Two Birketts from Mardale Head

The walk, stage by stage

1. 1

   Start → Branstree (2.5 km, 475 m)

   Climb of about 475 m over 2.5 km (around 19% average).

   From the Mardale Head car park at the end of Haweswater, head south and begin the immediate, punishing ascent up the steep, grassy flanks of Branstree. The route typically utilizes the lower sections of the Gatescarth Pass track before breaking left (east) to haul directly up the fellside to the expansive, flat summit

   Waypoints

   Mardale Head car park, Gatescarth Pass track junction, Artlecrag Pike (minor rocky outcrops), Branstree summit (713 m)

   Decision point

   A highly dependable fence line and ruined drystone wall run up the fellside from the Gatescarth Pass area directly toward the summit plateau. The summit itself is marked by an OS trig pillar and an unusual concrete surveyor’s ring

   Easy to get wrong

   A brutal 19% average gradient right from the car door. The lower slopes are steep, grassy, and hold a massive amount of water; expect a slippery, energy-sapping slog, particularly after wet weather

   If you need to get off

   Turn around and retrace your steps carefully down the steep, grassy slopes directly back to the Mardale Head car park

   

   

2. 2

   Branstree → Branstree NE Top (Branstree East Top) (High Howes (Mardale)) (1.1 km, 17 m)

   Descent of about 53 m over 1.1 km.

   Leave the main summit of Branstree and follow the broad, sweeping ridge north-east. The terrain dips slightly as you cross the grassy expanse to the subtle, almost indistinguishable subsidiary summit of High Howes (Branstree NE Top)

   Waypoints

   Branstree summit, connecting saddle, Branstree NE Top (High Howes)

   Decision point

   Continue following the fence line/ruined wall as it marches north-east across the plateau. It acts as an infallible handrail between the two tops

   Easy to get wrong

   Mechanically very easy walking, but the ground is notoriously sodden. Expect to navigate around deep peat hags and hidden bogs. The sheer featurelessness of this broad plateau makes it incredibly disorienting in thick clag

   If you need to get off

   Retreat south-west to Branstree and descend your ascent route. Do not drop blindly east into Mosedale, as this will trap you in the wrong valley system entirely

3. 3

   Branstree NE Top (Branstree East Top) (High Howes (Mardale)) → Selside Pike (0.9 km, 12 m)

   Undulating section of about 0.9 km.

   Continue tracking north-east from High Howes along the gentle ridge line. Cross a shallow, often waterlogged depression before making the short, easy climb to the domed grassy summit of Selside Pike

   Waypoints

   Branstree NE Top, Captain Whelter Bog (skirted), Selside Pike summit (655 m)

   Decision point

   The reliable fence line continues to guide you along the ridge. The substantial stone wind shelter at the summit of Selside Pike serves as a massive, unmistakable visual target as you approach

   Easy to get wrong

   The primary obstacle here is Captain Whelter Bog in the depression between the peaks. It can be wide, deep, and requires sweeping detours to avoid swamping your boots

   If you need to get off

   Maintain your position on the ridge or press forward. Attempting to bail west down the steep flanks toward Haweswater here puts you on trackless, craggy ground above the reservoir

4. 4

   Selside Pike → Brown Howe (Mardale) (2.0 km, 2 m)

   Descent of about 146 m over 2.0 km.

   Turn north from Selside Pike, later swinging west, leaving the main fence line behind. Descend the long, trackless or faintly trodden grassy spine of the fell, eventually crossing the ancient track of the Old Corpse Road to reach the subtle topographical bump of Brown Howe

   Waypoints

   Selside Pike, Old Corpse Road intersection, Brown Howe

   Decision point

   You will eventually intersect the highly defined, heavily eroded trench of the Old Corpse Road traversing the fellside. Use this as a major linear catch feature

   Easy to get wrong

   The descent is gradual but requires careful micro-navigation as you lose the distinct handrails of the high ridge. The grassy slopes can be slick, and faint sheep trots can easily lead you off your intended bearing

   If you need to get off

   Once you hit the Old Corpse Road, you can immediately turn left (west) and use this established, engineered path to descend safely and directly to the Haweswater shoreline

5. Brown Howe (Mardale) → Finish (3.0 km, 6 m)

   Descent of about 256 m over 3.0 km.

   From Brown Howe, finalize your descent off the fells by picking up the Old Corpse Road (or dropping down the steep grassy slopes) to the lakeside tarmac road. Turn left (south-west) and walk the undulating shoreline road all the way back to Mardale Head

   Waypoints

   Old Corpse Road descent, Haweswater lakeside road, Mardale Head car park (Finish)

   Decision point

   The descent path funnels you directly to the lakeside road. Once on the tarmac, Haweswater remains on your right-hand side all the way to the dead-end at the car park

   Easy to get wrong

   The initial descent off the fell can be rocky and hard on tired knees. The final few kilometers are a long, flat tarmac road walk alongside the reservoir, which can feel tedious and punishing on the feet in stiff hiking boots. The 6 m of ascent is scattered across the subtle rises in the road

   If you need to get off

   You are on the final exit route. Simply follow the road; do not attempt to drop down the steep banks to the reservoir's edge, as there is no continuous shoreline path