Martindale: The Complete Guide to the Lake District's Red Deer Valley

1 September 2026

About Martindale

Martindale is an estate valley owned by the Dalemain Estate, managed as a deer forest since at least the 16th century. The red deer herd is one of the oldest managed herds in England. The valley is enclosed by the fells of Place Fell, Beda Fell, and Steel Knotts, giving it a contained, cathedral quality — you feel cut off from the wider world in a way that few Lake District valleys achieve.

The village of Martindale has a church — St Peter's at the dale head — that dates from 1882, though there has been a place of worship in the valley for much longer. The older chapel (St Martin's) near the dale entrance is medieval. A very small community lives in the valley year-round.

Getting there and parking

The approach is from Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater. Take the road east from Pooley Bridge through Dacre and south through the villages of Martindale. Alternatively, take the Ullswater Steamers to Howtown and walk or take the minor road south into the valley.

Parking is severely limited. There are a handful of spaces at the dale head and a small parking area near the dale entrance. Arrive before 8am on peak October mornings to be sure of parking. Overloading the valley with vehicles damages both the experience and the ground. Consider the Ullswater Steamer approach from Glenridding if possible.

Wildlife through the year

October is the rut. Come early, move quietly, stay at distance. The stags are visible on the open fellside from first light. November and December: hinds and last year's calves in valley groups. Good lighting conditions on clear winter days. January to March: the valley is quiet but the deer are there. Spring: calves are born in May and June and kept hidden in deep vegetation.

Year-round, Martindale is good for buzzard, raven, red kite, and peregrine. The raptors use the valley thermals and hunt along the fell edges. Red kites — unmistakeable large raptors with forked tails — are increasingly common above the valley after the Cumbrian reintroduction.