Step back in time on this captivating walk from Pooley Bridge. The route takes you onto the wide-open spaces of Askham Fell, once home to ancient settlers. You'll visit 'The Cockpit', a mysterious Bronze Age stone circle, before ascending the gentle slopes of Heughscar Hill. From the summit, you are rewarded with a magnificent panorama of Ullswater, the Eden Valley, and the Pennines.
The Walk at a Glance
2.5 - 3.5 Hours
Circular Route
6 Miles / 9.6 km
Gentle ascent
Easy / Moderate
Good tracks
Dog Friendly
Livestock present
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start in Pooley Bridge
Start from the main pay-and-display car park in Pooley Bridge (CA10 2NN). Walk into the village, cross the new bridge, and take the minor road on the right, signposted for Howtown and Martindale.
2. The Track to the Moor
Follow the road as it climbs out of the village. After about a mile, you will reach a farm at Roehead. Go through the gate here onto a track which leads you out onto the heather-clad moorland of Askham Fell.
3. The Cockpit Stone Circle
Follow the main track across the moor. At a crossroads of paths, turn right. This track will lead you directly to The Cockpit, the largest and most impressive of the prehistoric monuments on the fell. Take some time to absorb the atmosphere of this ancient site.
4. To Heughscar Hill
From The Cockpit, take the grassy path that heads east (left as you approached). The path becomes clearer and leads you gently up towards the summit of Heughscar Hill, marked by a cairn near a stone wall.
5. The Descent and Return
From the summit, the view of Ullswater is revealed. Follow the path as it descends the other side of the hill, heading back towards Pooley Bridge. The path eventually rejoins the track you started on, leading you back down to Roehead and the road into the village.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Parking: Pooley Bridge has several large pay-and-display car parks. It's a very popular village, so they can get full quickly on sunny days.
- Refreshments: Pooley Bridge is well-served with pubs, cafes, and shops, making it the perfect place to relax after your walk.
- Livestock: You will likely encounter sheep and ponies grazing freely on the fell, so please keep dogs under close control or on a lead.
- Roman Road: The main track you follow across the moor is part of the High Street Roman road, which linked forts at Brougham (Penrith) and Ambleside.
More to Explore Nearby
Ullswater 'Steamers'
Take a relaxing cruise on one of the iconic Ullswater 'Steamers' from Pooley Bridge pier. You can travel to Howtown, Aira Force, or Glenridding for different walks and views.
Aira Force Waterfall
A short drive or steamer trip along the lake takes you to the famous Aira Force, a spectacular 65-foot waterfall managed by the National Trust, with beautiful woodland walks.
Dalemain Mansion & Gardens
Close to Pooley Bridge, this magnificent stately home offers house tours, beautiful gardens, and is internationally famous for hosting the World's Original Marmalade Awards.