Seat Sandal

Difficulty: Moderate

Wainwright Guide: Book One – The Eastern Fells

Overlooking Grasmere and Dunmail Raise, Seat Sandal is an iconic sight for many travelling through the Lake District. It can be hiked as one fell or in a combination with multiple different fells. Often those undertaking the Fairfield Horseshoe will add this on, but you can summit it on the way to or from Dollywagon Pike and Helvellyn, or even on the way to or from St Sunday Crag.

I first hiked this fell solo on a very rare day off! The route I recommend is easy enough, though steep in some places so does require a moderate amount of fitness. One of the best parts of this hike are the views over Grisedale Tarn so pack some nice snacks to have while looking out across it. It can be quite windy at the top so pack appropriately, even if it is a hot day!

Where to Start?

Whenever I head up towards Grisedale Tarn and the surrounding fells I park in a lay-by on the A591, just past Grasmere. You could also choose to park in any of the car parks in the village, however the lay-by is closer to the start point, and free!

Looking North from the lay-by it is hard to miss Seat Sandal looming overhead. It has an unmistakable outline against the surrounding fells.

Cross over from your parking place to the same side of the road as the pubs and walk towards Seat Sandal along the pavement.

As the road begins to curve round to the left you will come to a small collection of houses, a post-box and public footpath sign. Follow this sign up a track between the houses to begin the hike.

Ascent

As the track ascends past the houses you come to a gate pretty quickly. Head through it and continue along the track. The track itself is easy to follow and the ascent is initially gentle.

Looking to the right you start to get some lovely views of Grasmere before the slope of Stone Arthur blocks it from sight.

You will arrive at another gateway where you will also find stepping stones and a bridge that cross over Tongue Ghyll.

Cross the stepping stones and then head over the bridge and past a small fenced in ‘reservoir’.

The path is signposted and pretty easy to follow. It sticks to the right of the Ghyll taking a gentle incline.

There is then a small steep section that crosses back over the Ghyll and passes a beautiful waterfall.

You then pass by next to a depression that was a tarn once upon a time. Fairfield sits proudly to the right. Its a light scramble up to a gap in a stone wall.

From the gap in the wall you can see Grisedale Tarn and divert onto any walk you choose! Fairfield is to the right, you can get to St Sunday Crag by taking a path slightly further around, Dollywagon Pike is directly ahead (from here you can kick on to Nethermost Pike and Hellvelyn) and then Seat Sandal is to the left.

The direct path up seat Sandal is immediately to the left on passing through the gap in the wall. It is very steep and a bit of a scramble in places but obvious enough follow. You get excellent views of Grisedale Tarn below as you ascend. Ullswater is visible on a clear day!

The path then takes you across slightly more marshy terrain keeping to the right of the stone wall.

The Summit

The summit of Seat Sandal is clearly marked by a cairn, and there is also a wind break nearby (needed on the day I first ascended!). As one of the larger Wainwrights you certainly do get a great perspective for how big these fells really are.

There are amazing views in all directions from the summit, especially towards Grasmere and the Southern and Central fells, but I have to admit I did not stay for long in the icy wind!

Descent

Continuing past the summit cairn on a grassy path you come to a secondary cairn.

From here you also get lovely views down towards Thirlmere and the Northern Fells.

The path down from here can become hard to follow but it heads straight along the nose of the fell towards Grasmere. You are on the distinctive profile that is easily viewed from the road below!

The grassy path continues to descend through fields and gateways.

After passing through multiple gates you eventually arrive back on the gravel track that took you up to Tongue Ghyll at the beginning of the walk.

Follow the track back to road and turn left back towards your car.

Once back on solid ground again the only thing to do is grab a well deserved refreshment! The Traveller’s Rest is passed on the way back to the car and provides some very nice food options!

Overall I would have to rate this walk very highly! It’s not too difficult but has a few more challenging sections that keep it enjoyable. There are lots of different terrains and fabulous 360 views from the summit. It even has the potential to be joined into other routes dependent on fitness! Definitely recommended!

Have you completed Seat Sandal yet? Let me know below!