Yorkshire Dales mountains, fells & hills, by Mark Reid

Green Bell (605m)

2011-11-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Green Bell (605m)

Summit: Green Bell - NY 699 011
Summit Cairn: 605 metres
Walked: 22nd Octyober 2011
Distance: 13 km (8.2 miles)
Time taken: 5 hours
Start/Finish: Ravenstonedale
Weather: Cool, very windy, sunny, excellent visibility.
Height gain: 370 metres
Map: OL19

Route: From Ravestonedale, I walked alogn the road to Greenside then followed the bridleway west to the road at Will Hill. I followed the road westwards then took the public footpath south (indistinct in places and VERY boggy around Pinskey) via Pinskey, Stwarth, Hunthoof Pike up onto Green Bell. This summit is a superb vantage point, with the rounded, unenclosed hills of the Howgill Fells, dissected by steep-sided deep valleys, stretching away as far as the eye could see southwards.

From the summit, I followed the broad ridge south-westwards via Spengill Head and Stockless to the saddle of land below Randygill Top (head of Stockless Gill), where I turned east, contouring across the hillside to reach the saddle at the head of Long Gill (Grere Fell). I then followed a narrow path across the steep upper slopes of Green Bell high above Long Gill to the saddle of land between Green Bell and Knoutberry and then up onto Knoutberry. From there, I followed the east spur down into the saddle between Knoutberry and Knott, where I picked up a clear path which I followed along the eastern side of Wyegarth Gill to the enclosure at Thornthwaite where I followed the track back into Ravenstonedale passing Kilnmire along the way. The final 30 minutes of this walk was completed with head-torches (planned!) - e sunset across the Howgill Fells was magnificent!

I guided a group of 6 people along this route, as part of their NNAS Silver Award navigation course.
OL19 map and compass required for this walk. Much of this walk heads across Open Access land, with indistinct or non existent paths in places. Navigation will be difficult in poor weather. The Howgill Fells are remote, high, exposed and navigationally challenging - but fantastic for walking!

PHOTOS OF THE WALK
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2011

Nine Standards Rigg (662m) & High Seat (709m)

2011-07-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Nine Standards Rigg (662m) & High Seat (709m)

Summits: Nine Standards Rigg - NY 826 061; High Seat - NY 802 012

Summit Cairns: 662 & 709 metres

Walked: 24th July 2011

Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles)

Time taken: 9 hours

Start/Finish: Kirkby Stephen
Weather: Warm, sunny, excellent visibility.
Height gain: 700 metres
Map: OL19

Route: From the centre of Kirkby Stephen, I followed the the Coast to Coast route to the summit of Nine Standards, following the path across Frank's Bridge and into Hartley, from where a road climbs steadily up to reach a fork at the end of the road. A track then carries on across gently rising moorland alongside Reigill then Faraday Gill up onto the summit of Nine Standards Rigg - an easy walk! There are superb views across the Vale of Eden towards the North Pennines. From Nine Standards to Outhgill, the route mostly follows Open Access Land, with indistinct paths in places but much of it pathless.

From the summit, attention to navigation is required to follow the correct path down across Rollinson Haggs to reach the head of Dukerdale, from where a grassy path heads across limestone to reach the unfenced moorland road at Tailbridge Hill. A grassy 'quad track' then climbs steeply up onto High Pike Hill, from where an intermittent path heads south across the broad moorland ridge (above Mallerstang Edge) up onto the broad summit plateau of High Seat (709m), marked by a small cairn. This is a magical spot, with breathtaking views across to Wild Boar Fell, Ingleborough, Great Shunner Fell and a vast sea of moorland. A remote, wild and lonely place.

From the summit cairn, I turned west down a short but steep escarpment before reaching Mallerstang Edge proper. Care must be taken in choosing the correct route down as there are cliffs and steep ground here that could prove dangerous. I chose a steep but grassy route down between the two small streams that flow down towards Outhgill - the only difficulty was the steepness, as underfoot it was a grassy slope that required a lot of zig-zagging! At the foot of Mallerstang Edge, I continued down alongside the stream across rough, boggy ground to pick up the 'dead end' footpath that leads into Outhgill. Field paths, tracks and lanes then took me back to Kirkby Stephen via Pendragon Castle, Lammerside Castle and Wharton Hall.

I guidied a group of 13 people along this route.

OL19 map and compass required for this walk. Public paths and Open Access Land. Navigation will be difficult in poor weather. The descent down Mallerstang Edge from High Seat is very steep and requires care and attention to pick the correct line of descent.

