Place Fell
Place Fell at 657 metres sits directly above the eastern shore of Ullswater, giving views down the full length of the lake that are among the best in the eastern Lakes at any height. The summit is a broad, rounded plateau with a central cairn and a view that requires no justification — Ullswater stretching south-west toward Glenridding, the Helvellyn range to the west, the Patterdale valley below. The fell is directly opposite the Helvellyn group and gives a perspective on Helvellyn that most walkers never see — from across the lake, looking at the eastern face with Striding Edge visible. It is a good fell to choose when the high ridges are in cloud and you want a clearer day. The path along the Ullswater shore from Sandwick connects Place Fell to the lakeside, and the circuit of the fell via the summit and back along the shore is one of the most scenic half-days in the eastern Lakes.
Walking
The Patterdale approach (CA11 0PD) takes the path south of the village to Boredale Hause and then climbs east to the summit. Around 5 miles return with 650 metres of ascent. Allow 4 to 5 hours. This is a reliable half-day that gives significant views for modest effort. The Sandwick approach from the boat landing (Ullswater Steamers run to Howtown, from which the walk to Sandwick is 20 minutes) gives the option of the famous Ullswater Walkway circuit — a 9-mile linear walk along the shore from Howtown to Glenridding with Place Fell as the high point. This is one of the finest linear walks in the Lake District and uses the Steamers for transport at both ends. A direct approach from Patterdale village via Boardale Head is shorter but less interesting. The Howtown Steamers approach is the version worth doing.
Routes
Patterdale via Boredale Hause
Patterdale village
Tips
The Ullswater Walkway from Howtown to Glenridding via Place Fell is one of the great Lake District walks and is best done using the Ullswater Steamers at both ends. Book the boat in advance in summer. The White Lion at Patterdale (CA11 0NW) does food and is a reasonable option after the walk. Place Fell is significantly quieter than Helvellyn and gives a better day in terms of solitude.