Red Deer spotting hike in the Martindale valley
Head deep into the Martindale Valley, for a half day valley hike or full day felltop hike finding the oldest red deer herd in England
We offer these special days out with a trip on the Ullswater Steamers to start or finish your day on the fells.
All year round our local Mountain Leaders are all set to lead you safely into the hills to find the pockets of fellside where our local red deer like to graze and also hide from the prevailing weather. From the valley floor to the fell tops and across the screes at the head of the valley, you can choose your route from and easy amble to a full technical fell day, your guide will take you on a journey with the Red Deer to suit you and your friends.
The red deer are always adorning these fells, and outside of the Rutting Season we can find them on the fells with our binoucluars, this is the oldest red deer herd in England, over 300 years old.
October brings an extraordinary phenomenon to these valleys. Your guide will take binoculars for folk to share, spot and hear our beautiful red deer stags and hinds congregating from far and wide in these valleys for the rut.
The autumn colours will be upon us as the fellsides turn golden.
Autumn can also be prone to wet days, but the Hiking Highs team embrace this and will give you confidence to walk over any slippy or technical parts on the trails. Remember the fell is illuminated with colour after the rain falls!
Follow in the footsteps of Sandi Toksvik during her Extraordinary Escape Ullswater Episode, venturing deep into the enchanting Martindale Valley. Evenwhen not the famed deer rutting season for which this valley is renowned, the Red Deer still grace these fells, with The Nab commanding attention as it looms majestically at the heart of the valley. Our half day option will be undulating through the valley floor and giving you the opportunity to tick off Hallin Fell... although it's completely optional!
Full day: £150 first walker + £30 each additional walker
Half day: £90 first walker + £20 each additional walker
+ option of steamer trip
We enjoyed a fabulous day on the fells with Nics on a Deer Rutting Walk. Nics has many years experience leading clients. Couples with an in-depth knowledge of the area, she goes above and beyond to ensure her clients feel safe and comfortable with the route and terrain. I have done several walks with Nics and I always learn something new! Highly recommend 🙂
CatrinaOctober 2022
Hugely enjoyable day. Superb organisation, Nics welcomed us at 7am with a mug of tea, then superb day with Louise leading and a lovely bunch of fellow walkers. So magical walking in the early morning with just the sound of the deer roaring.
Karen Sharpe2022
Nicola guided us very well in Martindale valley to see the deer, she had great local knowledge, and was marvellous when one of our team hurt their ankle and we had to make our way down slowly in very windy/rainy conditions, always felt she was in control
Simon Ravenhill2023
Distance
14km
Ascent
600m
Duration
6hrs
Location
Ullswater, Martindale
