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When travelling along the A66 ones eyes cannot help being drawn to the radar station at the top of Great Dun Fell and the adjacent Cross Fell, but just in front of these Pennine Giants is a small conical hill which on a clear day will give wonderful views to the Lakeland Fells, the Eden Valley and Mallerstang and of course the Pennines. This hill of course is Dufton Pike.
As my wife and I were travelling to see some relatives on the west coast I suggested we set off from York a little earlier and have a stroll up to work some appetite up for the coming Sunday Dinner. So we left York at 08.00 in thick mist which did not clear until well on the way over the A66. Indeed the mist did not seem to clear South of the road all day yet it did to the North. It was as if there was a barrier preventing the mist from clearing to the South or spreading Northwards.
The walk took just over 2 hours and having just done it, I would like to recomend it to anyone who has not climbed it. it is a pleasant stroll, although steep at first, it would make a great introduction to anyone interested in the fell walking hobby
The following are a few of pictures I took at the top of the fell, just to highlight its beauty, and to prove that the best views are not necessarily the highest or hardest to get to.
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- Looking to Brownber Hill and Threlkeld Side, the track to the right is the old mine road which was situated at the head of the valley, not sure if it was lead or iron ore
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- Knock Pike
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- Cross Fell to the left and Great Dun Fell to the right with the radar staion on top
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- Looking East towards Murton Pike
On the return the path at Coatsike Farm was very muddy and therefore to avoid the mud it may be a good idea to turn right at the bottom of the hill down the track which leads through Far Close then take a left on the minor road back to Dufton
