Walk 1242 - printer friendly version

Bannerdale, Boredale & Beda Head Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 9.0 miles / 14.6 km

Ascent - 2345 feet / 711 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NY435191
Lat 54.563958 + Long -2.8752953
Postcode CA10 2NF (approx. location only)

This Lake District walk was put together after detecting potential worsening of the weather. In retrospect it proved to be a great route and provided an interesting insight into two Lakeland valleys. The worries about the weather were proved but with a slight but temporary improvement towards the end of the walk, the decision was made to include an ascent of Beda Head. If the weather is fine it is probably better to head onto Bead Head and continue along the ridge to Boredale Hause and returning as described but omitting a second ascent to Beda Head …. Although this walk does use lanes there is little traffic and it is a delight to be able to walk undisturbed in such pleasant countryside.

The start is the small car park by the new chapel in Martindale (Grid ref. 436191). After parking return to the lane and turn left and follow the road down and past the old chapel of Martindale. This is worth a visit and you are recommended to buy a copy of the history as it contains some amusing and interesting stories. The road crosses Howegrain Beck and continues on the other side of the valley with excellent views of the Nab to reach Dale Head Farm.

Take the signed footpath on your right and climb steadily across the flank of Beda Fell to reach Beda Knott where the ridge path is crossed. Stay on the main path and descend to cross Freeze Beck before climbing a little to reach Boredale Hause. In good visibility navigation should not be problematical. However in low cloud it can be difficult and care is needed to ensure you locate the correct path.

Assuming you have made the right choice the path descends slightly before dropping down very steeply into Boredale. Note - should this sudden change of gradient not be experienced then you are probably on the wrong path. Continue to descend more gently across the flank of Place Fell to reach the lonely habitation at Boredale Head.

Follow the metalled road north to cross Boredale Beck. At Garth Heads (Grid ref. 427186) turn right and climb steeply over grass to reach a convenient sat beneath Winter Crag. Turn right here and follow the ridge path climbing steadily to reach the summit of Beda Head. There are grand views and the ascent is worthwhile. Descend to the seat following the ridge path and turn right to descend to the lane in Martindale. Turn left and go past the old chapel to reach the start.

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