Exploring the Lake District with Hiking Highs

Written by Alex

Location: Angletarn Pikes, near Ullswater
Business: Hiking Highs
Duration: Half-day

To celebrate Cumbria Tourism’s 50th anniversary, the team are trying out 50 tourism experiences we haven’t tried before. Follow along as we continue our journey across the Lake District, Cumbria throughout the year! On this experience, Alex and Rob C head into the mountains in search of some red deer with Hiking Highs.

It’s no secret that the Lake District, Cumbria is home to some fairly spectacular walks. There are meandering woodland paths, lakeshore strolls, gentle hill climbs, and - perhaps most famous of all - Alfred Wainwright's 214 peaks.

Ticking off the Wainwrights is on many a bucket list, including mine, so when Nicky from Hiking Highs - who run guided walking experiences across the area - offered us the chance to head out on a guided walk up Hellvellyn, I jumped at the chance.

Often referred to as ‘Britain’s favourite mountain’, Hellvellyn’s peak is accessible via a number of routes, including two which feature ‘edges’: Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Both look absolutely stunning, but aren’t for the faint hearted, and Hiking Highs are able to tailor their walks to ensure you reach the summit via the route you feel most comfortable with. A questionnaire sent out in advance offered the chance to opt out of an edge based route, which our group chose to do - if you wanted to tackle the edges, heading off with a guide would be a fantastic way to do so.

The big day arrived, as did the wind - at a speed of 60km/h. After a chat with Nicky, it was rightly decided that this was much too fast for a hike up Hellvellyn. Not a problem: there are plenty of other walks to choose from, and an alternative plan was made. Changing (or even cancelling) plans to suit the conditions is key to safety, and something Nicky is used to. So we instead found ourselves heading up around the fellside near Angletarn Pikes at the south of Ullswater in search of not Wainwrights, but deer.

Hiking Highs run dedicated deer walks in the Martindale Valley: a place where they can be seen year round. This, we were told, is deer rutting season, and so we would be listening out for the sights and sounds of competing stags.

Armed with binoculars, waterproofs and Nicky’s expert knowledge, we began our walk. As we ascended higher and higher, the world beneath melted away. After a while, we began to hear the impressive sounds of deer in the valley below. We stopped at various points, binoculars in hand, to try and catch a glimpse. After a while, our efforts were rewarded. Silently creeping over a bank of grass, we were able to spot a herd of deer grazing below. With the sweeping valley beneath and atmospheric mist all around, it was a truly magical sight.

 

Along the way, Nicky continued to check in, making sure we were happy with the pace, asking if we needed a snack break, and checking we were warm enough (she had spare gloves if not, which were greatly appreciated!). Lunch was enjoyed in a bright orange bothy shelter - a brilliant piece of kit - before we headed back down to earth via Angle Tarn. 

Along the way, we came across a group from Fix The Fells: a fantastic team of skilled National Trust rangers and volunteers, who repair and maintain our beautiful Lakeland mountain paths. They were hard at work in muddy conditions, and we briefly chatted to them about the essential work they do.

  

As we descended, we enjoyed beautiful views of Ullswater and Brothers Water, and spoke to Nicky about the other hikes she offers. Supported by an experienced, qualified group of mountain leaders, there are plenty to choose from - including Scafell Pike, the Fairfield Horseshoe, Coniston Old Man and more. She also runs navigation courses for beginners through to advanced hikers. If a walk in the Lakes is on your list, heading out with a guide like Hiking Highs is a great way to do so. Not only will they help keep you safe and on path, but the local knowledge you’ll benefit from is second to none: from the best photo spots to local tales and history, it’s something I’d highly recommend.

Be Prepared

Also sent out in advance was a kit list, including essential items like warm hat & gloves, layers, waterproofs and the ever important snacks. It’s key to be prepared when heading for the hills, as conditions can change quickly and even if it feels warm at the base, the summit can tell a different story!

Get more safety tips and advice from Adventure Smart here

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