindale – 802 m, Rest Dodd – 696m
Height: High Raise Martindale – 2631 feet, Rest Dodd – 2283 feet
Bible Position: The Martindale Fells
Conditions: Warm and sunny
Viewranger Stats:

Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book: The Far Eastern Fells
Position:
Other Wainwrights on this walk: The Knott, Rampsgill Head

Last walk out we did High Raise in the central fells but there are two fells called High Raise, the second and higher of the two is in Martindale. So High Raise Martindale was on our list today. Looking at the maps another one of the eleven tops left to do, Rest Dodd, was not too far away, so we were hoping to potentially get two in today.

It was my turn to drive, with thunder and lightning forecast for the afternoon, I got to Peters early, 6.00 am so we could maximise the good weather. We arrived at the car park at Hartsop about 7.45 and we were booted and ready to walk at exactly 8.00 am.

Start of the walk

It was already very warm, shorts and tee-shirt day. There was a very good path at the start of the walk towards Hayeswater, passing a sheep shearing hut early on.

Sheep shearing hut at the start of the walk

The first point of interest on the walk was the Hayeswater Treatment hut which we reached within the first half hour.

Hayeswater Treatment Hut

A great wall, someone worked hard on this one

After the treatment hut there was a short, steep climb to a really good path which took us to Hayeswater.

Looking back down the valley

Passing a couple of waterfalls coming from Hayeswater on the way up to the man made lake.

Waterfall from Hayeswater

Hayeswater

Once we got to Hayeswater we crossed the stream and began to climb a little steeper and a long slog towards The Knott. The path was fairly clear for most of the walk and as we began to climb it was getting very warm and sunny. We stopped for a drink part way up this climb. As it began to level out a little we could see the potential second top of the day, Rest Dodd to our left. From this point in the walk it looked easily achievable although we would have to drop quite a bit to climb again after High Raise Martindale!

Passing Rest Dodd, we will be back later!

We continued to walk along The Knott and towards Rampsgill Head still steadily climbing all the way. Eventually we were looking down on Rest Dodd. As we got onto Rampsgill Head we could see our first summit of the day ahead. We just had a short dip and another climb ahead of us to reach the top.

Not far now to first summit of the day

High Raise Martindale summit

We reached the first top of the day at 10.50, our highest point today. Great views of the surrounding fells but also we could see some clouds gathering in the distance. We retraced our path back to Rampsgill Head and began to drop down to where the path turned for Rest Dodd.

High Raise summit

Looking back to High Raise

At this point we were 1km from the summit of Rest Dodd and for the first time it began to rain lightly. We put on our waterproof jackets for the descent. When we got to the bottom, the rain had stopped and it was going to be too warm climbing with the jackets on so we took them off. At the bottom we could have called it a day and headed back to the car. The next top was so close though and we had to go for it.

We had to go down to go back up!

Rest Dodd summit

The climb was tough, with one top weighing heavy in our legs and a steep climb by the wall, it was hard work, especially in warm sunshine. Yet at 12 noon we reached the second summit of the day. Very satisfying that we could get two done and we had managed to avoid the forecasted thunder storms.

View from the summit

Rest Dodd summit

The descent

We now just had to descend to Hayeswater and then it was a fairly steady drop back to the car. Surprisingly my knee was holding out quite well today, not too much trouble on the descent at all. We got back to the car at 1.50 pm, got changed and just as we set off it started to rain! We stopped at the Brackenrigg Inn for a pint and some jockeys whips and as we were sat there we could see the storm coming along the valley towards us. Within minutes we had torrential rain, thunder and lightning!

Route plan and stats for the walk.

A great walk, great weather and great company as always, most important only 9 left to do!

See you on the next walk.

Loadpot Hill – Christmas Walk 2014

Dec 7, 2014

Baitstops Facts and Figures

Height:
Height:
Bible Position:
Conditions:

Wainwright Facts and Figures

Book:
Position:
Other Wainwrights on this walk:

The last walk saw the 50 milestone chalked up and 2 weeks later I reached another 50 milestone – in years. So it was good to know that the next walk would leave only 20 summits to do. Peter picked me up at 6.30 for our annual Christmas Walk. Rather than head to Yorkshire as we usually do, we wanted to get that last Lake District top of the year in. The forecast was for a cold, dry day with cloud thickening later. As we would be carrying the full Christmas fayre we didn’t want to do too much height so chose Loadpot Hill, one of the smaller mountains near Ullswater. Loadpot Hill sits on the Roman Road that carries on to High Raise, Rest Dodd and High Street which I had already done.

