Just the two of us

[johnkaysleftleg]

With Grace away gorge walking, rock climbing and all that stuff on an outwards bounds course we decided to take advantage and book a night in a hotel at Kirkby Stephen as an early anniversary present. Hughie got to stay a couple of days with grandparents much to his chagrin.

For the Saturday I decided upon a short wander in the Howgills as Nicola hadn't enjoyed the charms of these fantastic hills before. Our route took us up the side of Cautley Spout, along the edge of Cautley Crag, the tops of Calders and the Calf before returning via Bowderdale Head. It was a stunning day with the Lakes, and the Scafells in particular, looking incredibly clear.

Starting out towards the falls by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Cautley Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Yarlside by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Cautley Spout by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Cautley Spout and Crag by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

View down to Cautley Holme Beck by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Along Cautley Crag towards Bowderdale Head by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Arant Haw by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Views South towards the Dales by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Scafells from Calders by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Some Howgill locals by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Looking towards Hellvelyn from the Calf by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Bowderdale by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Bowderdale Head by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Cautley Spout by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

our_route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Following a very fine night spent in Kirkby Stephen the gentle slopes of the Dales were just the ticket given the previous nights excesses and a huge breakfast. We parked up at Cotegill Bridge in the wonderful, mysteriously named Mallerstang valley and made our way up Wild Boar Fell. On another fine day the Eastern escarpment looked fantastic from the areas of limestone pavement and it was a nice steady pull up to the summit with some superb views.

Cotegill Bridge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Limestone Pavement by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The Nab by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Wild Boar Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (click to see bigger version)

Wide Open Spaces by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Looking towards The Nab by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

View North from The Nab by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

View South from the Nab by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Wild Boar Fell Summit by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

We returned to the escarpment following bagging the summit and checked out the superbly built cairns that litter the edge before making our way around the the large summit plateau. A small dip down and re-ascent took us to the top of Swarth Fell. We sat for a while, taking in a splendid panorama on a blissful afternoon. It would have been all to easy to fall asleep listening to the skylarks but we pulled ourselves away for the simple pathless return to the car.

Back to the Edge by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Stone Men of Wild Boar Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Looking towards Swarth Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

South End of the Escarpment by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Swarth Fell Summit by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Wild Boar Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

Across Mallerstang from the descent by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr

The Mallerstang Valley by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr (click pic for bigger version)

A really nice weekend with some perfect conditions for walking and a visit to Skye to look forward to next week Happy days!

our_route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

[Ibex]

Lovely photo's as usual. Pretty interesting rock formations are there too.

But a lack of Hughie gets a thumbs down from me. Sorry!

[L-Hiking]

Wonderful pictures as always Anthony, and a wonderful part of our country. Good to see you and Nicola getting some you time together too.

[johnkaysleftleg]

Lovely photo's as usual. Pretty interesting rock formations are there too.

But a lack of Hughie gets a thumbs down from me. Sorry!

Thanks Ibex, normal service will be resumed regarding Hughie

Wonderful pictures as always Anthony, and a wonderful part of our country. Good to see you and Nicola getting some you time together too.

Cheers mate, have you had your break in bonnie Scotland yet? Hopefully you had a good'un.

[L-Hiking]

Anthony

Now that is a real strange coninsidence!! My friend Terry and I actually did the same walk on Saturday. We did not have such a wonderful clear day as you did but thoroughly enjoyed it. Did you see the Peregrine Falcons?

[johnkaysleftleg]

Anthony

Now that is a real strange coninsidence!! My friend Terry and I actually did the same walk on Saturday. We did not have such a wonderful clear day as you did but thoroughly enjoyed it. Did you see the Peregrine Falcons?

No peregrines for us I'm afraid, did look like perfect county for them however so I'm not surprised, glad to here you're back on the hills