“There can be few better views in the country”
A Wainwright
A quiet route taking in the lesser walked summits on the southern side of the Mardale Valley. Some wonderful scenery with some of the best views of Haweswater and the High Street range as well as views into the Longsleddale Valley.
Starting from Mardale Head we take in the summits of Selside Pike and Branstree above Mardale before crossing to the tops of Tarn Crag and Grey Crag above the Longsleddale Valley.
“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 Mardale Head car park we will follow the path along the southern bank of the Haweswater reservoir to Rowantreethwaite Beck and the foot of 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 corpse road we are rewarded with one of the great views of the Lake District, looking back over Haweswater to the High Street range.
From the highest point on the Corpse Road we will head south climbing over easy ground over Selside End to the summit of Selside Pike.
From Selside Pike the ridge leads south west, following the fence, a short climb will bring us to Artle Crag, the cairned viewpoint just to the north of Branstree.
From Branstree we descend to the south, along the fence-line over Selside Brow to the col above Brownhowe Bottom between Longsleddale and Mosedale. We continue along the fence-line, climbing now until the fence reaches a high point just a short walk away from the summit of Tarn Crag.
Following the fence again to the south east we continue until, at a corner of the fence, we can we can head south across easy ground to the summit of Grey Crag or Sleddale Fell, the easternmost summit in the Lake District.
Following the fence back to the north we can leave the fence-line on the slopes of Branstree and traverse the easy slopes above Brownhowe Bottom to the top of Gatesgarth Pass where we can take the easy path down towards Mardale Head.
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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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