How this Place Fell Walk Offers the Best of Ullswater’s Landscape
Embark on this captivating Place Fell walk from the quaint Lake District village of Patterdale, nestled at the southern tip of Ullswater. Convenient parking is available opposite the Patterdale Hotel, on the A592. From here, stride south-east along the footpath that skirts the main road, leaving the heart of the village behind.
As you proceed, you will soon encounter a small road to your left, crossing Kirkstone Beck. Follow this road through a tiny hamlet and continue to the end where a signposted track to Boredale Hause beckons. This route ascends steeply, offering breathtaking early views of the surrounding area, despite its relatively low elevation.
Upon reaching Boredale Hause, the trail climbs sharply northwards. Your first goal is the cairn at Round Howe, followed by a trek across a flatter section leading to the summit of Place Fell. Here, prepare to be amazed by expansive views over Ullswater and the diverse Lake District landscape, encompassing valleys, hills, and distant mountains.
From the summit of Place Fell, navigate around the western and northern edges of the mountaintop, moving in a clockwise direction towards Low Moss. After this segment, a moderate ascent leads to High Dodd. Continue north-east, descending towards Sleet Fell, and then steeply down to connect with the Ullswater Way at Sandwick.
Follow the Ullswater Way south-west beneath Place Fell’s steep slopes. This section, though undulating and occasionally strenuous, is immensely rewarding with its lakeside views. The path leads you to Silver Bay and then runs south parallel to the shoreline.
Conclude your Place Fell walk by turning right at Side Farm to return to Patterdale. This enjoyable route covers just over 8½ miles, presenting a delightful contrast between high fell landscapes and serene lakeside paths. Whether you hike, walk, or simply stroll, this journey through the Lake District’s stunning scenery is sure to captivate and inspire.
Place Fell Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Place Fell Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 8½ miles
Distance: 13¾ kilometres
Duration: 4¾ hours
Ascent: 2567 feet
Ascent: 782 metres
Type: Circular walk
About Place Fell
Geographical Setting and Paths
Place Fell stands at the intersection of the upper and middle reaches of Ullswater. Its western flanks, which are steep, overlook the villages of Glenridding and Patterdale. The fell is bordered on the north and west by Ullswater, and these sides generally drop sharply to the shore. On the lower slopes, several wooded areas are found. An exception is Silver Point, a promontory that divides the upper and middle sections of the lake. It consists of Silver Crag, an outlier separate from the main bulk of the fell. The lakeshore path running from Sandwick in the north to Patterdale in the south has been praised by Wainwright as Lakeland’s most scenic and rewarding walk. To the south of the lake, the steep slopes of Place Fell rise above Patterdale village, reaching Boredale Hause by the valley of Goldrill Beck.
Eastern Boundaries and Place Fell Walks
The eastern border of Place Fell is Boredale, one of the Martindale valleys. This side features numerous steep crags. Moving up Boredale, the valley shifts south-west, seeming to head towards Patterdale and almost cutting off the fell from its neighbouring fells. The narrow ridge at Boredale Hause connects Place Fell to the main body of the far eastern fells. A small ruin, named the ‘Chapel in the Hause’ on OS maps, is located at the top of the pass. From the hause, the ridge heads south along a well-trodden path to Angletarn Pikes, initially passing the subsidiary top of Stony Rigg. This junction also offers routes to Patterdale, Boredale, Bannerdale via Beda Fell, and Hartsop, as well as a path up Steel Edge to Place Fell’s summit.
Summit and Surrounding Features
The summit of Place Fell features a broad plateau with the highest point at the south-west corner. From here, the rocky Hart Crag ridge extends north-east for a short distance across the plateau, dotted with small tarns. Continuing in this direction, the terrain narrows as it lowers to Low Moss, followed by the secondary tops of High Dodd and Sleet Fell. Another ridge descends north from the summit, starting at The Knight, a rock outcrop notable for its peaked appearance from the north. It descends past Bleaberry Knott and Low Birk Fell, curving east above the middle reach of Ullswater. Low Birk Fell is distinguished by a prominent beacon visible from Sandwick.
Nestled between the Bleaberry Fell and High Dodd ridges lies Scalehow Beck valley, providing significant drainage for Place Fell’s northern area. The summit hosts a triangulation column and cairn, situated about ten yards apart on competing high points. The cairn, positioned above Ullswater, offers outstanding views of the valleys from Glencoyne to Kirkstone and the rugged eastern faces of the Helvellyn range.
