Summary

Summits Achieved

Preface

"Where are we going with Uncle Eric tomorrow?", asked Grizzly.

"To the Dunnerdale Fells", replied Dad.

"Haven't we been there before?", continued Grizzly.

"Yes", replied Dad, "but Uncle Eric has never walked in this area, so we can guide him around. Also you and Allen will finally tick off Stickle Pike, another of your Outlyer catch-ups"

"That's fine then", he called out as he trotted off to tell his pals.

The Walk

The sun shone all day from the clear blue skies, but we had to contend with very strong winds making the walking unpleasant at times. We met at Kiln Bank Cross, the highest point on the narrow road between Broughton Mills and Seathwaite. Unusually this road is still gated near Hoses Farm. It is times like these when Dad wishes he had other human company in the car! Across the road a high hill towered up.

"Is that Stickle Pike?" asked Allen.

"Yes" replied Dad, "but it is to be the last top of the day, so you and Grizzly will have to be patient."

This shot was taken a little later as we climbed up, and you might just make out the ribbon of the narrow road.

Using Wainwright's Outlying book as a guide, we walked along the good paths to come to the long abandoned remains of Stainton Quarry. Large spoil heaps and the old workings cut into the hill.

Climbed to the ridge and then right to cross the undulating ground before making the final climb to Raven's Crag. A Birkett summit, but also the nameless summit in AW's book. We had our picture taken, with the help of Uncle Eric, sheltering us from the wind and preventing us being blown off.

The route now continued along the ridge, before descending to the col, and in the same direction climbing to the large cairn on The Knott. This next part was new to Dad and us too, of course, descending steeply at times down Knott End to the road. Followed the good path right to Knott End Farm and on to come to the road we had driven up to the start. Crossing this, the path led down to Dunnerdale Beck, with its slab bridge, before climbing to pass through Scrithwaite Farm.

Now the path led to a bridleway, which we followed right towards our next objective, Great Stickle. Once past the last wall, we soon struck right to climb to a col. Then on to find a path going right once more, which eventually took us to the cairn and trig point, seen here with Stickle Pike in the distance.

It was fiercely windy up here, but we managed to find shelter below the cairn to have our lunch. This vantage point provided a good view to plan the route to our next summit, Tarn Hill. Descending by our chosen path, we then made our way across and round a boggy area, to pick up a path that led to the cairn on Tarn Hill. This area is pretty with about five small tarns scattered about. Here we are on a previous visit at the summit with one of the tarns behind.

"At last", piped up Allen, "it's Stickle Pike next."

The hill reared up before us and we were eager to get to the summit. Crossing some rough rocky ground, we eventually made our way across to a good track without losing too much height. This climbed steeply to reach a col, where we took the steep path left to soon arrive at the summit, with its huge cairn.

We sheltered in a hollow on the lee side for our picture. "Hurrah", cried Allen, Grizzly & Little Eric, "we have climbed this at last!"

Descending again to the col, we walked left to pass by the pretty Stickle Tarn.

Then a clear path soon led us to the start at Kiln Bank Cross. To round off the day Uncle Eric and Dad went to the Square Cafe in Broughton in Furness for a nice pot of tea and cake. It had been a great day out, and Uncle Eric was particularly pleased to tick the summits off and enjoy this wonderful corner of Lakeland.

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