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
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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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MORE FROM THE FAR EASTERN FELLS
Selside Pike | Wainwrights Far Eastern Fells
SELSIDE PIKE
Selside Pike is a summit 655m high in the Far Eastern Fells of the Lake District national park. Categorised as one of the Wainwrights Selside Pike can be combined with nearby Branstree if you are out peak bagging. Selside Pike is a child summit of High Street .
Looking back over Haweswater
SELSIDE PIKE INFORMATION
HEIGHT IN METRES 655m
HEIGHT IN FEET 2149ft
RANGE Far Eastern Fells
GRID REFERENCE NY490111
Have you walked Selside Pike? Let me know what you thought of the views below.
APPROPIATE MAP
WAINWRIGHT’S GUIDES
SELSIDE PIKE VIDEO
SELSIDE PIKE MAP
SELSIDE PIKE WALK SUGGESTIONS
SELSIDE PIKE GALLERY
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Beda Fell Circular Route from Martindale
Nestled in the picturesque Lake District National Park, the stunning landscapes of Martindale offer a plethora of breathtaking hiking trails to explore. Among the many scenic routes, Beda Fell stands out as a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its tranquil surroundings, sweeping vistas, and a sense of solitude, Beda Fell presents a perfect hiking adventure for nature enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will delve into the beauty of Beda Fell and guide you through a mesmerizing walking route from Martindale
Beda Fell
This Beda Fell walk, begins and finishes in Martindale, a small village on the southeast of Ullswater. Access to Martindale is an adventure in itself. Option one is a narrow country lane from Pooley Bridge via multiple campsites and Howtown. When driving this road, please be aware of the last passing lane… you may need to reverse some way to access it. Option two involves taking the Ullswater Steamer from Pooley Bridge to Howtown. Howtown Jetty is a short walk from Martindale so won’t add much time to your walk however the boat will add some excitement to accessing the walk.
The walk to Beda Fell straggles the valleys of Boredale and Bannerdale and as such offers so great views across both valleys. It is possible when walking this loop to see many deer running in the conversation area surrounding The Nab.
WALK OVERVIEW
Start -ST Martin’s Church Martindale
You can park directly at the church in Martindale but be sure not to block any gates or farm traffic. Outside the church there is space for a few cars, however further parking is available near the base of Hallin Fell and the Church of St Peter if spaces are full.
Tip - Park in Pooley Bridge and take the Ullswater Steamer to Howtown. The lake crossing certainly adds something special to any Howtown adventure.
Distance - 7.9km / 4.9 miles
This distance is calculated on a return circular loop walk to St Martins Church. If you take the Ullswater Steamer to Howtown you will need. to add an additional 1.6 miles to this route.
Duration - 2hr 40 - 3hrs 30 mins.
This is a fairly moderate walk with. a couple of steeper sections. Depending on your fitness levels you can expect around 3 hours of walking for this route.
Difficulty - Easy-Moderate
Total Ascent - 390m
Map - You can find my full route here on Ordance Surveys website
Beda Fell Circular Walking Route
PREPARING FOR YOUR BEDA FELL WALK
NAVIGATION
As with all good walk preparation, you will need a way to navigate on your walk. I use the OS Maps App on my phone and you can find my route here
If you are navigating using your phone be sure to do the following;
Download the map before you leave wifi - you CANT guarantee you will have a signal in the mountains.
Bring a battery pack or way to charge your device.
Print a copy of the walk before you leave from the Ordnance Survey Website as a backup.
I also use my Suunto Watch as a backup navigation tool, however, if you are not confident that your technology will last you should purchase the Ordnance Survey Map for your walk.
WEATHER
If there is one thing that is for certain when walking in the British Mountains is that you can never be sure of the weather. Even on days that are forecast glorious sunshine, it is best to be prepared for the worst, as conditions can change rapidly.
Check the latest Beda Fell weather here
WHAT TO WEAR
When hiking in the UK it is important to remain flexible and with this in mind, layers are certainly your best option. Mountain environments can be unforgiving and weather can change quickly. It is normal to see winds increasing and temperatures dropping as you reach your chosen summit. Make sure to pack a spare layer for the summit.
Suitable footwear in the form of walking boots or shoes is advised, especially when conditions are less than ideal. A good pair of walking boots will offer your ankles support, keep your feet dry and ensure you have grip, especially on those wet days. Yes, you probably could make it to the top in that old pair of tennis trainers… but will your feet thank you?
STARTING YOUR BEDA FELL WALK
This Beda Fell walk begins from St Martins Church in Martindale. You can access the church using the following Postcode CA10 2NF. Parking by the church is free and on a first come first served basis. If there are no available spaces then it is possible to park near the base of Hallin Fell.
