A circular Ullswater Walk around Place Fell, via Sandwick, Patterdale & Boredale Hause

Ullswater walk Howtown Sandwick Glenridding best walk route map Steamer Boat

You will get stunning views of Patterdale & Glenridding and Ullswater on this walk - one of the Lake Districts most popular walks

Ullswater circular walk, around Place Fell from Sandwick via Patterdale overview:

Distance: 7 miles
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

We made this route up on a recent visit to Ullswater, where we parked at Sandwick. It was a very hot day and we were a bit pushed for time, so we didn't want to head to the summit of Place Fell. Instead we basically walked around Place Fell and avoided the steepest part's of the usual route to the summit of Place Fell. If you are feeling fitter than we where - then at Boredale Hause just head for the summit of Place Fell and then onto High Dodd and back to Sandwick. You can of course start this route from Patterdale too!

Ullswater circular walk map:

Map ullswater walk Howtown, Glenridding pattedale best lake District

[Click to enlarge map] This circular walk from Sandwick goes in an anti- clockwise direction, basically circumnavigates Place Fell and takes in the magnificent shores of Ullswater for half of it, with great views of the lake & Glenridding. You'll pass near to Patterdale and return via Boredale Valley bottom close to the beck.

Ullswater circular walk photos:

As we travelled into the Lake District from the east in a car - we decided to start this walk from Sandwick as it was the easiest place to get to and is a bit quieter than Howtown so avoiding the crowds there.

From Sandwick we take the clearly marked footpath that will take us closer to the shores of Ullswater

Ullswater walk Howtown Sandwick Glenridding best walk route map Steamer Boat Lake District lakes

First glimpse of Ullswater on this fine and sunny day - not cloud in the sky - can't be many days like that in the Lake District!

Looking down the eastern section of Ullswater towards Howtown & Pooley Bridge in the far distance

This spot marks a good place to take the first rest and grab a snack and drink

Looking nice and lush down here.

With the temperature approaching 22˙C on this day it was tempting to take a dip in the lake - but we head up the path between Silver Crag & Birk Fell to gain a little height as the views of the lake will be better further ahead. Some people decide to stick to the path by the lake shore which is a little easier - but I think you get better views of Ullswater this way

Looking back towards the path we've just come up - it's quite sheltered up here and very warm on this day - like being abroad!

Continuing on and another glimpse of the southern section of Ullswater

Lovely views of Ullswater and Glenridding up here

This is where we decide to chill for a bit and eat most of our packed lunch ;-) You can see the other path just below near the wall that most people take on this walk but I think you miss out on these great views by not doing this route

Stunning views of Patterdale, Glenridding and Ullswater on this walk

We start heading up towards Boredale Hause and this seat is conveniently placed for some great views

As we pass near to Patterdale, on this clear day you get excellent views of the Helvellyn range and Striding Edge in the distance

Heading up towards Boredale Hause - the steepest walking part on this route

You also get good views of Brothers Water and Kirkstone pass on the far distance

Looking back over Patterdale & Glenridding

As we approach Boredale Hause we catch the summit of Place Fell - and you could head for the summit on this walk and come back down the other side via High Dodd - but on this hot & sunny day we are making the walk a bit easier and circumnavigating Place Fell, so we cross Boredale Hause

Heading on the path towards Boredale valley

Be sure to take the right path as you drop into Boredale Valley - as you descend the path becomes clearer

Looking back at the point you drop down into the valley

Looking back at where we have just come from. You can always do this circular walk in a clock-wise direction - but I think the anti-clockwise way is better :-)

At this point we leave the stone path and the land under foot turns to road

The last 2 miles are on this very quiet road and it makes it easier for some weary legs

We've made it! And back at Sandwick :-)

As ever I hope you have enjoyed this little write up and photos and it inspires you to want to visit the area and give the route a go. If you have any questions about this route - just post a comment and I'll try and answer.

Blog Post by Stuart Hodgson, 'The Hiking Photographer'

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