Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk: A Scenic Hike Through the Lake District

Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk is a popular hiking trail in the Northern Lake District of England. The trail offers stunning views of Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick, and the surrounding hills. It is a moderate to difficult hike, with some steep ascents and descents, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.

The trail starts at the village of Braithwaite and follows a ridge that leads to the summit of Barrow, a small fell that reaches just 1,494 feet. From the top of Barrow, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Lake District, including Skiddaw, the highest peak in the Northern Lake District. The trail then continues along the ridge to Outerside, before descending to Stile End and back to Braithwaite. The entire trail is approximately 8.5km long and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.

Hikers should come prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing, as the weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable. The trail can be challenging in places, but it is well-marked and easy to follow. Overall, Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk is a must-do for anyone visiting the Lake District who enjoys hiking and stunning views.

Getting There

To reach the starting point of the Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk, visitors can travel by car or public transport. The walk is located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England.

By Car

The most convenient way to reach the starting point of the Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk is by car. Visitors can take the A66 or A591 roads to reach the parking area. The parking area is located near the Dodd Wood car park, which is signposted from the A66 road. Visitors can park their cars in the car park for a fee.

There are several car rental companies available in the nearby towns of Keswick and Penrith. Visitors can also use online car rental services to book a car in advance.

Visitors should note that the roads in the Lake District National Park can be narrow and winding, and drivers should exercise caution while driving. It is also advisable to check the weather and road conditions before setting out on the journey.

Public Transport

Visitors can also reach the starting point of the Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk by public transport. The nearest train stations are Penrith and Carlisle, both of which are well-connected to major cities in the UK.

From Penrith or Carlisle, visitors can take a bus to Keswick, which is the nearest town to the starting point of the walk. From Keswick, visitors can take a local bus to the Dodd Wood car park.

Visitors should note that the bus services in the Lake District National Park can be infrequent, especially during the off-peak season. It is advisable to check the bus timetable in advance and plan the journey accordingly.

Overall, visitors can reach the starting point of the Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk by car or public transport. By car, visitors can take the A66 or A591 roads to reach the parking area. By public transport, visitors can take a train to Penrith or Carlisle and then take a bus to Keswick.

Route

The Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk is a popular route in the Lake District National Park, England. The walk takes hikers along a ridge that offers stunning views of Bassenthwaite Lake and the surrounding fells, including Skiddaw. The climb to the summit of Ullock Pike is challenging but rewarding, and the descent offers a gentle walk down through open fellside and grassy fields.

Starting Point

The starting point for the Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk is at the car park opposite Mirehouse, which is marked on the OS Map. From here, hikers can take the public footpath that leads up to the ridge.

Bassenthwaite Ridge

The Bassenthwaite Ridge is a long, undulating ridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The grassy path can be steep in places, but the climb is worth it for the panoramic views of Bassenthwaite Lake and the Skiddaw fells.

Carl Side

The path continues along the ridge, and hikers will eventually reach the summit of Carl Side. From here, the views of the surrounding countryside are even more impressive.

Ullock Pike

The climb to the summit of Ullock Pike is challenging, but the views from the top are breathtaking. Hikers can see for miles in every direction, and the sense of achievement is palpable.

Descending

The descent from Ullock Pike is gentle, and hikers can enjoy a leisurely walk down through open fellside and grassy fields. The path eventually leads back to the starting point at the car park opposite Mirehouse.

Overall, the Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Hikers should be prepared for steep climbs and uneven terrain, but the sense of achievement and the beauty of the landscape make it all worthwhile.

Points of Interest

The Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk offers stunning views of the Lake District and several points of interest along the way. Here are some highlights of the walk:

Whinlatter

Whinlatter is a beautiful woodland area that is home to many species of wildlife, including red squirrels and ospreys. The Whinlatter Visitor Centre offers information on the area’s history and ecology, as well as a café and gift shop.

Barf

Barf is a fell located between Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater. It is a popular spot for hiking and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The summit is marked by a cairn and offers views of the Helvellyn range, Blencathra, and Coledale.

Carl Side Tarn

Carl Side Tarn is a small tarn located on the eastern side of the Bassenthwaite Ridge. It offers a peaceful spot to rest and take in the views of the surrounding fells.

Whitewater Dash

Whitewater Dash is a waterfall located near the Old Sawmill Tearoom. It is a popular spot for visitors to the area and can be accessed via a short walk from the tearoom.

Sale Fell

Sale Fell is a low fell located on the western side of Bassenthwaite Lake. It is a popular spot for hiking and offers views of the surrounding fells and Bassenthwaite Lake. The summit is marked by a cairn and offers views of the Helvellyn range, Catbells, and the Newlands Valley.

St Bega’s Church

St Bega’s Church is a small church located near Bassenthwaite Lake. It is a peaceful spot to rest and take in the views of the lake. The church has a fascinating history and is well worth a visit.

Overall, the Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk offers a variety of points of interest for visitors to the area. From stunning views of the Lake District to peaceful spots to rest and take in the scenery, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Tips and Safety

Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk is a challenging hike that requires adequate preparation and attention to safety. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

Preparation

• Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Bring appropriate clothing and gear for the conditions.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energised throughout the hike.
• Familiarise yourself with the route and bring a map and compass or GPS device.
• Let someone know your planned route and expected return time.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support to prevent injuries.

Safety

• Stay on the designated trail to avoid getting lost or damaging fragile ecosystems.
• Keep a safe distance from the edge of the ridge, especially in windy conditions.
• Watch your step on steep or rocky sections of the trail to avoid slips and falls.
• Be aware of wildlife in the area, including snakes and ticks.
• If you encounter other hikers, be courteous and yield the trail to those going uphill.

Emergency

• In case of an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue.
• If you become lost, stay calm and try to retrace your steps back to the last known location.
• If someone in your group is injured, administer first aid and call for help immediately.
• If you need to spend the night outdoors unexpectedly, find a sheltered spot and use your emergency blanket or warm clothing to stay warm.

By following these tips and prioritising safety, hikers can enjoy the stunning views and challenging terrain of Bassenthwaite Ridge Walk with confidence and peace of mind.