Park at the little church near Howtown. From the church, continue along the little twisting road into Bore Dale heading roughly southwest.

As you go up the valley the walking starts off easy, with landscape like a Beatrix Potter watercolour, all smooth and yummy. But as you go up, the fields and farmhouses run out and it gets wilder — but not scary.

At the head of the valley, go through the Hause, or pass, and once over the top, bear right for Patterdale. The paths tend to disappear on the top, but head right till you start to come down, and pick up a path under the flanks of Place Fell down to the village of Patterdale with its handy selection of pubs, ramblers cafes and coffee houses where you can take a break.

From Patterdale follow the lake northeast along a totally amazing path which twists and turns, following the shape of the lake with fantastic views over the water towards Helvellyn in the west. Upon reaching the small hamlet of Sandwick, turn right, up the little road, and back to your car.

Pubs nearby 

T +44 (0)17684 82214

Places to to stay 

The Mill Hotel
The Mill Hotel dates back to 1685 and has a wild and pretty garden running down to the old mill race. It has won awards for its food.

George and Dragon
An 18th-century coaching inn with a traditional feel, all the food is sourced from the estate, with seasonal game regularly on the specials board.

Crown and Mitre Inn
This warming inn, where the 1987 film Withnail and I was filmed, has eight rooms and plenty of beer and hearty food.