Walk Description

We set off from the pier in high spirits.  This was James, Simon and Beth’s first visit to the Far Eastern Fells and the weather looked set for a good day.  After a quick consultation with the map we found the correct path and were soon at the signpost at the entrance to Fusedale.  From here we could clearly see the first part of our walk and the route we would take to High Raise.  We turned right and walked along the path that skirts the bottom of Steel End until we reached the aqueduct marker stone.  Here we turned southwards and began the steep ascent to the top of Steel End.  This was made a little difficult by the bracken that almost entirely hid the path.  As we climbed higher I kept stopping to look back and admire the views down to Hallin Fell and back across Ullswater towards Pooley Bridge  - or was it just to get my breath back.  It wasn’t long before we reached Pikeawassa, where we took it in turns to climb to the top for a summit photo.
We continued along the ridge and climbed up to Brownthwaite Crag, from here we could see the steep slopes of Wether Hill above the ruined hut near the top of Fusedale.  We decided not to climb Gowk Hill, we would leave for another day, and took the path to the hut where we had a very welcome lunch break.  All too soon it was time to begin climbing the steep grassy fellside in front of us.   We had decided to make our own way up the valley side and after quite a few short rest stops I joined Steve and the others on the broad ridge.  Simon remarked, almost straight away, as to how similar the wet ground underfoot was to the conditions on our local South Pennine grassy moorlands.  From now on it was a case of finding the driest path as we made our way past Red Crag, Red Crag Tarn and Raven Howe before reaching today’s highest point of 2634 feet on High Raise.  By now the wind had started to freshen so we all donned an extra layer and took advantage of the summit shelter whilst we had a second bite to eat.
It was only a short stroll over to Rampsgill Head, where we tried to make up our minds as to which of the cairns was actually at the summit.  Whilst we were here we heard the sound of engines and when we turned around we saw 3 quad bikes tearing down from High Raise and then up to Kidsty Pike, where they stopped just short of the edge.  The riders dismounted and peered down into Riggindale.  I have no idea why they did that.  We continued along the path to Twopenny Crag, where we stopped again to admire the views.  Riggindale was stretched out far below us and we could also see across Rough Crag to the Gatesgarth Path at the far side of Harter Fell.  Although High Street was beckoning to us just a short mile or so away across the Straights of Riggindale, we decided to leave its ascent for another day.
We now turned northwards and followed the path as far as the wall below The Knott.  As today was a day for bagging tops, we made the short detour up to its summit.  Steve and Simon took advantage of its clear views to pick out their intended ascent route of Rest Dodd.  We all walked down to the main path and after promising each other to take care, Beth and I followed the path down to Angle Tarn whilst Steve, Simon and James began their epic ascent of Rest Dodd and The Nab.  All too soon Beth and I reached Angle Tarn and although the sun was still out the wind was chilly and we struggled to find anywhere sheltered enough whilst we waited for the others to rejoin us. 
Eventually after about one and half hours we saw them on the path below Satura Crag.  By now it was about 6.30pm and although Beth and I were flagging, Steve and Simon were still feeling fresh enough to climb the Angletarn Pikes.  Beth, James and I wisely decided not to accompany them on their climb up the Pikes and began the long gentle descent back to Patterdale.  When I reached Boredale Hause I decided to go on ahead with James and bring the car back to Patterdale in order to save the others the road walk from Patterdale to Glenridding.  We eventually reached the road and James’s eyes lit up when he saw the chance of a sit down and rest on a wall. Therefore I walked the last mile to Glenridding by myself and picked up the car.  There were very grateful smiles and sighs of relief when I arrived at Patterdale with the car.  It didn’t take long to get everyone and their rucksacks safely in the car and in almost no time at all we were back at Aira Force.
It had been an epic day with ideal walking conditions.  I don’t think Simon, Beth or James could have had a better introduction to this side of the Lake District.  As usual we had taken the time to enjoy the views and therefore our walk had taken us approx 9 and half hours – although that included the hour and half wait at Angle Tarn whilst Steve et al went to The Nab.

Route & Planning

Details and Route Map

Photo Opportunities

Walk Profile

The route map shown here should not be used as a replacement for the appropriate map(s). Before attempting the walk you should check the suitability of this route in relation to your capabilities and experience.