Branstree | Wainwrights Far Eastern Fells
BRANSTREE
Branstree is a remote and tranquil fell that offers a sense of wilderness and isolation. The ascent to Branstree usually begins from Mardale Head, following a path that skirts the shores of Haweswater before climbing steadily through grassy slopes. The terrain is less rugged than some of the other Far Eastern Fells, but the sense of remoteness adds to its charm. As you approach the summit, marked by a trig point, the surrounding landscape unfolds with wide, sweeping views. To the west, the imposing High Street range comes into view, while to the east, the rolling moorlands stretch out towards the Pennines. The summit plateau is expansive, offering plenty of space to sit and soak in the serene atmosphere. Branstree may not be the most challenging fell, but its quiet beauty and the sense of solitude it provides make it a rewarding destination for those looking to escape the crowds.
Branstree Fell Summit
Rising to a height of 713m Branstree is a child summit of High Street. Found in the Far Eastern Fells, Branstree is one of the 214 Wainwrights listed in the books by Alfred Wainwright. The summit of Branstree is of little interest with a fairly flat top, however, the views of surrounding fells and across Haweswater make it worth the journey.
BRANSTREE INFORMATION
HEIGHT IN METRES 713m
HEIGHT IN FEET 2339ft
RANGE Far Eastern Fells
GRID REFERENCE NYNY478099
Have you walked Branstree Fell? Let me know what you thought of the views below.
Branstree and Selside Pike Walk
BRANSTREE VIDEO
BRANSTREE MAP
BRANSTREE WALK SUGGESTIONS
BRANSTREE GALLERY
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Branstree and Selside Pike From Haweswater | Lake District Walks
This Branstree and Selside Pike walk allows for a circular route from Mardale Head which looks down upon the fantastic Haweswater Reservoir and tramples the Old Corpse Road. If you are looking for a quieter region of the Lakes then the Far Eastern Fells do a great job of delivering on adventure and views, but staying away from the crowds.
Looking back over Haweswater Reservoir
WATCH THE VIDEO
Starting this walk on the banks of Haweswater is impressive. In fact, the drive towards the car park at Mardale Head provides excellent insight into the views you can expect from this walk. From the car park, you are surrounded by fells, overseen by the imposing Harter Fell and looking back towards Kidsty Pike and High Raise, this really is a beautiful part of the Lakeland.
WALK OVERVIEW
Start -Mardale Head Car Park
There is ample parking to be found at Mardale Head car park. This car park is free and works on a first come first served basis. Although I have not experienced issues with parking here I can image during the height of summer that an earlier is better rule is best applied.
Distance - 9.5km / 5.9 miles
Duration - 3hr 20 mins - 4hrs.
The initial section from Mardale head along the Gatescarth pass is steep but once at Branstree the route ambles along an easy (if somewhat boggy) path.
Difficulty - Easy-Moderate
Total Ascent - 563m
Map - You can find my full route here on Ordnance Surveys website
Branstree and Selside Pike Circular Walking Route
STARTING YOUR BRANSTREE AND SELSIDE PIKE WALK
Gatescarth Path
The car park marks the end of the road alongside Haweswater at Mardale Head. From here a gate indicates the start of the ascent along the Gatescarth Pass. The path is well-maintained and makes for an easy-to-navigate route.
FACILITIES
At the car park there are no toilet or shop facilities so ensure you are prepared for your walk in advance. The car park is free of use at the time of writing.
BRANSTREE AND SELSIDE PIKE ROUTE
From the car park, the initial section follows the well-maintained Gatescarth Pass which winds its way from 252m to an intersection around 500m. The intersection is your cue to turn left and start the mellow path along Branstree.
Start of the Gatescarth Pass
Looking back towards Haweswater from the Gatescarth Pass
The path itself is well-defined and starts mellow before hitting a steeper section. At a moderate pace and with a few rest stops this part of the route took around 30 - 40 minutes before reaching the intersection. Plenty of walkers were flying up it, so just judge this section based on your fitness levels.
The Gatescarth Pass dissects Branstree on the left and Harter Fell on the right as can be seen in the photo below.
The Gatescarth Pass cutting between Branstree and Harter Fell.
When you leave the well defined Gatescarth Pass towards Branstree the path is less clear. The next section will involve walking on grass as pictured below. This may be the first section where you require navigation, you can find my route here.
The path up Branstree remains rather mellow and makes for a nice change from the initial steep ascent from the Mardale Head car park.
Path towards Branstree with Harter Fell in the background.
The summit of Branstree is pretty unremarkable with a small marker on the floor of a fairly flat fell top. Slightly further on from the summit is a large cairn that can make for a good wind cover in adverse conditions. The summit of Branstree is the highest section of this walk at 713m meaning that from here you are on a gradual descent.
The walk between the summits of Branstree and Selside Pike can get quite boggy in wetter weather. The reward for your endeavour is fantastic views back down towards Haweswater. This section of the path hugs a long fence, if you keep this on your right hand-side you cant go wrong.
The summit at Selside Pike is marked with a Cairn that makes the perfect shelter from the conditions. See video (5:58). Even in good conditions, the Cairn makes for a great spot to sit, rest and have some grub.
This walk finishes by connecting with the Old Corpse Road. This historic part of the route, leads you back down the fell side and towards the banks of Ullswater. The old shepherd hut pictured is a great spot to get some photos of Haweswater form an elevated position.
BRANSTREE AND SELSIDE PIKE GALLERY
TOP TIPS FOR WALKING BRANSTREE AND SELSIDE PIKE
If your intention is to park at Mardale Head, be sure to get an early start during peak weeks.
Take your time on the way up the Gatescarth Pass. Despite feeling steep, this was actually a highlight of this walk.
Consider wearing gaiters if the weather has been wet recently. There are a few sections of this walk that can be quite boggy.
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