Walkhighlands

For my second day in the Dales I headed for the tiny village of Thwaite from where I set out for Great Shunner Fell.The weather was terrible driving into Thwaite and got worse higher up.Mist set in then came some snow and heavy winds.The route up Great Shunner Fell has been paved to prevent erosion from people doing the Pennine Way.I didn't come across any other walkers today but I can imagine that this path is busy in the summer.
On reaching Great Shunner Fells summit shelter I didn't hang around (it was freezing) so I followed the fence that takes you all the way to the minor road that runs past the Butter Tubs.I crossed this to climb up Lovely Seat returned to the road and headed back along the road to Thwaite.

After reading the title.... I clicked expecting to see a cairn shaped like a chair with some comfy padding on it I think I may be retarded

Nice post, looked a bit chilly on the summits but always great to have them to yourself

Hi ChrisW you can't see it so well in the photo but it is shaped like a chair but uncomfortable

Looks abit fresh there .. Its nice to get the hills to yourself sometimes!! .Ive still got to do Lovely Seat, ill get it 1 day....

Its a quick one to bag from the road if your ever that way.

You know what i might even attempt to run up it!! A man test!!

I would have paid money to see someone do that today I was slipping walking up.

Great Shunner is one I've yet to do. What's it like underfoot following the fence from the Buttertubs which is the way I'd preferably do it?

I did this one today so it's fresh in my memory,it may be better in summer.It had rained heavy this morning whilst on my way to this walk then it started snowing all that water had somewhere to go making it awful.
The rest of the walk was fine just from the summit of Great Shunner Fell to the road was treacherous.

Mike Harding does a good round of the two in his walking in the Dales book, setting off from Hardraw in Wensleydale. Thats the one I'd follow if I didn't do the direct route and I got a decent day. I'm actually planning it now he makes it sound an interesting trip.

I enjoyed being on Great Shunner today with it snowing and visibility down to a few meters it felt like I had it to myself,it was spooky.

PauloUK77 wrote:I enjoyed being on Great Shunner today with it snowing and visibility down to a few meters it felt like I had it to myself,it was spooky.

I does add to the challenge. Even the gentle yorkshire dales can throw Scottish Highlands conditions your way.

The 'seat' seems to have taken a bit of a battering. Here's what it looked like when I was up there in July last year ...


It's a great walk to do from Hardraw. I just followed the Pennine Way up to Great Shunner Fell, then down to the summit of the Buttertubs Pass, followed by the short climb up to Lovely Seat. From there, it's a pathless walk across Abbotside Common before dropping down into Sedbusk and a short walk back to Hardraw.

A great little walk ...

The seat looks better from your pic, I think its had a harsh winter.