Place Fell and The Knight

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Place Fell (3.2 km, 502 m)

   Climb of about 502 m over 3.2 km (around 16% average).

   Typically starting from the Patterdale area, this route begins with a steep, winding pull up the fellside to the major crossroads of Boredale Hause. The path here is heavily trodden and well-pitched, cutting a zig-zag line through the bracken. Once at the hause, the route hooks sharply north (left), leaving the grassy saddle to tackle the rugged, rocky southern ridge of Place Fell. The terrain shifts dramatically here to heather, exposed bedrock, and minor craggy steps that require a bit of high-stepping to reach the summit plateau.

   Waypoints

   Patterdale (approx. 150m): The valley-bottom starting point near the southern tip of Ullswater. Boredale Hause (approx. 400m): A highly distinct, grassy saddle where multiple valley paths intersect. Place Fell Summit (657m): A rocky, prominent peak marked by a white OS trig pillar, offering some of the best unobstructed views of the Helvellyn range.

   Decision point

   Boredale Hause: This saddle is a distinctive terrain feature. If you hit a junction with paths heading to Martindale or Angletarn Pikes, you are in the right spot to turn north for Place Fell. Visual Handrails: The massive trench of Ullswater will be opening up behind and to your left (west) as you climb.

   Easy to get wrong

   Relentless Initial Climb: The 16% average gradient up to Boredale Hause is a steep, breathless start. In summer, this west-facing slope becomes an absolute furnace in the afternoon sun. Rocky Steps: The final push from Boredale Hause to the summit involves minor scrambling over polished rock. It’s easy in the dry but requires care in wet or icy conditions. Heather and Ticks: The upper sections of Place Fell are heavily cloaked in heather, a prime habitat for sheep ticks. Keep to the main path to avoid brushing through it.

   If you need to get off

   Before reaching the summit, the best bail option is to turn around and descend the clear, pitched path from Boredale Hause directly back to Patterdale. Do not drop east into the remote Boredale valley unless you have pre-arranged transport, as it is a massive detour.

2. 2

   Place Fell → The Knight (0.9 km, 33 m)

   Descent of about 96 m over 0.9 km.

   From the summit trig pillar, the route heads north, immediately dropping down a steep, rocky section of the ridge. This stretch is a chaotic, undulating landscape of heather-clad hummocks, hidden bogs, and rocky knolls. The path weaves down through the crags to reach The Knight—a distinct, rocky prominence that protrudes sharply from the northern ridge line, offering fantastic, plunging views directly down to the lake.

   Waypoints

   Place Fell Summit: The starting point of the descent. The Knight (approx. 530m): A rocky, subsidiary top on the northern ridge overlooking Ullswater.

   Decision point

   Ullswater: In clear weather, the lake is an immense visual handrail to your left (west). Compass Bearings: In mist, you must take a strict northerly bearing from the Place Fell trig pillar to ensure you hit The Knight and don't accidentally drift east down the steep, pathless flanks toward Boredale.

   Easy to get wrong

   Clag Disorientation: The plateau north of the summit is famously confusing in low visibility. The path frequently braids and disappears into the heather or over rock slabs, making it very easy to lose your bearing. Steep Crags: The ridge has sheer, dangerous drops on its western side toward the lake. Stay strictly on the path and do not wander toward the edge for a better photo, especially in high winds.

   If you need to get off

   Do not attempt to bail directly east or west from this ridge section; the terrain is craggy, pathless, and dangerous. The usual retreat is to re-ascend the 128m back to Place Fell and use the Boredale Hause descent.

3. The Knight → Finish (3.1 km, 12 m)

   Descent of about 405 m over 3.1 km.

   From The Knight, the route continues its steep descent off the northern flanks of the Place Fell ridge. The path zig-zags aggressively down through bracken and loose scree, shedding altitude rapidly to intercept the famous Ullswater lakeside path. Once on the valley floor, the terrain flattens out completely. The final leg is a beautiful, undulating walk south along the rocky shoreline path, eventually merging onto the farm tracks at Side Farm to return to Patterdale.

   Waypoints

   Descent Path: The steep, zigzagging trail dropping west/north-west off the ridge toward the water. Ullswater Lakeside Path: The junction where the steep descent ends and the lakeside return leg begins. Side Farm: The campsite and cafe marking the transition back to tarmac and civilization.

   Decision point

   The Lake: Once you hit the shoreline path, Ullswater is your definitive handrail. Keep the water tight on your right-hand side, and it will guide you directly back to Side Farm and Patterdale. Boundary Walls: As you approach Side Farm, the drystone intake walls clearly channel you away from the fellside and back onto the valley tracks.

   Easy to get wrong

   Knee-Jarring Descent: The drop from The Knight to the lakeside is incredibly steep and loose underfoot. Trekking poles help here, for your knees and for balance on the loose gravel. Rooty Shoreline Path: While flat, the lakeside path is notorious for exposed, polished tree roots and slick rocks that become treacherous after rain. High Bracken: In late summer, the bracken on the steep descent can be shoulder-high, entirely obscuring the rocky path beneath your feet.

   If you need to get off

   Once you hit the lakeside path, you are fully committed to the valley exit. This low-level path serves as the primary bail route. Stay on it heading south; do not attempt to cut east back up the steep, craggy slopes of Place Fell.