Sunday 11th October – Fusedale Round (Martindale)

Date: 11th October

Leader: Ben

Meet time: 1015

Start time: 1030

Estimated finish time: 16:00

Distance: 14-15km (8.5-9.5 miles)

Ascent: 1300m appx

Ramblers walk grading (https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking-hub/how-know-which-ramblers-walk-right-you):
A (Strenuous)

Start point: St Peters Church

What3Words: ///composers.admire.heartened

Car parking: St Peters Church or layby just before. If the weather is good, suggest arriving early.
(Car sharing may be possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange)

Your walk leader is arriving by UB1 bus which may be an option for some. UB1 – Basecamp Nth Lakes – The Hause – Stagecoach Cumbria and Lancashire – Bus Times

It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.

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Summary

From Martindale, the route heads south-east towards Steel Knotts (Pikeawassa). The initial climb is the most sustained ascent of the day, following clear hill paths across grassy slopes before reaching the distinctive rocky summit. From Steel Knotts, the route continues over Brownthwaite Crag and climbs onto the broad upland plateau of Wether Hill and Loadpot Hill. The terrain then becomes less steep but more exposed and featureless. The return leg traverses Arthur’s Pike and Bonscale Pike, where expansive views over Ullswater often provide the highlight of the walk, before a steep descent back towards Fusedale Beck and Martindale.

Best if you have experience of full-day hikes, confidence on steep descents and a good general fitness.

Description

Main ascent: Steady to steep climb from Martindale to Steel Knotts. In the wet the grass can be slippery
Secondary ascent: Noticeable climb from Brownthwaite Crag onto Wether Hill.
High plateau: Mostly undulating with gentle gradients between Wether Hill and Loadpot Hill.
Final descent: Steep in places from Bonscale Pike towards Fusedale, requiring care in wet conditions. One of the steeper sections of the day.

Terrain & Paths

Well-defined grassy mountain paths on the ridges.
Broad grassy upland terrain on Wether Hill and Loadpot Hill.
Short rocky sections around Steel Knotts summit.
Some pathless or indistinct ground can be encountered on the higher plateau.
Potentially boggy sections after prolonged rain.

Attending? Please register your intent to join the walk using the booking form on our website 6pm the eve of the walk.

Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.

New members

Check your walk suitability, we suggest starting with an Easy to Moderate walk. Unless the event is cancelled just turn up at the meeting point on time, and introduce yourself to the walk leader! Subscribe to our Facebook page and email list, or join our WhatsApp group to stay up-to-date!

Unsure what to pack? Check out our guide here: UK Hillwalking: Seasonal Equipment & Clothing Guide – SuMMit Good

Please note the walk leader may not be in contact prior to an event; however, they may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.