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Penrith Group Sunshine

We are the Penrith Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

From the car park at Mardale Head, we make a steady ascent up the zig zag path of Gatescarth pass, pausing occasionally to take in the views across Haweswater, High Street and the fells beyond. Just before a crossroad of paths we take a left turn and walk parallel to a fence on our right, continuing up Branstree to the summit of Artlecrag Pike. We continue on to the summit of Selside Pike. From here there are views of the Lakeland fells to the west, High Raise, Rampsgill Head, Kidsty Pike and to the East, The Pennines.

From Selside Pike, beside a cairn, we turn right to follow the line of a fence downhill towards Nabs Moor. At Swine Gill we turn left onto a bridleway that takes us to Swindale Head.   From Swindale Head we take the the Old Corpse Road to ascend again and the views of Hawswater appears in front of us once more. On our decsent we pass by several derelict buildings and down to the road which we follow to take us back to the car park at Mardale Head.

Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Meeting time:
9:00 am
Start time:
9:30 am
Estimated finish time:
3:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
14.5km / 9.0mi
Ascent:
903m / 2963ft
Type:
circular

This is a "Moderate" walk but with a couple of significant ascents that will be undertaken at a relaxed pace.  

Be prepared for various terrains on this route, from scree and loose stones to bog and beck hopping on the high fells.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Car parking available
  • Car sharing available
  • Dog friendly
  • No Stiles
  • Family-Friendly

Meeting point

Grid reference:
NY 52706 29492
Nearest postcode:
CA11 8RQ
what3words:
sublet.weeps.mammoths
Meeting time:
9:00 am

Penrith Rugby Club

Starting point

Grid reference:
NY 46938 10732
Nearest postcode:
LA8 9JN
what3words:
maps.airliners.copycat
Start time:
9:30 am

At the car park at Mardale Head there is an RSPB donation box suggesting £2 donation fee.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking