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With Lorraine, Sapphie and Gem. Left the kids at home today.
Forecast was a lousy morning but a slightly better afternoon, so we planned a late start. However I got a bit stir crazy waiting, and decided to nip up one of the smaller Wainwrights at the top of the North-Western fells - Lorraine decided to come with me. Plan was to take the kids out in the afternoon.
We drove to Wythop, and parked near the start of the old Corpse Road on the side of Ling Fell.
The start of the Corpse Road
The path was wide and a very easy gradient - I suspect we could have driven to the top had we felt so inclined.
Setting off up the Corpse Road
View from the Corpse Road
Looking back down the Corpse Road
After the first couple of hundred yards the wind started blowing hard, and it started to rain with a bit of hail mixed in - blowing right in our faces of course. So not a lot of photography until we got to the top. Fortunately the walk to the top was very short!
Dogs on Ling Fell
Ling Fell summit
View from Ling Fell
View from Ling Fell
We descended the other side of the fell - much more sheltered from the wind, and the rain had stopped, so we got back to the car feeling refreshed, and not ready to return yet. So on to Sale Fell next door...
We hadn't realised quite how close the start of the Sale Fell ascent was, or we would have left the car where it was...
Start of Sale Fell ascent
Start of Sale Fell ascent
The ascent started up a moderately steep path alongside a wall, then branched right over the top of Dodd Crag
Dodd Crag, on Sale Fell
Once the ridge of the fell was reached, the walk was very pleasant and easy on soft grass, with good views.
Ling Fell, from Sale Fell
View from Sale Fell
View from Sale Fell
Unfortunately the wind and the sideways rain returned, though at least for now it was at our backs and pushing us up the hill.
View from Sale Fell
View from Sale Fell
The summit has no markers of any kind, but is clearly the highest point.
Sale Fell Summit
From the summit it was a short drop down to a wall, then follow it down to the farm road, then follow that to the car. Unfortunately the rain was really heavy throughout the descent, so no more photos.
Somehow walking in heavy rain is much more tolerable when you know you are on the homeward stretch, and especially when it's a short stretch! Despite the rain, this was an enjoyable morning's walking. In better weather, these two fells could be really fun little excursions to fill a spare hour or two in the Lakes.
