Lake District – Walking up Place Fell

There was no rush today as our canoe building course was over so we had a few days left of our holiday and some time to explore. We did pop into the workshop though to give our canoe a coat of varnish. The more coats of varnish we can apply the better so we’ve decided to give it a coat each morning that we are here as we are unlikely to give it many more coats once we get home. The varnish not only makes it look good but helps seal and waterproof it, and adds UV protection.

With the varnishing complete it was off to Penrith to buy something for a picnic and then off for a drive in the rain along the shores of Ullswater to Patterdale,

The weather was forecast to clear up later so the plan for the day had always been to go for a nice big hill walk. Scafell Pike had been on the hit list, but we decided against that when we realised it was quite a drive. Instead we were aiming for something a fair bit smaller with a walk up Place Fell.

Place Fell

At 657m Place Fell stands at the south western end of Ullswater.

We had an early lunch in the car while waiting for the rain to stop. Morgan then decided that he didn’t want to walk up a hill so we had to literally drag him out of the car to get ready. He was then in a grump all the way up to the top, moaning about how bored he was!

The climb to the top was easy and at a slow pace. The views were spectacular though with scatterings of snow patches on the tops of some of the surrounding fells. It was still quite cloudy but patches of sunshine were lighting up the brown, greens and oranges of the hills all around us.

At the summit we were greeted with views right out to Penrith and beyond. Morgan was at last beginning to cheer up and talk to us again.

At the Summit

At the Summit

At the Summit

At the Summit

Summit Pano

Summit Pano

We then continued north along the ridge top before descending down towards Scalehow Force where we joined the lakeside path and started heading back.

On the way back down.

On the way back down.

Room with a View

Room with a View

Views of Ullswater

Views of Ullswater

We stopped for a quick geocache near the waterfalls and then made our way along the delightful lakeside path. This provides lovely views of Ullswater and its small islands as it makes its way through a birch and oak woodland perched on the hillside. The path itself sits a little way up the hillside and rises to a few scenic viewpoints. We stopped at one of these to find another geocache. The trees weren’t in leaf yet so the woodland felt very open and allowed us to see the lake all the way along the path. No doubt it has a very different feel in the summer.

We eventually found ourselves back at Side Farm with just a short walk across the river to our car in Patterdale. We were all quite tired by now so it was a relief to take off our boots.

We had avoided the rain and even enjoyed a few brief periods of sunshine. The entire walk was just over 8 miles with the climb at the beginning. We were quite slow though so it took us about 5 hours. I’m kind if tempted to go back to see if I can do it on my own in 2 hours!

Personalised Pie

We decided not to cook tonight but to stop off not far from the cottage at the Strickland Arms for dinner. We’re glad we did as the food was delicious. Food always tastes great after a day in the hills, but this was better than usual. They had a really interesting menu. Morgan’s steak looked as though it was perfect, my Hungarian Goulash was full of flavour with delicious tender meat and Anna’s pie looked nice too and had even been personalised as it had her name on it made from pastry!

Personalised Pie

Personalised Pie

I think we may have to eat there another day before we leave.

2 Responses

  1. Avatar forComment Author Mum says:

    Some lovely photos, Morgan’s coat shows up well!, did Anna manage to eat all of that? or did “some one” help xx

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Alan Cole

Alan is a Freelance Website Designer, Sports & Exercise Science Lab Technician and full time Dad & husband with far too many hobbies: Triathlete, Swimming, Cycling, Running, MTBing, Surfing, Windsurfing, SUPing, Gardening, Photography.... The list goes on.

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