We arrived in Màrtindale about 8.30 and Peter had brought ham and egg pies for breakfast. It was certainly very cold as we set off and I already had 4 layers on, hat and gloves and a very full rucksack. We took the path around the back of the church and set off walking away from Loadpot Hill strangely. After a short while the path was no more than a sheep path, climbing diagonally higher and higher above the forest below. The path was very narrow and at times difficult to get a foothold. As we got close to a stream in front of us, we took a left turn and started to climb straight up now. This was now much steeper until we reached a flatter part which took us over a stream to a ruin where we sat down for Christmas lunch. We started with chicken drumsticks marinated in garlic, ginger and honey. For dessert we had mince pies, Christmas cake and custard although for some reason my custard had thinned out in the flask. All of this washed down with a bottle of wine.

We set off again for the final push to the summit, walking straight up a grassy slope. The top was in mist but we could see the general direction. As we reached the ridge we knew it was generally left we were heading but we could not see. We got to a small cairn but we knew it was not the top. As we set off further along the path it seemed to be descending which was concerning, so we turned back the other way. We walked that way for a hundred yards or so and realised that was not right either. Just then, the mist cleared and we could see the top in front of us but there was a bit of a drop and more importantly another climb. We were so close though, so we carried on. Once we were climbing it was not as bad as it looked and we reached top number 51 about 12.30.

Loadpot Hill Summit

We turned around and headed back down, the wind had picked up now and it was freezing. The grassy slope was much easier coming down than going up as it was quite spongy. We were heading straight for the ruined hut but there was someone in it this time so we went for the smaller ruin just behind where we had lunch. Peter had brought some oatcakes, cheese and home-made pickle which went down very nicely with the last drop of wine we had. We were now ready to make the final descent back to the car.

I had in my mind the narrow path but I had completely forgotten the initial steep descent back to the narrow path. It was difficult finding the path but we thought we had found it and followed it in the direction of the car. It was particularly difficult going the other way and the height was something that was playing on my mind. There were several times when I had to resort to crawling along as there were no footholds. I was almost at the point of giving up (although there was no option other than to go on) when we saw a cave we had passed earlier that morning. At last we were back on the proper path. It was still a difficult walk but better than it was.

We eventually reached the car about 3.30. A very satisfying walk and my Fitbit device told me we had done over 28000 steps, around 11 miles so a long walk too. The last one of 2014, we will be back in 2015.

High Street Walk

Mar 12, 2012

It’s been a while since the Christmas Walk so when Peter called me a couple of weeks ago asking me if I fancied a walk, it was perfect timing. It was only me and him today and his turn to drive so he picked me up at 6.00 am. The forecast was good for the east but a little cloudy, clearing later for the west which was where we were heading. We had decided to do High Street after missing out on that walk a couple of times previously so headed over the A66 in clear blue skies. As we turned off the road towards Haweswater there was a road closed sign but another one saying the hotel was open so we ploughed on. It turned out they were doing some pipe laying on the road although not on a Sunday so the trucks were all parked up and we drove straight through.

Start of the walk

We arrived at the car park at the end of the reservoir before 8.00 am, got the boots on and started walking at exactly 8.00 am. No Angus pies today but a decent substitute with Peters Bakery steak pie! We ate as we walked, surrounded by very welcome blue skies.

When we walked Harter Fell recently we had noticed a path which looked more direct than walking round Haweswater and climbing up Rough Crag so we took the direct route. It was a steady walk at first, gaining height slowly.

Looking back to the summit of Rough Crag. We had approached from the right of this photo.

As we climbed we started to come out of the shade and already it was getting quite warm, I was beginning to regret having 3 layers on! We followed the path, climbing all the time until we came to the first bait stop of the day at 9.00 am. Time for a quick cuppa and then we continued on towards the shoulder where we would join Long Stile. We reckon we saved quite a bit of time taking this route and joined Long Stile about 10.00 am.

On Long Stile, Blea Water in the background, nearly at the top!

We were now in full sunshine and with the climb it was was getting very warm so time to shed a layer or two. Looking back down to Rough Crag we had a quick look to see if we could see the Golden Eagle which is supposed to live here but nothing today. We continued up Long Stile, now becoming more of a scramble over the crags. As it was such a great day we stopped to take another photo of the great scenery around us. The shot on the left shows Blea Water in the background and the summit of High Street is to my left out of shot.

High Street summit

Once we reached the top of the more difficult climb we were on a very flat summit heading towards the summit marked by a small trig point. We reached the summit at 10.40 and took a few more photos for the record.

High Street summit

The views were fantastic today, we could see Thornthwaite Crag I did last summer with the lads from work, we could see Helvellyn and Striding Edge clearly. Looking towards the west seemed a little more cloudy and as we wanted to stay in the sun we headed towards Kidsty Pike, knowing that we would not be able to get another top in on that route but at least we would stay in the sunshine and get the views.

We descended the Straits of Riggindale towards Kidsty Pike and decided to take in The Knott on the way, including Kidsty Pike that would mean we would do 3 Wainwrights today although only one official top in High Street. The photo on the right shows the view back up Riggindale towards the summit of High Street, you can make out the Roman Road on the right.

Looking back to High Street

The descent

We continued on the path to The Knott and at this point we saw only the second person of the day although after this point it did get much busier.

The Knott

We arrived at The Knott about 11.20 and then paused for a few minutes to take a few more photos and consider our next move. We decided to back track slightly on the path we had taken and head for Kidsty Pike and then back down to the Reservoir.

Once we dropped down from The Knott back to the path we turned right and then a left climbing towards Kidsty Pike.

We arrived at Kidsty Pike just after noon and for the first time today it was a little breezy on the top so we dropped off the summit slightly to some rocks for another bait stop, take some more photos and just chill in the sun.

On Kidsty Pike looking for the Golden Eagle on Rough Crag

This was also a good vantage point to see the Golden Eagle if it was around but again we saw nothing today. We sat for 20 minutes or so and then started the descent back to the car park.

At first it was quite a rocky descent becoming quite steep as well so taking its toll on the knees. We dropped down to the shores of Haweswater and then had about another 20 minutes to walk through the woods back to the car park which was now full despite the road closed sign! We arrived at the car about 2 pm just as some cloud started to appear – perfect timing!

A really good walk today, fantastic scenery, some decent challenges and great company as always.

Click here to see more photos from the day and turn your speakers up and see if you can guess the music!

See you on the next one.

Harter Fell (Mardale)

Oct 30, 2011

Well its been some time since we were last out! Peter and I did Scafel Pike back in June and we have not been out since. So we were all raring to go for this walk. We were joined on this one by Paul who has not been out for a while with us. The last couple of walks we have discussed doing High Street but have opted for another walk so we planned on doing High Street this time. Paul drove to my house and Peter picked us both up just after 5.45 am on the morning the clocks went back so we had gained an hour.

When we set off we realised that Paul had already done High Street so we had to choose another walk. We decided to still head to Mardale Head on Haweswater and tackle Harter Fell and maybe Branstree. We arrived at Mardale Head just before 8.00 am in time to boot up and tuck into the Angus pie to get us started. There was low cloud over the tops but you could tell this was a great start point with fells on all sides of Haweswater.

Start of the walk

We started walking at 8.00 am and set off through the gate following the path towards Nan Bield Pass. We could see the return path at this point as well via Gatescarth Pass. It was quite a steady climb following the beck up towards Small Water crossing the stream just before reaching Small Water. This would be a perfect location for a summers bait stop but it was a little damp and windy today so we carried on around Small Water, climbing steadily up to Nan Bield Pass. The path became a little steeper as we left Small Water and as we got higher and looked back we got a great view of Small Water with Haweswater in the background, just a shame it was not good weather for the camera! It was also starting to rain so time for the waterproofs. We arrived at the small stone shelter at Nan Bield Pass just after 9.00 am. We met another walker here who had taken the route up Gatescarth Pass and was heading towards High Street on our right.

Harter Fell summit

We stopped for a cuppa and a sandwich and then turned left from our ascent towards the summit of Harter Fell. Around 40 minutes later we were at the top, not a lot to see from the quite flat top and visibility was not great today either due to the weather. We stopped for a quick photo, the only one of the day and then started to follow the fence down towards Gatescarth Pass.

Summit of Harter Fell

The descent

Very quickly we were on a wide path winding down towards the pass, Peter and Paul in particular got quite a pace going down the hill. We arrived at the pass about 30 minutes later and took another bait stop. Ahead, in the sometimes clearing mist we could see the ascent to Branstree. We had maintained quite a pace so far, added to the fact that we had not been out for a while I could tell that the climb and subsequent descent of Branstree would not be great for the knees so I decided not to go. I tried to persuade Peter and Paul to go alone and catch me up on the way down. However in true Musketeer spirit they said it was all or nothing so we were on our way back to the car and it wasn’t even noon!

As we had only done the one top, the descent was relatively easy although I just knew it would have been very different had I done Branstree. It was not until the day after when I came to write up this post that I realised I had already done Branstree on the same day we did Tarn Crag. The day we found a car half way up the track towards Tarn Crag and the same day we had our Battle Royale with the paste eggs. We were back at the car about 12.30 and stopped for a couple of pints and a game of pool. We were home again for 3.00 pm. A nice steady walk to get us back into it and my 38th top. Hopefully we can squeeze one or two more in before Christmas.

