Summary & Summits

Walk Blog

The first summit blog on our first walk in 2011. We, with Dad, like to set some goals at the start of each year, giving us something specific to aim for. This year we have resolved to complete the Birketts, and Dad has agreed to reclimb some of the Howgills so that Little Eric can complete that challenge. Indeed, this was started today. It was dry and cloudy for the most part but visibility was good. The temperatures stayed around freezing all the time. Dad drove along the old road from Tebay, as this passed the start, but he was unable to find any where to park, so we started from Raisgill Hall, as in the past. Walked to the main road and crossed into Gaisgill. Then just out of the village, took the path left across the fields to Gill Hole Farm, where we joined the road and walked to its end at the house called Intake. The main objective Rispa Pike was now in view, distantly to the left. Here a signpost pointed to Whitefold Moss, our first destination. The clear track led on, meandering under the slopes of Weather Hill and Knott. There was sheet ice in places up to nearly 2 inches thick, so Dad had to resort to verge walking to avoid this. Eventually the large sheepfold came into view with Whitefold Moss beyond and Rispa Pike to the left. Passed the fold, to continue on along the less distinct tractor track, that climbed while slanting left towards Rispa Pike. At about 200ft from summit altitude, Dad struck left off the track, to climb the rough ground to the summit marked by a stone shelter. This was first of Little Eric's 12 outstanding tops done. We settled on a stone that provded a good seat, to have our picture taken. Then we all had lunch, while enjoying the dramatic views all around. North to the Pennines-Cross Fell and other higher tops covered in snow. Fine view south across the bleak terrain of Uldale to Breaks Head, with other Howgill summits to the east. Finally west to our beloved Lakeland Fells-Coniston Range, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End and Great Gable to name a few. So, dragging our eyes from the views, we walked north along the descending ridge, a clear tractor track soon emerging that led unerringly down over Uldale End and on to the barely imperceptible rise that is Elliot Howe. Without exception we had all been here before, but we had not had our picture taken at the summit, this being rectified today. The track continued, through a gate, to pass above Low Shaw, then to the buildings at Long Gills. According to Wainwright, his walk now directed us over the fields to the hamlet of Longdale. However the access land is now such that the only route is on along the track to Ellergill Farm and then to the road by the bridge over Langdale Beck between Gaisgill and Longdale, from where it was just a short walk to Gaisgill and on to the car. The main road passing Gaisgill, was until 1952 part of the South Durham & Lancashire Union Railway line between Tebay and Kirkby Stephen East. There was a station here and of that the station house and the waiting shelter subsequently converted to a bungalow still remain. See photo below, and a more detailed description and the larger image page.
Refreshment time now for Dad and he had planned to go to Steve and Joanne's at the Old School House in Tebay but it was closed. Instead he went to the Country Kitchen cafe at Bob Parratt's in Milnthorpe. Chunky chicken soup, was followed by a bacon cheese and tomato melt baguette, with tea. Dad told us it was very nice indeed and a visit can be recommended. A good day and great to be back to Sunday walking and get the 2011 account off to a good start!

Tetley

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