PHOTOS OF THE WALK
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2011

Yorkshire Three Peaks

2011-07-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

Yorkshire Three Peaks
Pen-y-ghent (694m) - Whernside (736m) - Ingleborough (724m)

Walked: 26th June 2011
Distance: 40 km (25 miles)
Time taken: 12 hours
Start & Finish: Horton in Ribblesdale (7am start)
Group: 9 parents raising money for our School PTA (over £1,000)
Weather: Warm, sunny spells, light winds, good visibility, occassional shower late afternoon.
Height gain: 1,600 metres!
Map: OL2

Route: Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Brackenbottom, Pen-y-ghent, Black Dubb Moss, Birkwith, God's Bridge, Ribblehead, Force Gill Aqueduct, Whernside, Bruntscar, Hill Inn, Ingelborough, Sulber Nick and back to Horton.

A well-trodden path, paved with flagstones for much of the way, although with long sections across boggy ground. Navigation straightforward in good visibility, although care must be taken on the summits and across the boggy ground of Black Dubb Moss as well as Sulber towards the end of the walk. The climbs are not that difficult - easy scrambling up onto Pen-y-ghent, long plod up onto Whernside, very steep ascent along a pitched-stone path onto Ingleborough, whilst the descent from Whernside is very steep. The challenge is the long distances between the mountains - 10 miles from Pen-y-ghent to Whernside across bog as well as a river crossing, and 6 miles from the summit of Ingleborough back to Horton, which seems to go on forever across slippery and muddy limestone.

Good stamina and endurance are essential, as well as plenty of food and water. I drank 5 litres over the course of the day, and snacked on high energy food throughout. There are two possible 'escape routes' by bailing out at Ribblehead (train back to Horton) or at the Hill Inn (walk along the road back to Ribblehead Station).

In summary - a test of stamina and endurance, where personal barriers have to be overcome. The climb up Ingleborough is particularly gruelling, although I thought the long walk along Sulber Nick to be the most difficult part of the day as it went on and on and on across muddy limestone. Great sense of achievement though as we finally made it back to Horton. Pick your times carefully as the walk is very busy at weekends throughout summer.

Photos of the walk
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2011

Whernside (736m)

2011-02-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

Whernside (736m)

Trig Point: Whernside - SD 738 814
Walked: 8th February 2011
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Time taken: 6 hours
Start: Dent Station
Finish: Ribblehead Station (catch the Settle and Carlisle Railway back)
Weather: Cold, clear and sunny - superb visibility.
Height gain: 650 metres
Summit Cairns: 736 metres
Map: OL2

Route: From Ribblehead Station, park your car then catch the train to Dent Station (less than 10 minutes train ride), then walk back!

From Dent Station, I followed the road winding steeply down to Cowgill, then followed the valley road up thorugh Dentdale passing the Sportsman Inn to reach Bridge End Cottage. I then followed the path past Dent Head Farm and Blea Moor Tunnel (northern portal), before climbing steeply up through forest to emerge on Blea Moor, with its fascinating Air Shafts. I followed the path over Blea Moor (following the line of the tunnel beneath ground) down to reach the Aqueduct near Blea Moor Tunnel southern portal.

I then followed the clear path up passing Force Gill and then Greensett Tarn onto the summit ridge of Whernside. The views from the summit were superb. I continued along the clear path across the summit ridge before dropping steeply down to reach Bruntscar Farm, from where I followed paths and track back passing farms then beneath Ribblehead Viaduct back to Ribblehead.
OL2 map and compass required for this walk. Public footpaths and bridleways all the way.

Photos of the walk
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2011

Ingleborough (724m) & Simon Fell (650m)

2011-01-21T02:21:00.000-08:00

Ingleborough (724m) & Simon Fell (650m)

Trig Points: Ingleborough - SD 741 746; Simon Fell - SD 755 752
Walked: 19th January 2011
Distance: 18 km (11.25 miles)
Time taken: 6 hours
Start/Finish: Clapham, Yorkshire Dales
Weather: Cold, cloud inversion in the valleys with swirling mist; clear, bright, sunny and cold above 350 metres - superb visibility. Beautiful sunset and full moon, allowed for easy and beautiful night navigation to finish.
Height gain: 670 metres
Summit Cairns: 724 & 650 metres
Map: OL2

Route: This 'Fell Beck Round' is the easiest way up to the summit of Ingleborough, and the route with the most interest along the way. That said, it is a mountain walk that must be approached with caution and respect. The route also passes Gaping Gill, with its open chasm where Fell Beck disappears into a mighty cavern - there is a 340-ft sheer drop, so keep well away from its edge. Keep to the path in this area as the surrounding grassy moorland is littered with open potholes.