FACILITIES
With Martindale being more of a rural village than a tourist hotspot there are no facilities, shops, cafes toilets etc. Your nearest opportunity to get supplies is in Pooley Bridge. Personally, this is a positive as it draws fewer people but it is worth noting you should be prepared for a wild wee if you get caught short.
BEDA FELL FROM MARTINDALE ROUTE
Starting your walk from Martindale means that you are already in the heart of the valley. From the parking spot you will already be taking in some pretty epic views of the surrounding fells. Walking across Christy Bridge in the direction of Winter Crag, you will see a farm on your right hand side. Walk past this farm and on the bend of the road you will see a path leading up Winter Crag. This is your entry point to the Beda Fell walk.
Bannerdale Valley Views
The path slowly leads up towards Howstead Brow, where you will get your first viewpoint from a bench on Howstead Brow. Although early in the walk, this viewpoint makes a fantastic spot to adjust any layers or just take in the view of Ullswater.
Viewpoint At Howstead Brow
From Howstead Brow the path winds its way along the tongue splitting the valleys of Bannerdale and Boredale. There is little to go wrong in terms of navigation here with the path to Beda Fell well-trodden. There is a false summit at Low Brock Crags a mere 60m below the summit of Beda Fell at Beda Head 509m.
The Path to Beda Head
The route to Beda Head is meandering and you will need to account for the odd small rocky approach. Although there is a little clambering required to navigate the rocks, nothing technical or challenging stands in the way of your approach.
There is a false summit and Cairn at Low Brock Crags which offers some exceptional views across the Lake District Fells. Don’t be fooled though, I have seen people reach this cairn and then begin their decent as if the goal had been achieved.
As you climb higher, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape of rolling fells, heather-clad slopes, and huge valleys. Beda Fell offers a relatively quiet and less crowded experience compared to some of the more popular peaks in the Lake District, allowing you to truly connect with nature and enjoy moments of solitude. One of the highlights of the Beda Fell walking route is the breathtaking views that unfold as you reach higher ground. From the summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding fells, including the iconic Helvellyn range, Place Fell, and the shimmering expanse of Ullswater. On a clear day, the views stretch as far as the eye can see, providing ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs
Looking across to Place Fell from the summit of Beda Fell
View back to Ullswater from Beda Fell.
From the summit, you can retrace your steps back down to Martindale however this route leads you on a decent through the Bannerdale valley. I like taking this decent as it offers the opportunity for some wildlife viewing near the Nab which. is home to many deer.
Leaving the summit of Beda Fell you should continue along the path towards Beda Fell Knotts where a left turn will take you on a path down into the valley. The path hugs the side of Beda Fell as you descend towards Dale Head, the meeting point for Bannerdale Beck and Rampsgill Beck. It is here where looking towards The Nab across the farmland you have the opportunity to spot deer within the conservation area.
Sadly, the final part of this walk is fairly mundane road walking although it is banked by fells on either side. The road, leads past the local farms until you again return to the Church at Martindale.
BEDA FELL GALLERY
TOP TIPS FOR WALKING BEDA FELL
Set off early at peak times. During weekends, evenings and holiday periods Martindale and Howtown are popular so plan accordingly. With this in mind if you arrive in Howtown or Martindale and find there is no parking don’t be that person who blocks the road by parking in a passing place!
Completing Beda Fell as a circular walk allows you to take in the conservation area, however, if time is of the essence Beda Fell can be completed as a quick point-to-point walk.
Come prepared, unlike busier Kewick, there is little in Martindale so you will be unable to purchase last minute supplies.
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MORE FROM THE FAR EASTERN FELLS
Angletarn Pikes | Wainwrights Far Eastern Fells
ANGLETARN PIKES
Angletarn Pikes is a captivating fell, known for its distinctive twin peaks and the picturesque Angle Tarn nestled between them. The ascent to Angletarn Pikes is moderately challenging, making it accessible for most hikers while still offering a sense of accomplishment. The route typically starts from Patterdale, winding through lush valleys and ascending gradually to the tarn. Once you reach Angle Tarn, the landscape unfolds with stunning beauty—a tranquil body of water surrounded by rugged peaks. From there, a climb to the summit reveals panoramic views of the surrounding fells and valleys, making the effort well worth it. The twin peaks provide unique vantage points, each offering different perspectives of the Lake District. Angletarn Pikes embodies the essence of fell walking in the Far Eastern Fells, combining natural beauty with a rewarding hiking experience. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Wainwright's routes in the Lake District.
ANGLETARN PIKES INFORMATION
HEIGHT IN METRES 567m
HEIGHT IN FEET 1860ft
RANGE Far Eastern Fells
GRID REFERENCE NY 413148
Have you walked Angletarn Pikes? Let me know what you thought of the views below.
