I love that place, as a kid we used to camp at the site just on the road, Chapel House camp site. Did that 5 times a year, every school holiday from being about 13 yrs old. Always used to walk along there. Beautiful place. I must add that to my list as well. Did you park near the church or can you get further up.
I parked in the school car park - paid a donation and bought some flapjack the kids had made. I made a day of it yesterday - Rannerdale - Honister - Seathwaite - Stonethwaite and finally ‘the road to hell’ up to Watendlath.