The Red Deer Rut over 3 days:
7th-9th October 2025
The Famous Autumn Red Deer Rut in the Ullswater and Martindale area of the Lake District is a hidden gem as the bellowing of stags echoes around Martindale and Boredale. Join us with your binoculars to experience this truly magical connection to nature. As featured on Extraordinary Escapes in June 2023 with Sandi Tocksvik.
On our Autumn Red Deer Rutting Special – A Dawn Hike or daytime hike or both! You will be walking the fells above Ullswater with one of our local guides, we are all passionate and knowledgeable about our local Red Deer. October is the guaranteed month for you to hear the famous Red Deer of the Martindale Valley Rutting and their bellowing echoing around the valleys.
Please purchase a 1, 2 or 3 days when booking. We will then contact you to find out which days you would like to hike with us.
We recommend a fabulous stay at the award winning camping and glamping The Quiet Site, Watermillock, high above Ullswater or The North Lakes Hotel on the outskirts of Penrith, alongside lots of other options around the Ullswater Valley.
Route options:
Day 1 - 9:30 Start - Glenridding. We will start with a trip on the Ullswater Steamers, returning up through the magic of the Martindale Valley and up over Beda Fell. (Steamers are subject to weather, and do not run in strong winds, we will adapt the route if this is the case)
Day 2 - 7am Start - Patterdale. An early start, to go hear the deer during the optimum time of day, with an exclusive Breakfast Box and the opportunity to see the sun rise over the fells as the Red Deer bellow all around you.
Day 3 - 9:30 Start - Glenridding. Heading over Place Fell for a return journey on the Ullswater Steamers or returning via the Ullswater Way and Silver Point.
Each hiker must be comfortable with walking in the hills, albeit on trails, with a 6-mile walk with approximately 600m ascent each day. We can offer Deer Rutting hikes which are less strenuous on a bespoke basis, by arrangement, during these dates or other days in October.
Cost:
£135 per hiker - 3 day break
£100 per hiker - 2 day break
£55 per hiker for individual deer rutting days - 23rd and/or 24th October only at this price as you will be joining our holiday hikers on a group walk.
NOTE: Steamer fairs and lunch/snacks are NOT included in these charges
All other bespoke Deer Rutting hikes during October and day to go seek out the hidden spots where the deer love to hide, graze, and laze away their days, are charged at our usual rates: £150 for a solo hiker +£30 for each additional hiker.
We look forward to taking you out on your adventure.
BOOK 1, 2, OR 3 DAYS: 7th - 9th Oct 2025CHAT TO US ABOUT THE OPTIONS & BESPOKE DAYS HERE
Nicola was really approachable, she listened and very enthusiastic. The walks allowed us to put a lot into practice.
We have done several walks with Nic. She is very quick to see and adapt walks to peoples abilities. Also very knowledgeable about the area and would recommend walks with the company.
Cost: 3 Days
£135
Cost: 2 Day
£100
Cost: 1 Days
£55
Location:
Ullswater