Around Sheffield Pike (approx. 6 miles)

Kindle format from Amazon - take the route description with you on your mobile device.

Important Note: We went wrong on this walk (we often do) - but we didn't stray too far from the path, so I've amended the OS route and gps file to show the route that we should have taken! Most of the walk follows clear paths - some of the descent is very steep on a loose stony track. The route is full of contrasts, starting at the idyllic Glencoyne Bay (reputed to have provided the inspiration for Wordsworth's Daffodils) but also passing through the site of the largest lead mining operation in the country. On a good day there are great views, but as you can see from the photographs, we didn't choose a good day!

Maps:	Sheet OL5 The English Lakes - North Eastern area.
Start:	NY 386 188 - National Trust Glencoyne Car Park (bus stop next to entrance).
Route:	mostly along clear paths and tracks - some of which are very steep. Great views over Ullswater (if you walk the route in better weather than we did).
Links to route files:	Ordnance Survey OS Maps online (may only available to OSMaps subscribers) or .gpx (exported from OS Maps app on Android device - can be imported into many devices).
More info:	Glencoyne Bay - Visit Cumbria Greenside Lead Mine - Wikipedia Glenridding - Wikipedia
Refreshments:	Pub, café and tea rooms in Glenridding.

	The route starts from the car park - leave the car park by the path at the southern end - a stone wall separates the path from the road.
	Where the path meets a farm track, turn right to follow the track.
	The path leads immediately in front of the farm buildings and house - in fact it goes through the front garden of the cottage! When you leave the garden …
	… head up towards a pole carrying overhead power cables. Walk past the pole and towards a dead tree …
	… the path becomes clearer - and there is a lonely marker pole (that's lost its waymark disc).
	The path leads close to buildings on the left …
	… beyond the cottages cross a narrow beck and immediately bear left (there was a broken marker post lying on the ground on the day we walked).
	The grassy path leads up towards a stone wall. As you approach the wall it becomes more stony …
	… with the final few metres almost like stone steps. Go through the gate and follow the path …
	… which runs alongside the wall.
	Do remember to turn round to admire the view.
	The path bears left away from the wall and leads through a narrow wooden gate.
	The clear path continues to climb - and the stepper bits sections are stepped.
	It was at the spot pictured where we went wrong. We took the left hand fork (which petered out). We should have taken the right fork, which levels out curves round to the left …
	... then descends to a wooden bridge below a large spoil heap.
	After crossing the bridge follow the track …
	… which is steep and stony …
	… as it zigs down towards …
	… the cluster of buildings at Greenside. Turn left where the track meets the main route up to Striding Edge. Go through the wooden gate by the first building at Greenside …
	… then follow the unmade road as it leads down the valley ...
	… passing a couple of rows of cottages before entering Glenridding and passing the Traveller's Rest. Follow the road down to turn left onto the …
	… main road (A592).
	Just as you leave the village, take the path on the right which …
	… runs between the lake and the road. The path re-joins the road for a stretch where the road runs right on the lake side. When the path finally emerges onto the main road, look for the path which runs alongside the wall at the other side of the road. The path leads back to the car park at Glencoyne Bay.

Other walks near here:

All text and images ©Graham Dean, September, 2017.

Back to: