Rambles with an artist Sheffield Pike, Ullswater

The name Seldom Seen caught my imagination for this  beautiful walk in Ullswater.

 The pretty bay of Mossdale, just south of Aira Falls is a starting point and a truly tempting viewpoint for any artist with stunning classic Lakeland views.

  My aim and fell top  was Sheffield Pike a much quieter fell than it's famous neighbours but at 2232 feet quite imposing with lofty  360 degree views of Lakeland and towards the Pennines.

'Seldom Seen' are ten miners cottages sitting snugly on the fell side cradled by Glencoyne wood. Each with a long garden some full of Daffodils and with views down to Ullswater.

The walk takes you though the edge of the wood, beside the old wall quickly gaining height and entering into a peaceful Lakeland walk.

A decision needs to be made, the artist can either take the easy route up Nick Head following the side of the fell to the craggy top, or the more elevated, rockier route towards Heron Pike and then along the South east ridge to the summit top.

I love a bit of drama in my Lakeland paintings so the Lofty approach was taken.

At last Spring sunshine and all around paintings ideas can be brought together. The peacefulness of this valley helps to give inspiration while the slog up the fell side promises stunning views.

Sheffield pike is seen, or so I thought, the bright Ochre Green grass against the rich textured Umber bracken and a Rowan tree all bathing in sunshine.

The view behind has crept up, while we made our way to the top. Ullswater stretching out a perfect shape for the artist to capture, a lead in towards the Snow covered Pennine tops.

Glimpses of Glenridding village can be seen with High Street in the background and towards Red Screes and St Sunday Crag. This would fill any  mountain artists appetite and a perfect place to stop and sketch. Sandwiches and Hot flask are necessary to make the journey more enjoyable.

A marshy top with a few tarns, help to create an interesting foreground and with spectacular 

Striding Edge in the distance, what more do you need.

The descent is an easy path down Nick Head with plenty of views to enjoy of Ullswater and cuddly characters along the way.

A visit to Glenridding Gallery is a must and also Tea and Cake to end a beautiful walk  in Gleridding