Hartsop to Hayeswater Gill Trail, Ullswater Valley

This short but steadily climbing circular route begins in Patterdale, at the head of the Ullswater valley, and heads south into the quiet side-valley above the hamlet of Hartsop. Within a kilometre the path leaves pasture behind and rises alongside the tumbling waters of Hayeswater Gill, gaining height quickly on a well-trodden track.

On the way you pass the remains of Myers Head Lead Mine, one of several former workings scattered across these fellsides, a reminder that this now-peaceful corner of Cumbria was once busy with industry. The gill itself provides a constant companion, cascading down from the high combe above before the route loops back down towards Patterdale.

Although just under 3 km, the walk packs in nearly 250 m of ascent, so expect a proper pull uphill before the easier return leg. Nearby you can spot other traces of the mining past at Pasture Beck and Dodd End, while the dark buttresses of Prison Crag and the ravines of Calfgate Gill and Prison Gill rise up on the surrounding slopes.