Skip to content
An old ash tree, leafless winter, with high fells behind it, stands on a sloping hillside covered in grass and dead bracken
A veteran ash tree in Glenamara Park, Patterdale | © National Trust Images/John Malley
Lake District

Patterdale and Glenamara Park trail

With views of Ullswater and the surrounding fells, this circular walk on mainly gravel paths is suitable for most fitness levels. You'll also see some of the Lake District's most striking ancient and veteran trees, including stately oaks and alder, growing in the former deer enclosure of Glenamara Park.

Spotting veteran trees

Associated with the old deer park, you can find ancient and veteran trees dotted across the landscape. Good examples are the hollow alder tree, just through the gate into the park at Step 4, and the Ullswater silver birch between Step 5 and Step 6. The birch is part of The Queen's Green Canopy because of its exceptional size and condition for its species.

Total steps: 8

Total steps: 8

Start point

Patterdale Hotel, near Ullswater, CA11 0NN, grid ref: NY396159

Step 1

From the car park opposite the Patterdale Hotel, turn left along the road, with the hotel on your right, heading towards the White Lion Inn.

Step 2

Opposite the Inn, turn to your right, heading up past the car park on your left and passing the public toilets as you go. Follow the track and you will pass a small building on your right.

Step 3

Once past this small building, bear left through the trees and left again towards a gate in the fence. Go through the gate and follow the path up out onto the open fell.

Step 4

Keep following the path and you'll come to a field gate and a wicket gate together. Go through the wicket gate. You're now entering Glenamara Park. Notice the very high wall to your left – this is the deer wall that encloses the park.

An ancient gnarled tree on a moss-covered rocky hillside with a path running upwards on its left.
A hollow veteran alder tree just after you enter the park | © National Trust Images/John Malley

Step 5

The path takes you along the bottom of Glenamara Park, crossing Hag Beck, which runs down the middle. Take a minute to look at the wonderful views down Ullswater towards Glencoyne Park and Gowbarrow Fell in the distance.

A river rushes down over dark grey and mossy rocks
Hag Beck runs down through Glenamara Park, Patterdale | © National Trust Images/John Malley

Step 6

Carrying on along the path you'll pass under two old oak trees on your right, then you'll see a small wooden gate below, leading out into a field. Go through this gate and follow the track down to the road below.

Step 7

Go through the gate, out onto the road and turn right. Follow the road down the hill until you come to the main A592 road.

Step 8

Turn right and follow the roadside path back to the Patterdale Hotel, which is about 400yds (365m) away.

End point

Patterdale Hotel, near Ullswater, CA11 0NN, grid ref: NY396159

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the Patterdale and Glenamara Park trail
Map of the Patterdale and Glenamara Park trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

A hiker wearing an insulated jacket and a backpack watches the sunset over snowy mountain peaks
Trail
Trail

Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park trail 

Explore Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park on a circular walk passing through woodland and open glades all accompanied with the roaring sounds from the waterfall in the gorge. Enjoy expansive views over Ullswater from the summit of Gowbarrow.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)
A daytime view of a large lake with trees and grass in the foreground and rolling hills in the background.
Trail
Trail

Aira Force Glencoyne Farm trail 

A 3-mile walk through the upland hill farm of Glencoyne, passing through woodlands as well as historic farm buildings and charcoal pitsteads.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
View down a rocky river, lined by stunted trees in autumn colours, with green Cumbrian fells rising in the background
Trail
Trail

Hartsop to Hayeswater Gill trail 

Climb up to Hayeswater Reservoir from Hartsop village on a circular walk, following the beck and the history of the mills and mines it once served.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)

Get in touch

near Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JS

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

View over Derwent Water looking towards Skiddaw in the Lake District in spring

Walking in the Lake District 

From gentle ambles to more challenging hikes, these are some of the best walks to explore the heart of the Lake District.

Walkers climbing rocks against a bright blue sky with the mountains in the distance at Sugarloaf, Monmouthshire

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A group of people in a hiking group are being guided on a hike by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Two adults walking at Aira Green in the Lake District
Activity
Activity

Exploring Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park 

Get a glimpse of what Aira Force and Ullswater have to offer, including walks with far-reaching views, red squirrels, picnic spots, a natural play area and water sports.

Visitors in the tearoom at Aira Force, Ullswater, Cumbria
Article
Article

Eating at Aira Force 

Pay a visit to the Aira Force tea-room for hot and cold drinks, home bakes, sandwiches, pasties and ice creams. You can eat in, take away or even bring a picnic.

A view inside the ancient woodland at Dinefwr in late autumn, when the trees have lost their leaves. The woodland floor is covered with grass and foliage turned brown with the season.
Article
Article

Ancient tree walks 

Explore ancient woodland at the places in our care and visit centuries-old oak, sweet chestnut, yew and even cherry trees.

Magnolia tree and daffodils on a sunny day in the Walled Garden at Nymans, West Sussex
Appeal
Appeal

Plant a Tree 

Blossom trees provide vital habitats for a range of wildlife. They're also one of the best natural defences against climate change, which is why we’re aiming to plant and establish 20 million trees by 2030. Donate to Plant a Tree and make a difference.