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Join our guided walk to hear the famous red deer rut echo around Martindale and Ullswater in the Lake District, one of autumn's most atmospheric wildlife experiences.October is the guaranteed month to hear it, and this two day experience is built around exactly that.
Day one starts in Glenridding with a trip across Ullswater on the steamer, before winding up through the Martindale Valley and over Beda Fell as the bellowing of stags carries across the hillsides
Day two starts early from Patterdale, timed for the optimum hour to hear the deer, with sunrise over the fells and an exclusive breakfast box included as the rut echoes all around you. Your guide, Nicola, lives locally and knows this valley and its deer as well as anyone.
Each day covers around 6 miles with 600m of ascent on established trails, so you'll want to be comfortable walking in the hills across two consecutive days. If a lighter version suits you better, bespoke less strenuous options are available on request during October.
Accommodation is not included, though Nicola recommends The Quiet Site, Another Place Hotel, or The North Lakes Hotel, all well placed for the Ullswater valley.
Led by Nicola Merrett, with a genuine passion for the red deer of Martindale.
Meeting point day one: Glenridding Steamer Pier, 9:30am
Meeting point day two: Patterdale, 6:30am
Dates: Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October 2026
Duration: Full day each day
Bring: Boots, layers, waterproofs, water, packed lunch, hat, and binoculars
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Ullswater Steamers, Penrith, Cumbria, United Kingdom
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