Hartsop is reached travelling south on the A592 from Penrith, or north travelling from Windermere. Travelling south, Hartsop is approximately 2 miles from Patterdale with a left turn clearly marked (by a phone box) before you reach Brother's Water. Follow the road into Hartsop and carry on until, on the right, you see a small car park area and an old house with a sort of covered balcony (a spinning gallery). You will see a track up to the left in front of the house and a small sign saying ‘High Bield’. Follow the track for about a mile.
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The track takes a sharp, steep turn just as you go through a gate - please close it after you if it is shut. The track takes you onto the fell side and after 400m there’s a second gate. Keep going. The track is very secure but there can be large rocks so drive slowly! The track then bends right and left and then as you start to descend you’ll see a green bench on the left hand side. The track here will drop down fairly steeply but is secure and concreted. At the bottom the track splits into three - left, straight on and up to the right. Take the sharp right and follow the concrete track up the hill where you’ll see a garage with black and white paintwork and, once you’re up the hill, the house. The house is white and stands out as you’re driving along the valley road – it’s the highest above the village.
The track to the house goes through two fields with gates which need to be opened and closed. The track can be a little bumpy in places so a low slung car would struggle a little with the terrain but any other car is fine. Below we have a paragraph about extreme weather in winter. Please note that the track goes through fields that belong to a local farmer (the track is actually his too) and there are often sheep around. They usually get out of the way, but take it steady and please take care.
The track to the house goes through two fields with gates which need to be opened and closed. The track can be a little bumpy in places so a low slung car would struggle a little with the terrain but any other car is fine. Below we have a paragraph about extreme weather in winter. Please note that the track goes through fields that belong to a local farmer (the track is actually his too) and there are often sheep around. They usually get out of the way, but take it steady and please take care.
ADVERSE WEATHER & TRACK CONDITIONS!
Generally the track is accessible all year round for normal cars, but if there is heavy snow, or ice then take special care! If it is very icy or snowy, and you do not have a four-wheel drive, you may choose to leave your car in the car park in Hartsop village and walk up the track. A rucksack in these situations can be useful!
Generally the track is accessible all year round for normal cars, but if there is heavy snow, or ice then take special care! If it is very icy or snowy, and you do not have a four-wheel drive, you may choose to leave your car in the car park in Hartsop village and walk up the track. A rucksack in these situations can be useful!