Pooley Bridge and Heughscar Hill

Jim Grindle

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The walk briefly follows the River Eamont to Barton Church before climbing gently through meadows to the bridleways on Barton Fell. A short diversion is made to the limestone summit of Heughscar Hill for the first view of Ullswater backed by the Helvellyn range.

This view plus that of Blencathra and other, minor, hills makes the descent into Pooley Bridge a memorable one. Wainwright in his Outlying Fells says that 'Heughscar Hill is a gem for aged fellwalkers', although it is to be noted that he ascended from Askham, which is a much easier approach.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - North East

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Mountains, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Tea Shop, Toilets

7/14/2022 - Kevin Gruer

We did this walk today, and can highly recommend it. Our GPS measured it as 5.8 miles, though we didn't do the short climb to the summit of Heughstar Hill. Following Jeremy Griffiths' suggestion, we parked at Barton Church, which is well worth a visit. At Barnton Church Farm, the marked right of way actually goes right, and through an archway between farm steadings, though it is also possible to go straight on the main farm track, as the two join up about 100m further on.

6/4/2019 - Steve Wallace

We did this walk from the Hillcroft campsite which was a perfect starting point. The walk came in at 6 miles by my GPS rather than the 6.8 mentioned, but the walking was mostly gentle and the view of Lake Ullswater, which hoves into view towards the end, made the hike worthwhile in itself. Our Labrador, Max, needed to be helped over a couple of stiles, but others had dog hatches. Since we met relatively few sheep along with some placid cows, this is a pretty dog-friendly outing.

8/13/2013 - JEREMY GRIFFITHS

This walk is noted as starting from Pooley Bridge, however, parking there is free short-stay but around £4 for the time needed for this walk. If you're not going to take a cruise on Ullswater after the walk then a good alternative it to park near Barton Church (WP10) and put a donation in their collection box! Between WP7/8 and 12/13 I encountered dairy cattle and young bullocks in three different fields. Theoretically you should be OK and a bit of arm waving should see you safe and sound but cattle aren't much into theory so I walked through the adjacent fields to be on the safe side (physically and metaphorically). The views from Heughscar Hill down Ullswater are stunning particularly as the climb up from WP11 is gradual and almost effortless. A grand walk all round.