From Clapham, I followed the track northwards to Clapdale Farm, then on passing Ingleborough Cave and up through the spectacular limestone gorge of Trow Gill to reach Gaping Gill. This incredible pothole is situated in a broad, shallow valley of Fell Beck, with Little Ingleborough rising up ahead. From Gaping Gill, a clear path leads up onto Little Ingleborough before heading along the wide ridge up onto the flat-topped summit of Ingleborough. The trig point is a short detour westwards across the plateau.

From the summit, I followed the path down from the NE corner of the summit plateau into the 'saddle' between Ingleborough and Simon Fell then followed the wall up onto the rounded grassy hill of Simon Fell. I then followed the wall south down across peat hags (wonderful views across Ribblesdale) to join the Horton path at SD 758 742 and followed this path to Sulber. At Sulber, I turned SW to reach Sulber Gate then continued along the bridleway across Long Scar to pick up the start of Long Lane (track), which I followed all the way back to Clapham. A superb day in the Three Peaks. OL2 map and compass required for this walk. Public footpaths and bridleways all the way. I walked this route with Graeme Tiffany.

Photos of the walk
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2011

Pen-y-ghent (694m) & Plover Hill (680m)

2010-12-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

Pen-y-ghent (694m) & Plover Hill (680m)

Trig Points: Pen-y-ghent - SD 838 734; Plover Hill - SD 849 752
Walked: 17th December 2010
Distance: 14.5 km (9 miles)
Time taken: 5 hours
Start/Finish: Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Yorkshire Dales
Weather: Very cold (-7 degrees on summit), clear, bright with hazy winter sunshine, excellent visibility, patches of snow on the ground and extensive ice cover.
Height gain: 520 metres
Summit Cairns: 694 & 680 metres
Map: OL2

Route: From the car park at Horton-in Ribblesdale, I followed the road to Horton Church, then took the lane passing the school heading out of Horton to reach Brackenbottom Farm. I then followed the obvious, well-worn path up onto Pen-y-ghent via its steep southern ridge, which was extremely icy and required use of an ice axe. From the summit, I followed the wall northwards across the broad ridge towards Plover Hill, losing 70 metres of height, before gently rising up onto the rounded fell of Plover Hill; the highest point is marked by a small cairn of stones, although there is no obvious high-point on this moorland fell-top. Just beyond this small cairn is a superb view down into Littondale. NB: there is no way of crossing the walls safely to reach this cairn - when I walked this route I could simply step across the walls due to the high snow drifts! From the top of Plover Hill, I followed the public footpath down to join Foxup Road, with a short but very steep (and icy) stone-pitched path down a near-vertical escarpment - easy in normal 'summer' conditions, but treacherous in winter! I then followed Foxup Road (rough track) all the way back to Horton, passing Hull Pot along the way, with its frozen waterfall. OL2 map and compass required for this walk. Public footpaths and bridleways all the way.

Photos of the walk
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2010

Yockenthwaite Moor (643m)

2010-11-18T06:14:00.000-08:00

Yockenthwaite Moor (643m)

Trig Point: SD 909 811
Walked: 17th November 2010
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Time taken: 5 hours
Start/Finish: White Lion Inn, Cray, Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales
Weather: Cold, overcast with outbreaks of rain, strong winds and thick mist on the summit. Sleet and snow showers above 500 metres. Poor visibility in the mist.
Height gain: 320 metres
Summit Cairn: 643 metres
Map: OL30

Route: From the White Lion at Cray, we followed the footpath west to reach the FB across Crook Gill, then followed Crook Gill (and a stone wall/fence) northwards up through this steep-sided valley, passing several attractive waterfalls. At the head of this stream, we continued up alongside the wall to reach the dried-up Cray Tarn (boggy/marshy) from where it was a short walk across peat hags to the fence along the top of the broad moorland ridge (Cray Moss). We then turned west and followed this fence-line across path hags, moorland and bog for almost 2-km to reach the Trig Point (no views thanks to the thick mist). From the Trig Point we took a bearing of 154 degrees (south-east) to hit the wall just above a stream junction in the upper reaches of Strans Gill, which we then followed down to a gate through this wall/fence near Knott Barn (SD 916 792). After crossing Strans Gill, we headed east then south-east to pick up the footpath just above Scar House. We followed this path back to Cray. OL30 map and compass required for this walk. No dogs allowed on this moorland.

