Steel Knotts: 432m Height, Walks and Ullswater Views

Steel Knotts is a small fell with a distinctly rocky finish. Rising above Martindale on the eastern side of Ullswater, its narrow ridge culminates in Pikeawassa, a summit outcrop with far more character than its modest 432 metres might suggest. Walkers value it for the contrast between close views into the surrounding dales and the broader outlook towards the lake: a compact outing with a proper fell-top feel.

A narrow ridge and a memorable summit

Steel Knotts reaches 432 metres (1,417 feet), with its summit recorded at grid reference NY440181. Its defining feature is Pikeawassa, the prominent rock outcrop at the highest point. Rather than ending on a broad grassy crown, the ridge finishes in a narrow, angular crest. That contrast between grassy slopes and exposed rock gives the fell a recognisable character, even among the many smaller summits around Ullswater.

The ridge is an important part of its appeal. This is not simply a viewpoint reached across an undistinguished slope: the shape of the ground gives the walk its own interest. Around the summit, the rocky footing calls for care, particularly when wet or icy. Its modest altitude should not be mistaken for a promise of easy conditions.

Martindale, Fusedale and Ullswater

Steel Knotts stands between Martindale and Fusedale, within the group of fells east of Ullswater. Its position makes the surrounding valleys as much a part of the experience as the distant skyline. The nearby slopes, valley fields and enclosing ridges are close enough to read clearly, giving a useful sense of how this corner of the Far Eastern Fells fits together.

Ullswater is a principal feature of the outlook, although the view is shaped by the intervening ground rather than offering an uninterrupted survey of the whole lake. Hallin Fell lies nearby towards the lakeshore, while Beda Fell, Loadpot Hill and Bonscale Pike belong to the wider neighbouring group. Together they offer quite different perspectives on the same landscape, from rounded lake-facing tops to higher, more open fell country.

Steel Knotts in the Far Eastern Fells

Alfred Wainwright included Steel Knotts in The Far Eastern Fells, the second book of his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. It ranks 195th by height among the 214 Wainwrights. Its inclusion is a useful reminder that the collection is not simply a list of Lakeland’s highest ground: distinctive smaller fells are an essential part of it.

Martindale is a common starting area for walks on Steel Knotts. The fell can be enjoyed as the main objective of a shorter outing or included in a longer day among the neighbouring summits. Pikeawassa remains its best-known feature and the clearest reason to give it attention in its own right, rather than treating it only as another summit to collect.

Where Steel Knotts stands

Summit at grid reference NY440181 · open full map

The real Steel Knotts

Walking Steel Knotts

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

• Guide links to be curated.

Weather on Steel Knotts

Conditions estimated at summit height (432 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Steel Knotts on your wall

A painting of Steel Knotts can bring a quieter corner of Ullswater country into the home. The rocky point of Pikeawassa, the folded slopes around Martindale and the lake beyond offer familiar details to return to long after the walking boots have dried.

Own “Sunlit Fields Below Steel Knotts” — our painting of Steel Knotts → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Far Eastern Fells

• Hallin Fell 388 m
• Beda Fell 509 m
• Loadpot Hill 672 m
• Bonscale Pike 524 m

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