IN THE AREA

Arguably the most famous mountain in the Lake District, Helvellyn, is just 2 miles further up the valley from the Hostel. Striding and Swirral Edges are prominent buttresses on its flanks, but care must be taken when traversing these aretes. For the less adventurous, Helvellyn can be approached along the much safer route by Raise and White Side.

To the North, the Royal Oak at Dockray is accessible via Stang End, Glencoynedale and Watermillock Common, a 5 mile walk. At Dockray, the delights of Aira Force, a cascade of waterfalls set within a woodland glade, should not be missed.

Two valleys to the south, Grisedale and Deepdale afford easy lowland walks approachable via Lanty’s Tarn.

A mile down the valley in Glenridding the lake of Ullswater offers sailing and rowing. In the village there are three pubs, and two in Patterdale a mile south along the road via a wooded path.

The ferry from Glenridding to Howtown and Pooley Bridge presents wonderful views of the lake and surrounding fells. Those alighting at Howtown can lunch at the bar of the Howtown Hotel before walking back the six miles to Patterdale, one of the most rewarding lowland walks in the Lakes. Others can return by ferry.

From Patterdale, the heights of Place Fell on the eastern shores of Ullswater are within easy reach, as are the joys of Angle Tarn, possibly the most beautiful tarn in the Lake District.