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The plan on this bright winter morning was to follow the Pennine Way along the ridge through to Cross Fell with the possibility of an ambitious circular over Round Hilll. However, today was going to be a perfect example of how plans made in sunny lowlands may well require some significant adjustment above 1500 feet.
The start of the walk from Dufton, along the Pennine Way, became a rather muddy farm track with a full blown stream cascading happily down the path. Once out of the farmland and on to the Fell this became a fine walk on a good ascending path over Green Fell. However, the clouds were down on the Fell above 600 metres and the ground snow, although not deep, became quite icy. As I approached the top the northerly wind became rather more pointed and the fine sunshine was replaced by thick cloud at 500 metres. I realised that there was little in the way of fun, interest or inspiration to be gained from carrying on for too long in these conditions so I decided on a very simple alternative. I battled on against the wind from the top and across Knock Fell to the point where the Pennine Way meets the radar station access road and then turned south west, following the snow and ice covered road down towards Knock. As the moorland cloud dispersed the views of the Lake District to the west were stunning. There are opportunities on the route down to break off on footpaths to Dufton, but I was enjoying the walk so I stayed with the very quiet roads.
This was the second time within a month that I had changed my route plans at the top of the first hill of the day. On both occasions it was the strength of the bitingly cold northerly wind on exposed high ground which persuaded me that there was sense in taking the first available descent to a warmer place! Cross Fell and Round Hill can wait for a summer's day, but this was a most enjoyable shorter circuit.
- Knock Fell Trig
- Looking west towards the Lakes