Route: Heughscar Hill
Area: Eastern Lake District
Date of walk: 2nd July 2021
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 7.0 miles
Ascent: 800 feet
Weather: Mixed cloud and sun, very hazy
Heughscar Hill is not one of Alfred Wainwright’s 214 Lakeland Fells, but does feature in his ‘Outlying Fells of Lakeland’ and is described as ‘a gem for aged fellwalkers’. This walk doesn’t visit the highest point of the fell, although this is easily attained by a short deviation from the route described. The reason for including the fell in today’s itinerary was to enjoy the lovely views of Ullswater from its western flanks. We decided to walk the route in a clockwise direction so as to preserve this treat until the end
We parked in the Eusemere car park in the town of Pooley Bridge and, after walking along the main street for a few yards, turned left at the Sun Inn to join a path through the fields with the River Eamont on our left. There were lovely views across the rolling countryside as we went along. After walking through Barton Church Farm we visited the grounds of historic St Michael’s Church Barton, a 12th century Norman church. This marked the most northerly section of the walk, and from here we followed various paths through fields, passing by Winder Hall
Just beyond the hall we began the very gentle ascent up Heughscar Hill. There are numerous paths criss-crossing the fell, giving opportunities to shorten or extend the walk. Ullswater soon came into view, with the Helvellyn range providing a background. Unfortunately much of the detail was lost in the rather hazy conditions. Despite the haze, the views were superb and were ever present as we contoured around the fellside
On reaching a cairn at a prominent crossroads of paths we turned right and descended gently back into Pooley Bridge to end an excellent walk
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Earlier in the week, an unusual garden visitor - a hare...
...and a fine example of a traditional Cumbrian hay meadow near Loweswater
The start of today's walk - the view along the River Eamont to Ullswater from the new stainless steel road bridge (the UK's first) at Pooley Bridge. The original bridge was built in 1764 but was destroyed by Storm Desmond in December 2015
After walking along the main street in Pooley Bridge for a short distance we turn left by the Sun Inn to follow a track beside the River Eamont
The path briefly meets the river at an inviting picnic spot
We pass through Hole House Farmyard
Looking across to Dunmallard Hill
We continue along the track with the River Eamont on our left...
Looking back to Dunmallard Hill
We leave the track to follow a delightful path to Barton...
We follow the sign to Barton Church
After passing through Barton Church Farm we arrive at the lych gate of St Michael's Church Barton, dating back to the 12th century
We follow the lane for a short distance and leave it at this sign for Celleron
Looking back along a narrow path through a wheat field...
We head uphill towards Winder Hall Farm
We pass by Winder Hall Farm
A change of landscape as we emerge onto Heughscar Hill
Just before a limestone outcrop, views of Ullswater open up
We follow an easy track which contours around Heughscar Hill. This is Brettestrete, a road used by Iron Age man and improved by the Romans, which continues at high level for 18 miles
Ullswater
We make a short there and back detour to a cairn below the summit
At a prominent crossroads of paths we leave the main track and turn sharp right to begin the final section of the walk back into Pooley Bridge
Start of the gentle descent in the direction of Ullswater
A final view of Ullswater
We arrive at the road leading into Pooley Bridge and follow it back to the start
The end of the walk, and another view to Ullswater from Pooley Bridge
