The immediate area surrounding The Pheasant is ideal for walking, low level or for the more adventurous the Skiddaw range is only 10 minutes away, but Sale Fell is on the doorstep. This was one of Alfred Wainwrights favorite area’s as he said in his North Western Guide to the fells ‘nothing pleased me more then the shy Wythop Valley, so easy to walk, so charming and unspoilt, a little tranquil world apart’ Little has changed over the years and as you explore the area you will find plenty of connections with the past from the old Bassentwaight Lake railway station to the remains of St Margaret’s Church the other side of Sale fell and further afield is the remains of the old brickwork factory near Wythop Hall.

In Wythop Wood above The Pheasant you will find an abundance of wildlife with the presence of roe deer, badgers and rabbits and locals have even seen a Pine Martin and of course that rare bird of prey the Osprey.

The three highest mountain ranges in England, Skiddaw, Helvellyn and Scafell Pike are all within easy reach as is the wonderful Buttermere valley. You can engage in a challenging trek, enjoy an unlimited number of planned walks or just take in the beautiful scenery.

Historic places of interest to visit in the area include the 4000 year old Castlerigg Stone Circle, the Keswick museum and the wonderful Theatre on the Lake plus the literary connections with the poets Southey, Coleridge and Wordsworth all offer days of discovery.

Sale Fell Walk

There are many great walks around in and around The Pheasant. This one covers Sale Fell which is the fell that looks down on The Pheasant. If you follow the road up towards Wythop Mill just before St. Margaret’s Church you will see a path up on your left. Take a walk up onto the terrace and choose which way to go…it’s really up to you, but either way you will see some wonderful vistas and breathtaking sights.

Looking across the Wythop Valley with Ling Fell on the right >>

Looking down Wythop Valley with The Lords Seat on the right >>

Coming around to the vista of Bass Lake in the foreground with Binsey Fell at the back. The path continues around Sale Fell…look carefully and you can see the tiny hamlet of Dubwarth >>

Through the gate and you are almost home >>

Down the path to the road back to The Pheasant