Lake District 5th,6th June 2013

6th June 2013 - Steel Knotts (Pikeawassa)

 

 

Pathfinder Eastern Lakeland: Walk#5 (3 Miles) 2hrs, 40 mins

 

After the long walk on Tuesday, a day of relaxation on Wednesday at Tarn Hows, we decided upon a short walk Thursday, and Pikeawassa/Steel Knotts near Martindale fitted the bill.

Martingdale is located on the Eastern side of Ullswater, and quite remote in that the road/s on this side of the lake are very narrow with many passing place, making progress quite slow as it can be quite busy. We parked just outside Martindale in some parking spots opposite the church. The higher fells opposite our own route looked quite busy with ant like activity along the ridge.

Our own route took us along the narrow roadway before diverting off onto a grassy track along the base of the fell. 

This grassy (and sometimes a bit muddy) track ascended the side of the fell very slowly. The end of Steel Knotts where we started was very rocky. This route takes you to the other end of the ridge line which is far less rocky, ascending very slowly.

After about a mile or so a wall is reached and the route rises then very steeply against the wall which can be followed to the ridge line itself. The ascent is stepped, though as suggested quite steep.

The way then is to follow the track along the ridge of Steel Knotts istelf. Pikeawassa is the name of the rocky upthrust marking the top of this steep sided ridge that is Steel Knotts.

This is marked by a small stone cairn, at 1437ft.

Views across a large part of Ullswater are pleasant, especially on a clear, warm day, as today.

The walk along the ridge line itself is very pleasant and easy.


However, once to the end of this the way down is steep and rocky, and took a little care and attention upon feet placement and concentration. 

This meets a clear track at the bottom near Howtown, and the path leads around the bottom of the fell back to the start point.

A reasonably easy ascent, pleasant walk along the top ridge, slighlty spoiled by a rocky ending.

Still another Wainwright done and some pleasant views.

Wainwright total now stands at 48 completed. Getting there slowly.

We headed for the Western shore of Ullswater, parked up at a pull in and relaxed by the lake shore for the remainder of the afternoon.

Our Walk Score: 6.5/10