“There are no more delightful starting-points than Howtown or Martindale”
A Wainwright
The fells surrounding the valley of Martindale offer much to the walker looking for a quieter, more secluded place to walk, well away from the crowds of the larger fells to the west.
The lower fells of Steel Knotts and Beda Fell offer rocky rambling ridges full of interest while the higher fells from Wether Hill to Rest Dodd offer grassy slopes with exceptional views and easy walking.
This secluded part of Lakeland is red deer country so a pair of binoculars is a useful addition to the kit list for this walk!
“The charms of Angle Tarn, at all seasons of the year, are manifold: in scenic values it ranks amongst the best of Lakeland Tarns”
A Wainwright
From Martindale we will climb west onto the fine grassy ridge of Steel Knotts to the summit rocks, Pikawassa, the fine ridge continues west until it reaches the slopes of Weather Hill and climbs onto the summit ridge.
The track along this main ridge is the High Street Roman Road, from Penrith to Ambleside, we follow this track north from Wether Hill crossing High Raise and climbing to the summit of Rampsgill Head with it's spectacular view over Rampsgill and Martindale.
From Rampsgill Head we descend either over or to the side of The Knott to meet the path climbing to Rest Dodd and it's fine northern shoulder of The Nab, the heart of the Deer Forest of Martindale.
A short walk from the summit of The Nab will bring us back to a wall that will lead us west to Satura Crag and a short descent to Angle Tarn and the Angletarn Pikes wonderful rocky summits with some breathtaking views.
The northern ridge of the Angletarn Pikes brings us down over Beda Fell, the long rambling ridge with it's high point of Beda Head will lead us back down to the Martindale Valley and a short walk back to the start point.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: St Peters Church, Martindale
Postcode: CA10 2NF
Grid Reference: NY 435 191
Directions
From Pooley Bridge follow the road to Howtown, along the lakeshore, pass through Howtown. Cross the cattle grid and climb the hill beyond.
At the top of the steep hill a St Peters church will be seen to the left, we will meet here outside the church.
Bus Services
There is no bus service to Martindale, however a steamer can be taken to Howtown, from Howtown the meet point is around 20 minutes walk.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
Ullswater Steamers timetables can be viewed here
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