Meet time: 9.00am
Start time: 9.15am
Estimated finish time: 2.30pm (including optional pub lunch)
Distance: About 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometres)
Ascent: About 1,000 feet (305 metres)
Ramblers walk grading: C+ (Moderate – short, with a steep climb and some rough ground)
Start point: Traveller’s Rest pub, A591, Grasmere. Postcode: LA22 9RR
Car parking: Please park at the Traveller’s Rest. We’ll be asking their kind permission to use their car park when we book lunch, so please car share where possible to help keep space available for other customers. Alternatively, there’s a layby approximately 0.4 miles north on the A591 just before Dunmail Raise – it’s free and a short walk down to the pub.
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.
Description: This is a simple out-and-back route with one purpose: bag a Wainwright and earn your potatoes. We’ll head straight up Steel Fell from the Traveller’s Rest and return by the same path. From the pub, we cross the A591 and follow the clear path heading up the grassy southern ridge of Steel Fell. It’s steep in parts and can be muddy underfoot, but the path is well-defined all the way to the summit. We’ll take it steady and enjoy the open views as we climb. At the top, we’ll take a break to enjoy fantastic views over Thirlmere, the Helvellyn range, and back toward Grasmere, before retracing our steps back down to the pub. Roasts at the Travellers Rest are especially good value at <£20.
Sign up: Please message the Walk Leader Kate Garratt (text, WhatsApp, call, or Facebook message on number removed) to say you’re coming. Please also let Kate know if you would like to join for Sunday lunch afterwards so we can reserve tables. The Traveller’s Rest menu includes vegetarian and vegan options although the gluten free options are more limited so worth giving the pub a heads up.
Please bring: Suitable clothing for hill walking, including waterproofs and warm layers. Footwear with good grip – the path is steep and often wet. Water and a snack for the summit. Given the steep decent, you many prefer walking poles.
The walk leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel or change the route depending on weather conditions.
New members: This is a great short fell walk (and a Wainwright) for newer members due to the distance and the relaxed pace – just enough climb to feel like a proper walk, with summit views and pub grub to finish. The walk leader may ask about your walking experience to help ensure the walk is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome and the pub is dog friendly – just be aware of steep sections and potential livestock. Please let the Walk Leader know in advance if you’re bringing a dog. You are fully responsible for your dog during the walk.