ANGLETARN GALLERY
ANGLETARN PIKES RELATED POSTS
WAINWRIGHT’S GUIDES
ANGLETARN PIKES MAP
Troutbeck Tongue | Wainwrights Far Eastern Fells
It would be fairly easy for Troutbeck Tongue to go unnoticed. Set in the Troutbeck valley surrounded by larger fells part of the appeal of Troutbeck Tongue is its anonymity. One of many Tongues in Lakeland, Troutbeck Tongue is a wedge of sharply rising ground shouldered by a beck that runs along its base. Raising from the valley floor at Dalehead, Troutbeck Tongue is modest in size but with views back towards Windermere and the lakes it should not be overlooked. Whether gazing at Troutbeck Tongue from the nearby Kirkstone Pass or undertaking the mellow walk, Troutbeck Tongue is sure not to disappoint. Accessible from the village of Troutbeck or via longer walks from nearby Ambleside or Windermere there are plenty of options for Troutbeck Tongue walks.
TROUTBECK TONGUE INFORMATION
HEIGHT IN METRES 364m
HEIGHT IN FEET 1194ft
RANGE Far Eastern Fells
GRID REFERENCE NY 422064
TROUTBECK TONGUE MAP AND ROUTE
Follow my Troutbeck Tongue route here using OS Maps.
My route starts on the road next to Jesus Church where roadside parking is available. From here, you head through the nearby holiday village until you reach the footpath that heads through the valley until you reach a stream crossing near the base of Troutbeck Tongue. From here, it is a short sharp walk up Troutbeck Tongue until you reach the summit. From the summit you can choose to walk over the fell and down the otherside, however I opted to head back down the same way. I then opted for another path back to the car, you can follow my route here.
TROUTBECK TONGUE GALLERY
FIND ACCOMMODATION NEARBY
TROUTBECK TONGUE RELATED POSTS
What Is Merino Wool? And Should You Use It?
Finding the appropriate material for your outdoor clothing is really important. The use of cotton in high output activities has been thought of as archaic for a while now. Cotton holds moisture and odour meaning you can feel wet and smelly pretty soon into a hike. Another option has been synthetic clothing that has improved the wicking performance of garments but odour has still be an issue. Step in Merino wool. Merino wool garments can offer exceptional performance in the mountains and below I outline why.
WHAT IS MERINO WOOL?
Merino Wool is a natural fibre that is grown on Merino sheep from New Zealand and Australia. Merino fibre benefits from being incredibly fine, making it softer than other types of wool. What makes Merino sheep, and in essence their wool, special is their ability to live in varying temperatures. Merino sheep are used to dealing with fluctuations from -20ºC upwards of 30ºC. This makes Merino a versatile material to use in the construction of outdoor garments as they can be utilised in many different environments.
WHY USE MERINO WOOL CLOTHES?
Do you enjoy getting outside? Do you like to get outside regardless of the weather? Do you take part in a range of winter and summer sports? Well if that sounds like you then merino could be the material you are looking for, as Merino wool lends itself to every adventure in every season. Naturally regulating your body temperature and wicking pesky moisture away from your skin, you can feel comfortable in Merino wool clothing from the first minute to the last. Even better, Merino wool is naturally odour resistant! Yes, you will sweat but smell less! Finally, and not to be forgotten, Merino wool is soft and incredibly comfortable against the skin.
ADVANTAGES OF MERINO WOOL
RENEWABLE
Merino wool is a natural fibre grown on sheep so it is also renewable. Merino sheep can group up to five lbs of wool per year and what’s even better? Merino sheep have lived in harsh environments and their wool is well naturally adapted to handle these climates.
Comparing Merino to synthetic or cotton equivalents shows that these alternatives need large amounts of processing before they are used in garments. Merino is a natural fibre and as such has less impact on the environment.
MERINO WOOL ODOUR RESISTANCE
A massive selling point for me is the odour resistance of Merino wool. I first came across Merino wool before a trekking trip in India, where I wanted to only pack a finite amount of clothing. Taking two t-shirts for a one month trip may seem daunting to many, especially in a hot country like India, but it worked a treat. Merino garments are capable of absorbing odour, preventing them from developing into that awful post-hike stench.
Dubious at first, years later I am still amazed at how Merino clothing remains odour resistant for way longer than synthetic equivalents.
