Seat Sandal Summit

Hikes to Seat Sandal place you on the hinge between the great Fairfield and Helvellyn ranges of the eastern Lake District. From this grand summit are spectacular views to the mountainous west and endless possibilities for further adventure in the east.

Walking routes to Seat Sandal often incorporate a visit to Grisedale Tarn, one of the national park’s finest. Cradled by the flanks Seat Sandal, Dollywaggon Pike and Fairfield, it makes for a gorgeous swim in summer and a place of great atmosphere in winter.

The easiest ascents are from the A591’s high point at Dunmail Raise where much of the leg work has already been done by your car. An approach from Patterdale is long but spectacular, through the wild Grisedale Valley below towering crags and cliffs.

From the top, Grasmere’s romantic environs are seen beautifully, whilst the distant mountains of the Bowfell, Scafell and Coniston groups menace the horizon. Seat Sandal and Grisedale Tarn should be achievable in winter conditions but continuations onto the Helvellyn and Fairfield systems are for equipped mountaineers only.