This fine walk, starting at the hamlet of Hartsop (just off the A592 to the south-west of Martindale), provides splendid views throughout. There is some excellent crowd-free walking along the high ridges that surround the beautiful, steep-sided valleys of Martindale. To the south and east of Ullswater, along a narrow no through road from Pooley Bridge, is the quiet area of Martindale, home to the oldest native red deer herd in England. The deer seek sanctuary here in the valleys of Ramps Gill and Bannerdale where they give birth to their calves. In order to help protect them, walkers are asked to keep to the preferred routes clearly marked on the notice board maps.
[1] From the parking area at the Hartsop road end, follow the bridleway signed for Hayeswater. The track climbs up above Hayeswater Gill to Hayeswater itself – a natural lake now used as a reservoir serving Penrith.
[2] Cross a footbridge over the stream at the foot of Hayeswater and follow the well-walked path that ascends the slopes towards the conical hill called The Knott, with fine views back towards the Helvellyn range. The path climbs round its north side before heading southwards in the direction of High Street
(A) High Street is a long broad flat ridge whose summit (828m/2718ft) is the highest point in these far eastern fells. It is named after a Roman road which once traversed this range of hills linking the forts of Brocavum near Penrith with Galava south of Ambleside. Horse racing was also held up here!
If you want to ‘bag’ High Street’s summit (NY 441111) continue heading south from the Straights of Riggindale for 1km/1/2 mile; the trig point lies just off the path to the left. Retrace your steps back to the main route.
To continue the main route, bear left to ascend Rampsgill Head and continue north-northeast to High Raise (NY 448135) – again the actual summit (cairn) lies just off the path (to the right). This is the second highest point (802m/2634ft) of these fells.
[3] The walking is now easy as you continue along fairly level ground, gradually losing height, over Raven Howe and Red Crag to Wether Hill. The usual descent from Wether Hill is the public footpath which leaves the ridge at NY 454163, though another obvious path turns off before at the top of Mere Beck headed in the same direction. Descend northwest to pass the ruins of a shepherd’s bothy at the head of Fusedale (a useful landmark in poor visibility). The path keeps to the north of Gowk Hill. Ullswater is in view looking north down Fusedale. Continue in the same direction across the fellside beneath Steel Knots, enjoying increasingly fine views over Martindale down to the Howe Grain valley and the Old church of St Martin (NY 434184).
(B) The present building – which occupies the site of a former 13th-century church - dates from Elizabethan times. It’s a lovely atmospheric place with an enormous old yew tree in the churchyard thought to be c.1,300 years old!
[4] From the church, turn left along the lane heading south. There are more lovely views up the valley as you head towards the road end at Dale Head (NY 433165).
[5] Now follow the ascending bridleway up and over Beda Fell, descending to a major junction of paths at Boredale Hause (NY 407157). Follow the descending path southwest towards the valley, then head south/southeast back to Hartsop.