Walking the Lake District Fells - Patterdale. Mark Richards

(5–6) and one, a far from pleasant stony chase, direct to Cofa Pike (4).

      Fairfield from Gavel Pike, with Hart Crag left

      Ascent from Deepdale Bridge 23 off map E

      A grand walk-in that only improves as the drama of the dale head unfolds but no place for the walker who is unattuned to wilder fell terrain, nor when cloud swirls and the heavens threaten to open.

      Via Greenhow End →6.7km/4¼ miles ↑720m/2360ft 3hr 30min

      1 Follow the walled lane to Lane Head. Bear left at the gate along a track that leads on above Deepdale Hall Farm and Wall End. Once Coldcove Gill is crossed the dale’s countenance, bereft of trees, turns wilder and, in certain lights, austere. The valley path diminishes as it advances along the floor of the dale to weave over the drumlin field, with Greenhow End in looming impressively ahead. Pass beyond the moraines and, as two becks run parallel on the left of the path, ford them and slant up in front of Mart Crag (a popular little climbing crag). Keep to the steep, pathless, grassy slope to the right of an eroded gill close under Greenhow End. Resist the temptation to step onto a grassy shelf, unless you are a suitably competent scrambler. An obvious line of weakness between rock bands permits a steep line up grass and boulders to a point where the rock band on the right gives way to suitably easier ground. From here climb to a notch on the skyline. Locate and follow a thin ridge path left via the Step onto the plateau, where stirring perspectives on impressive rock architecture are the rich reward. Follow sheep tracks up to the ridge path, where turn right (W) to march uneventfully to the summit. Given calm weather, you could follow the sheep track along the northern edge for more dramatic views.