The village of Patterdale lies close to the shores of Ullswater. Three topics stand out when planning your trip: a circular walk with views of the lake and fells, the Patterdale Boundary Walk, with its stated distance and ascent, and the architectural and artistic history of St. Patrick’s Church. These highlights are quite distinct and can help you decide whether Patterdale suits your interests.
Circular Walk, Park and Seasonal Nature
The Patterdale and Glenamara Park trail is a circular walk with views of Ullswater and the surrounding fells. Glenamara Park is a former deer park enclosed by a very high dry-stone wall. The trail crosses Hag Beck through the park; the stream runs through the middle of the park, and its water levels can vary. The described circular route therefore combines scenic views with a distinctive park landscape, including a wall and a water crossing. Check local conditions before setting out.
Some natural features are also precisely located: between steps 5 and 6 stands the tree known as “Ullswater silver birch”. A hollow alder tree is just behind the park gate at step 4. Bluebells bloom along the circular route in May or June; the exact timing depends on conditions. The natural highlights range from views of the lake and fells to individual trees and seasonal flowers.
The Patterdale Boundary Walk offers a different scale for planning: it is about 27 miles long, with around 10,300 feet of ascent. These figures give you specific information about the distance and ascent to help you factor the walk into your trip plans. The walk has become a tradition since it was established. If you are planning your trip around it, check the dates in advance, as event arrangements can change. You should also check route details and conditions before setting out.
Church History and Local Tradition
The present-day St. Patrick’s Church was built in 1853 and designed by architect Anthony Salvin. It replaced a building dating from 1600, which had itself replaced a church built in the 14th century. The building history thus spans a 14th-century church, the building from 1600 and the present-day church. Alongside this sequence, a work of art is one of the church’s distinctive features.
“The Good Shepherd”, a picture embroidered by Ann Macbeth, hangs in St. Patrick’s Church. Its background depicts Patterdale’s fells, village, sheep and wildflowers. While the building history traces the succession of churches, the picture captures scenes from the landscape and village. Local tradition also links the name Patterdale with Saint Patrick: he is said to have converted many people in the valley to Christianity in the early 5th century.
Getting Your Bearings During Your Stay
The Patterdale Hotel provides a specific reference point: it is on the A592, which runs past Ullswater. From Glenridding, a path leads there along the road in ten minutes. If you plan to use this footpath, check the conditions alongside the road in advance. This gives you a named starting point, a stated walking time and a practical condition to bear in mind for this route.
The highlights are easy to distinguish when choosing your destination: the circular route through Glenamara Park combines views with natural and park features, the Boundary Walk is described in terms of its length and ascent, and St. Patrick’s Church represents architectural history, art and local tradition. This can help you decide which of these topics you would like to shape your stay in Patterdale.
Discover more destinations: High Harrington, Ainstable, Scotby, Camerton, Cleator, Shap, Kirkby Lonsdale, Kirkoswald.
For the broader travel overview: Cumbria.
