“There can be few better views in the country”
A Wainwright
At the far eastern edge of the Lake District, on the hills above Shap are a collection of the quietest, most remote fells in Lakeland, the summits of Branstree and Selside Pike rise above Mardale and Haweswater while the southern ridge of Tarn Crag and Grey Crag climbs above the picturesque valley of Longsleddale.
This route takes in all four summits, starting from Mardale Head as well as the summit of Harter Fell before descending by Nan Bield Pass by Small Water back to Mardale.
“here are dark crags, rarely visited waterfalls, a curious dry tarn bed set amongst moraines and above it a perfect hanging valley”
A Wainwright
From the car park at Mardale we will follow the Haweswater lakeshore path north east to Rowantreethwaite Beck where the 'Old Corpse Road', the track used to take the dead from the now flooded village at Mardale over the fellside to the cemetery at Shap.
From the summit of the Corpse Road we will head south climbing over easy ground over Selside End to Selside Pike. The ridge from Selside Pike leads south west, alongside a fence, a short climb will bring us to Artle Crag, the cairned viewpoint just to the north of Branstree.
From the summit of Branstree we will follow the fence to the south east over Selside Brow to the col above Brownhowe Bottom, the fence now climbs to a high point just a short walk away from the summit of Tarn Crag.
After a short walk to the south east we will come to the summit of Grey Crag, the easternmost summit in the Lake District.
The path back to Brownhowe Bottom will lead us to an easy traverse onto Gatesgarth Pass where we will have the option of an easy descent back to Mardale or to continue the walk over Adam Seat and Harter Fell before descending to Nan Bield Pass and down alongside the picturesque Small Water back down to Haweswater and Mardale Head.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Mardale Head Car Park
Postcode: CA10 2RP
Grid Reference: NY 469 107
Directions
From Penrith: Follow the A6 south from Penrith passing through Eamont Bridge, at thee far end of the village turn right, signposted to Ullswater (B5320). Follow this road a short distance until just after crossing the railway line turn left, signposted to Askham. Follow this road though Bampton and Bampton Grange and follow the signs for Haweswater.
Follow the road alongside the lakeshore to a car park at the far end of the lake, we will meet here.
From Shap: Leave Shap on Pow Lane, take the 2nd right turn and follow road to Bampton Grange. Turn left in Bampton Grange and follow the signs for Haweswater.
Follow the road alongside the lakeshore to a car park at the far end of the lake, we will meet here.
Bus Services
There is no bus service to Mardale Head.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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