Branstree and Selside Pike from Mardale Head
Cumbria
Haweswater fills the valley of Mardale in the far east of the Lake District. Sheep graze the open fell throughout, so this suits a fit, lead-walking dog rather than one running free. It was a natural lake until Manchester Corporation dammed it, and when the reservoir was completed in 1935 the water rose by 95 feet and drowned the farming villages of Mardale Green and Measand. This 9.3km circuit starts at Mardale Head, the road end at the top of the reservoir, and climbs steeply up the Gatescarth Pass track before turning along a fence line to Branstree, a 713 metre plateau at the head of Mardale, Swindale and Longsleddale. A mile of springy fell leads to Selside Pike, then the route drops to the Old Corpse Road and descends steeply past abandoned buildings and the falls on Rowantreethwaite and Hopgill Becks to the shore. A level reservoir-side track leads back to the car park. There is around 556 metres of climbing.
This is a dog friendly walk for fit dogs who like big, empty fells, as these are among the least visited Wainwrights. Sheep graze the open fell and the intake land, and ground-nesting birds breed along the Old Corpse Road in spring, so plan on a lead for much of the time. Becks give water on the way down, but the tops are dry. Keep dogs close on the steep descent beside the waterfalls. The car park at Mardale Head is small and fills early, and there are no facilities.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 3 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Reservoir, Waterfall
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None at Mardale Head or on route; nearest pubs and shops at Bampton and Shap.
- Parking
- Small car park at Mardale Head, the road end at the top of Haweswater; fills early.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Branstree and Selside Pike from Mardale Head, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CumbriaDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to Branstree and Selside Pike from Mardale Head. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
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All dog friendly hotels in Westmorland and FurnessFrequently Asked Questions
Is Branstree and Selside Pike from Mardale Head dog friendly?
Yes, Branstree and Selside Pike from Mardale Head scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. It is a quiet fell round with springy turf on top, becks for water on the descent and fine views of Haweswater. The score reflects the sheep grazing on the fell, the nesting birds in spring, the steep climb and descent, and the lack of any facilities.
Can dogs be off lead at Branstree and Selside Pike from Mardale Head?
Only in places. Sheep graze the open fell and the lower intake fields, and wading and moorland birds nest on the ground around the Old Corpse Road in spring and early summer, so keep dogs on a lead during the breeding season and whenever stock is about. On the quiet ridge between Branstree and Selside Pike, a dog with reliable recall may get a short run when no sheep are in sight.
What should I know before visiting Branstree and Selside Pike from Mardale Head with my dog?
This is a proper fell walk with 556 metres of climbing and a steep descent beside the becks, so it suits fit, sure-footed dogs. The tops have no water, so carry some. Mardale Head is at the end of a long, narrow road, the car park is small and fills early on fine days, and there are no toilets or cafes. Keep dogs out of the reservoir, which supplies drinking water.
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