TEMPERATURE REGULATION
Merino sheep need to survive in both hot and cold temperatures, meaning their wool is well adapted to both situations. A Merino garment will trap air for insulation in the cold but when it’s hot wick moisture away from the skin. This prevents that awful feeling when a cotton t-shirt gets wet due to excess sweat. A Merino t-shirt moves this moisture away from the skin and releases it as vapour. Synthetic fabrics also wick moisture away from the skin but they require an extra stage to do so, this can mean that synthetic garments are not as effective in cold climates.
MAKE A MERINO LAYERING SYSTEM
Layering systems are great for ensuring that you are just the right temperature at all stages of an activity. With the success of merino companies like Icebreaker and Smartwool more Merino clothing is finding its way into the market. What is great is now these companies are not just focused on base layers but full outfits. Layering a Merino jumper and jacket over a Merino t-shirt ensures that vapour can be wicked away efficiently.
MERINO WOOL IS COMFORTABLE
One reason many people avoid wool clothing is that they say it is itchy or uncomfortable. Well, Merino could just be the answer here as well. Merino wool is much finer than other wools meaning it is softer against the skin. In my experience, Merino doesn’t itch and I regularly use Merino t-shirts, hoodies and socks.
MERINO IS BIODEGRADABLE
It has already been mentioned the Merino has renewable qualities… well here is another reason that Merino is great for the environment. Being a natural fibre, Merino will decompose when put in a landfill. This means you can dispose of any old Merino garments without worrying about the future impact on the environment.
MERINO OFFERS UV PROTECTION
Those Merino sheep really have done all the hard work for us. Another benefit of Merino sheep’s evolution whilst living in hot temperatures is that Merino wool offers a natural UV barrier. This barrier to UV radiation protects the skin meaning you have less to worry about on those sunny days.
MERINO WOOL WARMTH TO WEIGHT
Merino wool offers an impressive warmth to weight ratio. Similar to down, Merino traps air between its fibres which helps create warmth. Merino’s natural loft ensures that it offers a very efficient temperature regulation.
MERINO WOOL IS STRONGER THAN COTTON
Merino wool fibres are stronger than cotton fibres. That’s right not only does your Merino t-shirt benefit from all of the above but it also is more durable than cotton.
DISADVANTAGES OF MERINO
There aren’t many… but here we go.
MERINO WOOL IS EXPENSIVE
Merino garments are more expensive than their cotton or synthetic equivalents, in the same way that a Ferrari is more expensive than a Fiat. Luckily there are companies trying to make Merino more affordable, check out ISOBAA who regularly have offers on SportPursuit.
DURABILITY ISSUES
Merino comes in different grades and the lighter garments (180 or lower) can be subject to holes. With lighter Merino garments pay particular attention to how you wash them. Avoid using fabric softener and do not overwash as this can leads to holes forming in the material. Remember Merino garments require less washing as they are naturally odour resistant.
IS MERINO FOR YOU?
Merino isn’t going to be worth the investment for everyone and that is ok. If however, you are a regular in the outdoors and you want the best performance from your garments then you should consider buying Merino wool clothing. I use a lot of my Merino garments in both summer and winter making the outlay worth it for me. I still search for deals and you can always pick up items in the sale making Merino more affordable.
IS MERINO ETHICAL?
Ethical concerns are becoming more prevalent across society and the outdoor community is no exception. It is worth noting that if you choose your Merino wool provider carefully, they will have sustainability and care for their animals at the core of what they do.
Merino is a natural fibre that has evolved over years of Merino sheep living in the harshest environments. The benefits of Merino in the outdoors are substantial and the effect on the environment little. Merino is a natural resource, it grows on sheep! No sooner have farmers sheered their sheep than the next coat of Merino wool begins to develop. Furthermore, Merino’s biodegradable properties ensure its environmental impact is negligible when discarded.
QUESTIONS ABOUT MERINO WOOL
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT MERINO?
Merino wool is an amazing natural material that has many benefits. From odour resistance to temperature regulation, Merino wool can be beneficial in a range of activities.
WHY IS MERINO WOOL CONSIDERED SOFT?
Merino wool has elastic properties that ensure the fibres can retain their shape over time. This is one of the reasons that Merino garments do not need to be ironed… just hang them after washing. This natural resistance to wrinkling ensures that the garment remains smooth and soft against the skin with no itchiness.
IS CASHMERE BETTER THAN MERINO WOOL?
Cashmere has a higher loft than Merino ensuring it is softer. Durability wise, Merino is stronger so makes a better fabric for use in the outdoors.
WHY IS MERINO WOOL EXPENSIVE?
There are a number of reasons why Merino wool garments are expensive. Firstly, wool is a natural product and therefore requires time to grow. The process of farming Merino sheep is one that costs time and money. So sadly that price needs to be passed onto the consumer. Merino is super fine and therefore more merino wool is needed to complete one item in comparison to other wool products. More wool means a higher cost.