Photos of the walk
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2010

Great Whernside (704m)

2010-10-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

Great Whernside (704m)

Trig Point: SE 002 739
Start / Finish: Kettlewell, Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales
Walked: 17th October 2010
Distance: 12.25 km (7.5 miles)
Time taken: 5.5 hours
Weather: Sunny at first, clouded over, very cold on summit (0 degrees C). Reasonable visibility.
Height gain: 530 metres
Summit Cairn: 704 metres
Map: OL30

Route: From Kettlewell, followed track out of the village from beside the Kings Head then, at the campsite, took the footpath up alongside Dowber Gill Beck to Hag Dyke. A clear but rocky and boggy path then leads steeply up onto the rocky summit plateau. From the summit, I headed north along the summit ridge to the wall corner at Nidd Heads, then turned steeply down to join the Coverdale Road at Hunters Sleets. I then followed Starbotton Road (path) then Top Mere Road (track) back to Kettlewell. Rights of Way all of the way. OL30 map required for this walk. I walked this route with six people from Darlington who were taking part in a NNAS Bronze level Navigation Skills course.

Photos of the walk
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2010

Great Shunner Fell (716m)

2010-07-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Trig Point: SD 848 973
Walked: 26th July 2010
Distance: 17.5 km (11 miles)
Start / finish: Hardraw, Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales
Time taken: 6 hours
Weather: Cool, breezy, cloudy but good visibility.
Height gain: 490 metres
Summit Cairn: 716 metres
Map: OL30

Route: From Hardraw, I followed the Pennine Way all the way to the summit of Great Shunner Fell. This is a clear track from Hardraw to Hearne Top and then a grassy path with long stretches of flagged path all the way to the summit. The climb is relatively easy with only a few quite steep sections and long flat sections in between. From the summit, I then followed the fence SE to the fence corner at SD 853 969 where I turned S via Stony Edge, some small tarns to reach the new stony shooters track at Pickersett Edge (Beacon). From the foot of the escarpment of Pickersett Edge (after only a short walk along this track) I turned W alongside a line of wooden grouse butts before dropping quite steeply down into the valley of Hearne Beck (remote valley) to join a fence just above the stream. I followed this fence/stream for a short distance to reach a gate in a small section of wall. After the gate, I forded the stream to join an indistinct narrow path on the other side (marked by wooden posts) - this is the Hearne Coal Road, which is nothing like a road! This narrow, boggy path then leads down through this valley for about 1.5 miles before it gradually widened to become a track that continued to join the Pennine Way track at Bluebell Hill. I then re-traced my steps down into Hardraw. Open Access Land from the summit of Great Shunner Fell to the Hearne Coal Road. No dogs allowed on this section, which will also test your navigation skills!OL30 map required for this walk.

Photos of the walk
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2010

Darnbrook Fell (624m)

2010-05-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Darnbrook Fell (624m)

Trig Point: SD 885 728
Walked: 25th May 2010
Distance: 14 km (8.75 miles)
Start / Finish: Litton, Littondale, Yorkshire Dales
Time taken: 5 hours
Weather: Low cloud base (550 metres), cold (8 degrees) but dry. Poor visibility.
Height gain: 410 metres
Summit Cairn: 624 metres
Map: OL30

Route: From Litton, I followed the old track across Dawson Close to join the unfenced moorland road in the shadow of Pen y Ghent. I followed this road for a short distance before turning off along the Pennine Way steeply up into the summit plateau of Fountains Fell. From this summit plateau I turned NE alongside the stone wall across the summit plateau (E side of the wall) and followed this to reach a gate in this wall at SD 872 721. I then followed the wall NE down into the saddle between Fountains Fell and Darnbrook Fell then up to reach a wall junction just to the NW of the Trip Point. I then walked to the Trig Point. From the Trig Point, I followed the fence/wall WNW (N side of the fence/wall) and followed this N down across Cow Close to re-join the Dawson Close track at SD 887 742, which I then followed back down into Litton. Open Access Land from Fountains Fell to Dawson Close - there are gates in the walls across Fountains Fell, Darnbrook Fell and Cow Close - do not climb the walls. OL30 map required for this walk.

Photos of the walk

These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2010

Buckden Pike - 702m

2010-05-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Buckden Pike (702m)

Trig Point: SD 961 788
Walked: 11th May 2010

Stgart / Finish: Buckden, Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales
Distance: 13 km (8 miles)

Time taken: 4 hours

Weather: Snow showers on the summit, with occasional sunny spells; surprisingly cold, reasonable visibility between the showers.

Height gain: 470 metres

Summit Cairn: 702 metres

Map: OL30

Route: From Buckden, clear track (Buckden Rake) leads up onto shelf of land above Cray (Roman road) before clear path slants steadily up across Buckden Out Moor to reach the summit, with a final short but steep climb. From the summit, our route follows the right-hand side of the wall along the top of the broad summit ridge to reach the RAF war memorial, from where it is a short walk to join Walden Road (bridleway). This grassy path/track leads steadily down above the deep and dramatic ravine of Cam Gill Beck all the way into Starbotton in Wharfedale - this is a superb descent. Delightful riverside path (Dales Way) leads all the way back to Buckden. OL30 map required for this walk.

Photos of the walk
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2010

Drumaldrace (Wether Fell) - 614m

2010-03-03T04:32:00.001-08:00

Drumaldrace (Wether Fell) - 614m

Trig Point: SD 874 867
Walked: 1st March 2010
Distance: 11.25 km (7 miles)
Start / Finish: Hawes, Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales
Time taken: 4 hours
Weather: Snow showers and sunny spells, cold, good visibility, with deep patchy snow across the summit.
Height gain: 380 metres
Summit Cairn: 614 metres
Map: OL30

Route: From Hawes, flagged field paths lead to Burtersett from where there is a steady climb, steep in places, across boggy moorland (stream crossings) up to join Cam High Road (Roman Road). This enclosed track is followed up onto the flanks of Wether Fell, where our route heads off across Open Access land onto the summit of Wether Fell (Drumaldrace). A short stretch of rough walking now ensues across peat hags to join the bridleway across Wether Fell. This path is followed down into the ‘saddle’ between Wether fell and Yorburgh, from where a path leads straight down the hillside, steep in places, back to Gayle and Hawes. OL30 map required for this walk.

Photos of the walk
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2010

Horse Head - 609m

2010-02-02T02:12:00.000-08:00

Horse Head (609m)

Trig Point: SD 887 779
Walked: 1st February 2010
Distance: 10 km (6.25 miles)
Start / Finish: Beckermonds, Upper Wharfedale (Langstrothdale)
Time taken: 3.5 hours
Weather: Bright, clear and very cold (-2 degrees on the summit), with snow and ice patches underfoot.
Height gain: 340 metres
Trig Point: 605 metres
Highest point: Sugar Loaf - 609 metres (SD 894 678)
Map: OL30

Route: From Beckermonds, follow the riverside path (Dales Way) down through Langstrothdale to Deepdale then Yockenthwaite (passing the stone circle along the way), cross Yockenthwaite Bridge and walk along the road to Raisgill Farm from where follow the bridleway climbing steeply up alongside Hagg Beck to reach the wall along the top of the moorland ridge (views of Penyghent ahead) - this is a long climb with some steep sections. At the wall turn right and follow the wall gently rising up across the broad moorland ridge to soon reach Horse Head trig point (605m) from where you continue straight on alongside this wall along the top of the moorland ridge (heading across Little Fell to Eller Carr Moss) to reach the Halton Gill to Beckermonds footpath (marked by a ladder stile across the wall). Turn right and follow the grassy path straight down the hillside back to Beckermonds. OL30 map required for this walk.

Detour from Horse Head to highest point (Sugar Loaf):
The highest point marked on the Horse Head ridge is a spot called Sugar Loaf, which is a 1km detour SE from the gate in the wall on the top of the moorland ridge. Simply follow the wall in a SE direction across the top of the moorland ridge until you reach a fence across your path, where the intact wall on your right ends – the pile of stones to your right just across the wall before this fence marks this highest point.

Photos of the walk
These photos are in order, and the files are named. Copyright Mark Reid 2010

Mountains and Fells of the Yorkshire Dales

2010-01-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

OVERVIEW

There are 42 mountains and fells in the Yorkshire Dales over 600 metres, with a relative height of 20 metres or more. Between 2010 and 2012 I will chart a walk to the summit of each and every one of them. These walks will then appear in a three-volume book, along with this on-line photographic account. Some of the summits are well-known and well-trodden, whilst others only see one or two pairs of boots each year.

I plan to complete one summit every month, starting in February 2010 with the Northern and Central Fells. I plan to complete the 42 fells by Christmas 2012.

So, here's to some memorable walks.

Cheers, Mark Reid