Bag 5 Wainwrights in One Day: The Deepdale Round

Why the Deepdale Round is a Ridge-Walker’s Favourite

If you’re into long ridges, skyline views and old-school mountain days, this one’s for you. The Deepdale Round is a lesser-known but hugely rewarding walk starting from Patterdale, linking together five Wainwright summits in a high-level loop around the dramatic Deepdale Valley.

It features some iconic fells — including St Sunday Crag and Fairfield — alongside quieter, more grassy ridges like Hartsop Above How. It’s a proper day out, with some good climbing and a real feeling of movement across the landscape. Best saved for clear conditions when the views really deliver.

Route Snapshot

• Wainwrights Ticked Off:
  
  • Birks (622m)
  
  • St Sunday Crag (841m)
  
  • Fairfield (873m)
  
  • Hart Crag (822m)
  
  • Hartsop Above How (586m)
  
  
• Distance: 14–16 km
  
  
• Ascent: Approx. 1,100m
  
  
• Time Required: 6–7 hours
  
  
• Start/End Point: Patterdale village
  
  
• Difficulty: Hard (steep ground, exposed ridge walking, moderate navigation)
  
  
• Best Map: OS Explorer OL5 – North-Eastern Fells
  
  

Summit-by-Summit Breakdown

Birks (622m)

The day begins with a straightforward but stiff climb to Birks. It’s not the star of the show, but it earns its place with views back over Ullswater and up toward the larger fells.

What to expect:

• A good warm-up for what’s to come
  
  
• Panoramic valley views
  
  
• Often overlooked by walkers heading for St Sunday
  
  

St Sunday Crag (841m)

One of the finest ridges in the Helvellyn range. The climb steepens as you approach the summit, but the reward is a wide open crest with 360-degree views — including Helvellyn and the Far Eastern Fells.

Why it’s a classic:

• Arguably better views than Helvellyn
  
  
• Dramatic drop into Deepdale
  
  
• Airy summit ridge, especially in good light
  
  

Fairfield (873m)

A broad, stony summit and one of the Lake District’s classic peaks. Reached via Deepdale Hause, the climb is steep and sustained, but you’ll be standing on one of the most famous tops in the Eastern Fells.

Key features:

• Central to many Lake District ridge walks
  
  
• Vast views across to Skiddaw and the Coniston range
  
  
• Often used as part of the Fairfield Horseshoe (but this route avoids the crowds)
  
  

Hart Crag (822m)

A quiet ridge-top peak that links Fairfield to the north-east. It’s rocky underfoot and often breezy, but it gives great views into Rydal and back toward Deepdale.

Why it’s worth the detour:

• Feels peaceful and less visited
  
  
• Great linking point for extended routes
  
  
• Nice transition to the return ridge
  
  

Hartsop Above How (586m)

The final summit of the day and a mellow end to the loop. The ridge is grassy and undulating, with good views down into Deepdale and the surrounding valleys.

Good way to finish:

• Easier walking, ideal when your legs are flagging
  
  
• Lovely views into Dovedale
  
  
• Drops you right back toward Patterdale
  
  

Full Route Description: Deepdale Round from Patterdale

1. Start in Patterdale village and follow the track south-west toward Thornhow.
   
   
2. Ascend to Birks and continue up to St Sunday Crag, gaining the ridgeline.
   
   
3. Drop briefly to Deepdale Hause, then climb steeply to Fairfield’s broad summit plateau.
   
   
4. Head north-east along the ridge to Hart Crag, continuing to the quiet ridge of Hartsop Above How.
   
   
5. Descend gradually along the ridge, eventually dropping into Deepdale Bottom and looping back to Patterdale.
   
   

Navigation and Safety

• The plateau on Fairfield can be disorienting in mist — use your compass or GPX.
  
  
• The ridges are exposed and windswept — bring layers even in summer.
  
  
• Good footwork is needed for the ascent to Fairfield and rocky sections of Hart Crag.
  
  
• The route includes some steep terrain but avoids technical scrambles.
  
  

What to Bring

• OS Explorer OL5
  
  
• Plenty of water and high-energy snacks
  
  
• Windproof layers — ridges can be breezy even on warm days
  
  
• Walking poles helpful for the descent
  
  
• Navigation tools: compass, GPS, or Peaky Baggers app
  
  

Nearby Refreshments

• The White Lion Inn, Patterdale – great for a post-walk pint
  
  
• Old Water View Café – walkers’ favourite for coffee and cake
  
  
• Helvellyn Country Kitchen, Glenridding – nearby lunch spot with lake views
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Deepdale Round is a brilliant blend of well-known fells and quieter ridges, with just enough climb to earn the views without feeling punishing. It’s an ideal route for confident walkers who want to tick off five classic Wainwrights in a circular, scenic loop.

Less crowded than the Fairfield Horseshoe, more adventurous than a single-peak walk, and packed with brilliant summit views — this one belongs on every bagger’s list.

Log your summits, upload photos, and plot your next adventure in the Peaky Baggers app — the best way to keep your Wainwright count on track.

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Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash