THE HOWGILL FELLS

Our source for these walks has been Alfred Wainwrights book "Walks on the Howgill Fells and adjoining fells". As the walks have been done, other tops not specifically included by Wainwright have been crossed or others were noted from the maps and detours made to take them in. As well as the actual Howgill Massive (44 tops), the listing includes certain fells in the Mallerstang/Garsdale/Rawthey triangle and some fells to the west of the M6 mainly above the Borrowdale Valley. Most of these were included by Wainwright in his book, although we have added some further tops. In all a total of 66. This can be said to be a comprehensive listing, but not necessarily definitive.

The listing below shows all the fells and the dates climbed by our club, and by which club members. Dad started his challenge to climb all these fells in the pre-Stag days, so we must say a big thank you to him for revisiting some 18 summits during 2010, so that we all completed this goal on the same day. Our intention to climb all 66 fells was realised on 3rd November 2010, when we reached the summit of Linghaw.

Little Eric, who only joined us in March 2008 still has some 12 summits to achieve to complete the challenge, something Dad intends to do for him in during 2011.

Currently the individual climbed status of each member is :-

Last updates - 9th January 2011 - Westerdale, Kensgriff & Yarlside from Cross Keys, Cautley

In the Howgills again today ticking off more of Little Eric's outstanding tops. We drove through rain on the way to Sedbergh, but the fells seemed to be in sun so we were hopeful of a dry day. Not quite the case however. All was green in the valley, in complete contrast to the fells that were covered in snow. So, parking by the Cross Keys Hotel, we set off crossing the River Rawthey, then right along the path towards the farm called Narthwaite. The path led to a ford, Dad crossing without getting wet feet, to climb the track to the farm. Passed the first buildings, to turn left and follow the path steeply uphill by the wall on the right, then taking the left fork with the wall to the left along the slopes of Wandale Hill, above and up Westerdale. By now the sky had darkened and the wind was blowing hard as a hail storm swept up the dale. We dived for cover in the rucksack, but poor Dad had to plough on getting thoroughly wet, although a tree provided some cover to wait it out. Not relishing the prospect of these conditions on the hills, were were glad when it finally cleared away and the rest of the day was bright and mostly sunny. Continued along the snowy path with Kensgriff, its long whalebacked ridge on the other side of the valley. Below were the forelorn and derelict buildings of Mountain View farm, that was, at one time, the only habitation in the valley. Finally as the path swung right towards Adamthwaite, Dad went left to descend to the confluence of Spen Gill & Stockless Gill striding them both, to then make the long and tedious climb to the summit of Kensgriff. It was hard going in the snow, Dad sinking to his calf at times. There were many rises on the way but at last we came to the final one with the summit cairn. As we had risen higher the wind increased and was blowing fiercely, whipping the snow into plumes and blowing it over the ground as high as Dad sometimes - it rather got in our eyes and we kept having to screw them shut. Despite the wind, the cairn provided enough shelter for us to sit for our picture - ever plucky we are!! The views were wonderful of the surrounding fells all snow covered too. What a contrast to the valleys that were all green. So, onwards in the same direction to desend to the Saddle above Bowderdale. Here Dad was faced with three choices. Climb the near vertical steep facing slope of Yarlside, cop out and return below the fell, or try to find and easier ascent by descending to Bowderdale and climbing the ridge from there. Dad was desperate not to disappoint Little Eric and summit Yarlside, but the last option although maybe easier involved losing so much height, so it had to be option 1. The slope is steep and difficult when dry, but with snow was very tricky, as ice was in places, concealed under it. Dad just took his time, picking the route carefully and avoiding any ice that could have caused a fall. It was tough and hard on his legs, but eventually we reached the ridge, where just a short stroll left brought us to the summit cairn, that again provided just enough shelter from the fierce wind for us to sit for our picture. More fantastic views - breathtaking. Dad got a few pictures but then had to get his gloves back on before the wind chill caused the feeling to completely go from his fingers. Then followed the long and at times steep descent. First to the subsidiary summit with its cairn, where there was a superb view of the impressive Cautley Spout waterfall. Steeply down now to come to Ben End, and so below the snow line and finally down to the path and the bridge over the Rawthey. In this walk in his book, AW says 'descend the grass slope half-left in a beeline for (a) the Cross Keys seen far below, and (b) a super meal of ham, egg and chips'. Well, Dad just had to do as he was told. A huge plateful - 16oz gammon, two eggs, tomato, pineapple, chips and peas. Superb. We would recommend anyone to have a meal here. The building is full of character too. While Dad was eating we were having our picnic in the car, getting warmed up with flasks of soup and tea. On the way home Dad called at Mr Williamson's in Barbon to stock up on marmalade and chutney. Super day!

2nd January 2011 - Rispa Pike & Elliot Howe from Raisgill Hall

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. 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 left the track left and climbed the rough ground to the summit marked by a stone shelter. This was first of Little Eric's 12 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 up Uldale to Uldale Head and 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 between Gaisgill and Longdale, from where it was just a short walk to Gaisgill and on to the car. Refreshment time 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 is 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

For all updates from 2009 see - Tetley's blog

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