“There are no more delightful starting-points than Howtown or Martindale”

A Wainwright

The fells above the northern end of Ullswater make an enjoyable days walking, grassy hills with stunning views over Ullswater throughout.

This route combines a trip on the Ullswater Steamers from Pooley Bridge to Howtown with the walk back across the fells to Pooley Bridge.

Summits included on this route:
Steel Knotts432 metres / 1417 feet
Wether Hill670 metres / 2198 feet
Loadpot Hill671 metres / 2201 feet
Bonscale Pike524 metres / 1719 feet
Arthur's Pike532 metres / 1745 feet

“Loadpot Hill is a natural sanctuary for all wildlife”

A Wainwright

From Pooley Bridge we will catch the 9.45 steamer to Howtown, walking up through the Martindale Valley to climb Steel Knotts, the fine rocky ridge with a spectacular summit.

The ridge continues west until it meets the mass of Wether Hill, from where we will follow the High Street Roman Road south, climbing past the remains of the old hunting lodge to the summit of Loadpot Hill.

A short descent from Loadpot Hill will bring us down onto the grassy slopes leading to Bonscale Pike with it's distinctive stone pillars overlooking Ullswater far below.

The path will then lead south from Bonscale Pike, crossing Swarth Beck to rise again to the final summit of the day, Arthurs Pike, another fine summit overlooking the northern end of Ullswater.

From Arthur's Pike the path gently descends north to The Cockpit, a stone circle in an impressive setting above Pooley Bridge, and then down into Pooley Bridge.

Please note that Steamer fares are not included in the price of the walk, each client is required to pay for their boat fare. Fares during 2015 are £6.40 for an adult and £3.20 per child.

Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.

Where to meet: Pooley Bridge
Postcode: CA10 2NH
Grid Reference: NY 467 242

Directions

Pooley Bridge can easily be found to the south of the A66, between Keswick and Penrith, Follow the A592 south from the Rheghed roundabout and continue until the B5320 is reached, turning left here along the lake shore.

Just before Pooley Bridge is reached the Ullswater Steamer Pier will be seen on the right hand side of the road, continue to the car park in Pooley Bridge and walk back to the pier, we will meet here at 9.30 (catching the 9.45 boat)

Bus Services

The nearest bus stop is Pooley Bridge village, it is around 20 minutes walk up the hill to this meet point.

Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:

Summer Events:
(November - March)

Walking shoes / Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves

Winter Events:
(April - October)

Walking Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves
Torch (preferably a headtorch)
Spare batteries for the above
Spare Gloves
Flask & Hot Drink

The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:

Snow Goggles
Gaiters

The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:

Ice Axe
Crampons

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Questions:

1 Answer

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product Howtown to Pooley Bridge

Question:

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017

We do not have a set minimum age for this event, however, you know your child best, therefore please bear in mind this is an open event of varying ages, if you are not confident your child can complete this event then hiring a private guide could be a more suitable option.

As this is an open event all under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

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1 Answer

What happens if the weather is bad?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product Howtown to Pooley Bridge

Question:

What happens if the weather is bad?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We plan to walk whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so.

Mountain weather can be a little unpredictable, but we do keep an eye on the forecasts leading up to walks, should the forecast mean that the walk is not possible then we will contact you as soon as we have the forecast and offer you the following options:
- A more suitable walk on the same date taking into consideration the weather conditions
- A transfer to the same walk on another date
- A full refund

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1 Answer

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Posted by , Monday, 18 September 2017 on product Howtown to Pooley Bridge

Question:

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Monday, 18 September 2017

Yes, dogs are allowed on all our walks.

However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the walk, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.

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