The two ridges above the Mallerstang Valley,

[Rodhumphreys]

Another fine and warm early June morning for a long two ridge walk in the Mallerstang valley. I parked in ‘facing-out’ in the small layby across the road from the Moorcock Inn. The start of the route follows the Pennine Bridleway ascending steadily to level off at High Dyke. The bridleway passes an enclosure at Calf Moss and then a minor path follows the fence on the open moor, heading uphill in a north easterly direction. If you can keep to this path, it will guide you steadily uphill, past the grouse shooting stands, and all the way to the flattish summit of Sails and Little Fell. I had chosen a day when the tops were clearly visible and the views to the west provided a good perspective of the ridge which would form the latter stages of the return walk across Swarth Fell. Firstly, though, the top of Little Fell is quite broad and very pleasant. The path across the moor towards Hugh Seat is occasionally indistinct, particularly as it crosses some potentially very boggy ground. Eventually, on the southern flank of Hugh Seat, you reach a fence which can be easily followed on to higher ground, past several distinctive stone pillars and onward to High Seat. If you enjoy splendid isolation and long views on a clear day in the Pennine Moors, then this quite inspiring section from the Moorcock through to High Seat may well be completed without seeing anyone.

I chose to descend High Seat directly to the west, carefully avoiding the rocky outcrops on Mallerstang Edge, and aiming for the footpath which comes up from the valley road along Headley’s Gill. Once you have descended the steep grassy slopes, there is some more potentially wet ground to navigate until the path becomes increasingly more distinctive as it descends to Outhgill and the B6259. There are footpath alternatives on the lower slopes following the river southwards, but I chose to walk along the quiet road for 2k to Hazelgill. Just note that the road may be busier over the weekend and the path alternative would then be much more desirable.

From Hazelgill, the walk on to the side of Wild Boar Fell follows the Pennine Bridleway, before turning south to take the ridge to the top of the hill. As you reach the summit plateau there are a whole series of stone pillars visible in the distance which led to me following the edge of the ridge, rather than checking on the actual location of the trig point, so I engaged in a little bit of backwards and forwards to visit both the pillars and the actual top of the hill. It’s best to visit the top first, then take the faint path across to the stone pillars, and then follow the fence until you see the grassy track descending to Swarth Fell Tarn. Then up to Swarth Fell, continue south to the Pike with fine views of Ingleborough ahead of you, and the ridge previously travelled across Little Fell to the east. There is a long section for tired legs now over Turners Hill, still following a clear grassy track before reaching a high ladder stile at the intersection with A Pennine Journey. At this point care needs to be taken to follow the route down across the South Lunds enclosure. I lost the path completely, but I am sure it is there somewhere. Nevertheless, aiming for the house at the bottom of the hill, I walked straight up to the stile providing access to the footbridge across the railway line, and then back along the road for a well-deserved pint in the Moorcock.

For me, the route was mostly dry underfoot on grassy paths which were a delight to walk on, but it was June. The fact that I could see the route ahead at all times was a real bonus and justifies the use of the word ‘inspiring’ earlier in the report. I am sure it would be a different sort of challenge on a wet day in January, particularly given the distance. A really rewarding Pennine journey over two ridges above the valley.

[Broggy1]

Thanks for posting - think I'll copy this one once we get a drier spell.

Been meaning to revisit them all and a Southern approach appeals.

Cheers

[Rodhumphreys]

Thanks for posting - think I'll copy this one once we get a drier spell.

Been meaning to revisit them all and a Southern approach appeals.

Cheers

Yes, the southern approach to the round has the huge advantage of finishing outside a very good pub. Mildly interesting point in that the first Hewitt has recently been re-designated as Sails rather than Little Fell...so the more southerly of the two tops on this flat ridge. See if you can find a better line than I did over South Lunds pasture! Rod

[treehugger]

Crikey that's some walk.

[Rodhumphreys]

Crikey that's some walk.

Well it was a fine morning close to the longest day so it was just great to be out there so early! One of the advantages of being retired is I can choose the best weather days...and this was spectacular.