Seat Sandal

Seat Sandal

Seat Sandal rises to 736.8 metres in the Eastern Fells. The large Wainwright cairn stands just south-west of the true summit beside the ruined wall; visit both rather than stopping at the cairn. Summit details.

The climb from Grasmere leads past Tongue Gill to Grisedale Hause, with Grisedale Tarn beyond. A steep final ascent gives way to an open summit and a long south-ridge descent overlooking Grasmere village and lake. Walk and views.

Mill Bridge, Grisedale Hause and the south ridge

Start at Mill Bridge on the A591, north of the Travellers Rest. Take the lane beside 1 Tongue Ghyll and climb the track. At the two footbridges, cross the first, then turn right across the second and follow the Tongue Gill path uphill. Lower approach.

Climb past the waterfalls to meet the Little Tongue bridleway. Continue into the hollow below Grisedale Hause, then cross the stony slope beneath Gavel Crag to the pass. Turn left for Seat Sandal and take the path to the right of the small sheepfold beside the ruined wall. It climbs steeply over loose ground, then bends left to rejoin the wall. The gradient eases towards the summit. Upper ascent.

For the return, head west from the Wainwright cairn towards the next cairn, then take the fainter path left towards a smaller cairn. Follow the south-south-west ridge downhill, taking care on the rocky steps. Pass through two gates, then go straight ahead at the next pair rather than left towards the stone shed. Continue to the old barn, pass through the gate beside it and rejoin the outward track. Follow it downhill to Mill Bridge. South-ridge return.

The start of the descent is faint. Check your position before leaving the summit area and keep to the ridge path rather than cutting across the fell. This is a strenuous hill walk with steep, loose ground. Terrain.

Volcanic rocks

The summit bedrock belongs to the Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation, part of the Ordovician Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Its welded volcanic deposits include rock fragments set in ash. Wainwrights.info. British Geological Survey.

Getting there

Broadgate Meadow, on the northern edge of Grasmere village, is a pay-and-display parking option. Allow for the extra walk between the village and Mill Bridge, including the busy A591 approach. Grasmere has shops and cafés. Cumbria Tourism. Andrews Walks.

Stock Lane car park in Grasmere has public toilets. Check current parking charges and signs before leaving the car, and follow any temporary access notices on the route. Parking and toilets.

Stagecoach 555 links Grasmere with Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick. Windermere has a bus-rail interchange. Check the timetable for your travel date, your chosen stop and the return journey before setting out. Bus information.

Before you go

Carry a map and compass, waterproofs, warm clothing, food and drinking water. Check the mountain forecast and leave your route with someone. Wet rock and high water can make progress hazardous; turn back rather than attempt an unsafe crossing. Snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Leave enough daylight for the descent and the walk back to your transport. Walking safety.