Loadpot Hill: Height, Walks and Views above Ullswater

Loadpot Hill rises to 672m above the eastern side of Ullswater, where the Far Eastern Fells spread into broad, grassy uplands. Its rounded summit lacks the immediate drama of the rockier Lakeland tops, but that openness is much of its appeal. Walkers come for long horizons, connections to the High Street ridge and the chance to link several neighbouring Wainwrights without leaving the high ground.

A broad summit above Ullswater

Loadpot Hill is a fell of gentle upper slopes and considerable breadth rather than a sharply defined peak. At 672m (2,205ft), it stands well above the lower fells beside Ullswater, though its rounded shape can make the summit seem less prominent than the height suggests. A trig pillar marks the summit area, with the recorded grid reference NY456180.

The views are an important part of its character. The Helvellyn range lies across the Ullswater valley to the west, while Blencathra is a recognisable presence to the north-west. Eastwards, the outlook opens towards the Pennines. This is a place for reading the wider landscape: long ridges, intervening valleys and the contrast between the central Lakeland fells and the more open country along their eastern edge.

Loadpot Hill in the Far Eastern Fells

Loadpot Hill belongs to Alfred Wainwright's second guidebook, The Far Eastern Fells, and ranks 102nd by height among the 214 Wainwrights. It occupies the northern part of the upland ridge extending from High Street, with Wether Hill immediately to the south. The connection between those two fells is broad and comparatively gentle, characteristic of this part of the district.

Other neighbouring Wainwrights include Bonscale Pike, Arthur's Pike and Steel Knotts. Together, they give walkers several ways to explore the eastern side of Ullswater, whether the aim is a single summit or a longer fell circuit. Loadpot Hill supplies the higher, more expansive ground behind those smaller tops. Its interest lies as much in that relationship to the surrounding fells as in any individual summit feature.

High Street history and walking character

The Roman road associated with High Street follows this northern ridge, giving Loadpot Hill a place in the history of travel across the eastern Lakeland uplands. The road linked the Roman forts at Brougham, near Penrith, and Ambleside. Its passage through this landscape is a reminder that these heights were once a practical corridor, not simply a destination for recreation.

For present-day walkers, the broad terrain makes Loadpot Hill a natural part of longer ridge outings. It should not, however, be mistaken for effortless navigation: rounded tops and open slopes offer fewer obvious landmarks when cloud settles. A map and compass remain important here, and the exposed high ground deserves the same preparation as more rugged Lakeland summits.

Where Loadpot Hill stands

Summit at grid reference NY456180 · open full map

The real Loadpot Hill

Walking Loadpot Hill

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Arthur's Pike, Bonscale Pike and Loadpot Hill - Pennine Walker (penninewalker.net)
• Loadpot Hill Trig Point loop from Pooley Bridge | run (komoot.com)
• Loadpot Hill from Rowhead (sharkeysdream.co.uk)

Weather on Loadpot Hill

Conditions estimated at summit height (672 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Loadpot Hill on your wall

A painting of Loadpot Hill brings home something of those open ridges and far-reaching views. As a print or canvas, it can recall a particular day above Ullswater, or simply the quieter character of the Far Eastern Fells you return to year after year.

Own “Vibrant Shadows on Loadpot Hill” — our painting of Loadpot Hill → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Far Eastern Fells

• Wether Hill 672 m
• Bonscale Pike 524 m
• Arthur's Pike 533 m
• Steel Knotts 432 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.