protect the landscape
MARTINDALE AND THE NAB
Looking after the red deer and Martindale for the future
In Martindale life is much the same as it has always been. There is a rich ecosystem holding varied flora and fauna; the landscape managed with sheep hefted to the fells; and the wild deer roaming free across the North Eastern Fells. We value the existing landscape and are careful not to risk destroying it by ignoring local people but we also listen to visitors and their experiences. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it belongs to everyone in different ways. Conservation is at the heart of what we do - and have always done - although now there is a formal name for it.
Martindale is home to the oldest, native, pure-breed red deer population in the UK. At its heart, in Rampsgill and the Nab, is the hind forest. Sometimes you may not see any deer at all. At other times they will be seen grazing in the flush green pasture by the rivers or along the brow of the hill. In the Autumn, the roaring echoes between the fells as stags come in from the surrounding area. They are the last vestige of the Ice Age where other species, such as the auroch, have been forced into extinction. Martindale is a conservation success story where the herd has been carefully maintained for future generations to enjoy.
Where should I go and still respect this sanctuary for the wildlife?
The red deer are exceptional and historic animals. Efforts to respect their space and keep safe should be observed. The Nab and Rampsgill are a sanctuary for them where they can exist undisturbed or scared by people or dogs - you may have read about it in Alfred Wainwrights Book 2 “The Far Eastern Fells”. While much of the open fell is open access land there are some areas which are not and are maintained to allow the deer to remain undisturbed.
You should keep away from the red deer at all times, especially during calving time and this protected area may be closed between September and February for deer management and possibly at other times as required. To avoid any disappointment it is important to check that access will be available before your visit with the Dalemain Estate Office.
The following routes are open access and are good walks:
For ascents from Martidale, you can either take a shorter and easier route, starting at Dale Head Farm and following the marked footpath towards Angle Tarn before turning East behind Buck Crag to the gate at Satura Crag and to the Nab via Rest Dodd. Descent is by returning the way you have come. The longer route is from the Old Church climbing up onto High Street above Gowk Hill and around The Knott to reach Rest Dodd.
The north, east and west sides of the fell are very steep and not safe, especially when wet.
There is no access through the fields on and below the Nab to the road to the north. This is not open access land and there are no public rights of way here.