Tarn Crag and Branstree

Apr 4, 2009

Peter picked me up just after 6 am and we drove to Steves, on the road by 6.15. As the weather forecast was not clear we were not sure whether to go to Great End or to Longsleddale. As we thought it would be wet to start with at Great End we went with the Longsleddale option so we turned off the A66 and headed for Kendal. We arrived about 8am and got tucked into the traditional Angus the butchers Steak pie. A great start to the day again!

Start of the walk

We parked at the end of the road into Longsleddale and started walking up the gravelly path. It was a steady start and very gradually started to climb. After about a half hour we came across an unexpected sight on the pathway.

Car high up on the path

We are not sure how this car got as far up the track without 4 wheel drive or indeed what it was doing there. Anyway you can just make out the path we had just walked in the distance behind the car.

After about another 15 minutes we came to a gate where we had to turn right and start our climb proper. We decided it was time for a cuppa so stopped just after the gate, behind the wall for shelter as the wind was starting to build up. Peter had brought some paste eggs. The 3 eggs were fully kitted out in red and white, one was Djibril Cisse, one was Kenwyne Jones and one was Andy Reid. So first of all Cisse and Jones fought it out for top dog and Cisse drew first blood by cracking KJ’s head. A second blow to the gut finished him off. Andy Reid took on the winner and Cisse must have been weakened in the battle with Jones as a crack appeared in his head straight away. Reidy then followed up with a pile driver so the little Irish fella ended up the Champ.

Tarn Crag summit

After scoffing the Sunderland strike force we set off up the mountain sticking close to the fence all the way until the fence crossed our path. We climbed over the fence and arrived at the summit around 10.30.

Tarn Crag summit

You can make out to my right why this mountain is called Tarn Crag. You can probably also make out that it was pretty chilly on the top. So we didn’t stay too long, just enough to get this photo and then set off on the same path and then started to drop quite a bit into a very boggy area before we started to climb again towards Branstree.

Branstree summit

We arrived at the summit just before noon. The top was about 10 yards behind a fence but very exposed so we took the opportunity to have another cuppa in the shelter of the wall.

Shelter near the summit

Again you can see that the wind hadn’t dropped and it was also raining quite heavily now. Just over the fence on Steves left was the summit of Branstree.

Branstree summit

The descent

We quickly jumped over the fence to reach the summit and then started back down to the car.

It was a steady descent again today so easy on the knees. After 20 minutes or so we joined the path and wound our way down. We reached the gate where a few hours earlier the egg battle had taken place. The car was still futher down the path as well and it would take some work to reverse back down the valley! Arrived back at the car around 2pm and then went for a pint in Kirkby Lonsdale where Steve gave Peter and myself a lesson in pool!

So thats 6 tops down and its only 4th April, well on target. The next planned walk is for the weekend of 10th May.

Place Fell

Feb 17, 2008

Set off from Peterlee just before 6.00 am in Dereks car. It was freezing cold when we left and as we arrived in the Lakes the temperature was as low as -7. Stopped briefly on the shores of Ullswater to get a great shot of the Lake, beautiful sky in the background and a slight haze on the mountains.

Early morning Ullswater

We parked in Patterdale and ate the Scotch Eggs to give us energy! (Peter loves the Scotch Eggs). We started walking about 8.00 am and as usual started the slow climb up the mountain. It was a perfect day for walking, very cold but very clear, not a cloud in the sky.

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The Running Fox

Far Eastern Fells

Place Fell

Start of the walk

Place Fell summit

The Descent

Ill Bell

Start of the walk

Ill Bell Summit

The descent

High Raise (Martindale) and Rest Dodd

Start of the walk

High Raise Martindale summit

Rest Dodd summit

The descent

Loadpot Hill – Christmas Walk 2014

High Street Walk

Start of the walk

High Street summit

The descent

Harter Fell (Mardale)

Start of the walk

Harter Fell summit

The descent

Tarn Crag and Branstree

Start of the walk

Tarn Crag summit

Branstree summit

The descent

Place Fell

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Far Eastern Fells

Start of the walk

Place Fell summit

The Descent

Start of the walk

Ill Bell Summit

The descent

Start of the walk

High Raise Martindale summit

Rest Dodd summit

The descent

Start of the walk

High Street summit

The descent

Start of the walk

Harter Fell summit

The descent

Start of the walk

Tarn Crag summit

Branstree summit

The descent

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