Place Fell Ranking in Wainwright’s Guide
In Alfred Wainwright’s book, The Far Eastern Fells, published in May 1957, Place Fell is ranked as the 108th Wainwright fell in terms of its height. It stands 657 metres (2156 feet) tall and is located at Ordnance Survey grid reference NY 405 169, mapped on Explorer OL5 and Landranger 90. For more information, visit my blogs titled List of Wainwrights: Alfred Wainwright’s 214 Lake District Fells and Map of Wainwrights: Interactive Guide to All 214 Lake District Fells.
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Lake District North-Eastern Area, reference OS Explorer OL5, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
Place Fell Walk: My Photos
Looking over to Place Fell from the start of this Place Fell walk in Patterdale.
The view across the valley floor at Patterdale towards the hills of Glenamara Park.
Hartsop above How in the centre of the picture with Brothers Water peeping out on the left.
Looking back towards Glenridding and the southern tip of Ullswater during the climb to Boredale Hause.
A quick look behind us as we walk up the track from Boredale Hause to Round How.
The view down to Patterdale and the Grisedale valley from Round How.
Brothers Water surrounded by the fells of Hartsop above How, High Hartsop Dodd and Hartsop Dodd.
Triangulation pillar on Place Fell summit, height 657 metres (2156 feet).
Superb views from Place Fell down to Glenridding and Ullswater. We’re about one-quarter of the way round our Place Fell walk.
The Low Moss Sheepfold was restored by Dalemain Estates in conjunction with West Martindale Commoners Group and Natural England. Shepherds used this enclosure to manage their sheep while their flocks were out on the high fells. The Lake District, which includes Martindale, is a World Heritage site. This was awarded partly because of the pastoral heritage of farming practices which helped to shape the surrounding landscape. The Martindale Fells are still used today to graze heafed flocks.
Outstanding views of Ullswater and the surrounding landscape as we cross the fell top to reach High Dodd.
Looking north-east from High Dodd towards Hallin Fell. These views are the highlight of this Place Fell walk.
Lowther Barn by the side of the Ullswater Way bridleway.
Views of Ullswater and the mountains on the south-west side of the lake.
The village of Glenridding nestled beneath the tree-covered flanks of Glenridding Dodd.
Ullswater, Glenridding and a misty Birkhouse Moor in the background.
Farmland and the village of Patterdale backed by Arnison Crag (left) and Birks (right). The end of our amazing Place Fell walk is in sight.
Amazon’s Top Walking Boots: Four Standout Choices for Men and Women
For walking and hiking, the right boots are essential for both comfort and safety. While Amazon boasts a wide range, certain boots emerge as top-sellers. From those, here are four I personally favour. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These fully waterproof leather walking boots feature a Gore-Tex lining, ensuring no water enters whilst allowing feet to breathe and stay cool. Made from full-grain leather, they promise unmatched durability and comfort. The boots come with memory foam tongues and cuffs that mould to your feet for a tailored fit, and the Vibram Hillmaster outsoles offer confidence on challenging terrains.
Salewa Men’s Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Made from durable suede and abrasion-resistant textile, these men’s hiking boots are both lightweight and sturdy. The upper material is enhanced by a 360° full rubber sheath. Their dual-layer midsole with Bilight technology ensures ergonomic cushioning and grip, especially on extended hikes. The Vibram Wrapping Thread Combi outsoles allow a natural walking feel, and the Gore-Tex lining provides waterproofing, breathability, and optimal weather protection. Furthermore, the patented Salewa 3F system ensures flexibility, a secure heel grip, and a blister-free fit.
Berghaus Women’s Supalite II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Specially designed for women, these hiking boots offer waterproofing and breathability, thanks to their Gore-Tex lining. Crafted from full-grain abrasion-resistant leather, they’re durable enough for the toughest hikes. The Supalite soles ensure stability and traction, and the EVA midsoles add comfort for extended walks.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These hiking boots incorporate a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, blending breathability with superior waterproof performance. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh on the uppers, along with the suede outer material, ensure durability and style. Enhancements include 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining. Additionally, bellows tongues, protective toe caps, and Vibram TC5+ rubber soles ensure protection and ease on any terrain.