shaped route (see below).There was a lovely chill in the air as we set off but it wasn't long before we warmed up on our way up Longlands Fell. The cool air was providing superb visibility with not only Criffel but the higher hills of Galloway behind clearly visible.
Longlands Fell quickly came and went along with the Birkett top of Lowthwaite Fell before we contoured round towards Brae Fell.
Setting out by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Binsey by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
First of the Day by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Lowthwaite and Longlands Fells by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Brae Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The views from here were fairly similar to Longlands, if slightly more extensive to the East so onwards we went to our lunch date on Little Sca Fell. This is a nice top with an unusual sunken summit shelter and it made a fine place for our repast. As is often the case this minor top is clearly superior to the main top of Great Sca Fell which is flat boggy and fairly dreary.
Great Sca Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Much the same could be said of the trudge up Knott, the high point of our walk. I’d be lying if a few thoughts along the lines of “why am I doing this?” didn't cross my mind on the way up. The reward for the trudge was a magnificent summit view that lacked in depth but little else. The visibility was superb with views to the north stretching around 70 miles with distant hills like the Cheviot clearly visible. To the South the views denied us so far opened up with the skyline of the Eskdale round standing out very clearly. We lingered awhile taking it all in before heading back to the shallow col and then steeply down the open grassy fell side towards Meal Fell.
Trudging up Knott by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Blencathra from Knott by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
The Scafells beyond Great Calva by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace and Hughie on Knott by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
High Pike by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Fell Side Textures by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Looking towards Meal Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Uldale Fells by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
For big version follow the link http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnkaysleftleg/9840987916/in/photostream/lightbox/
Meal Fell has a fine summit shelter giving it the sense of being a little fort in the middle of the hills and we enjoyed a bit more fuel and a bit of a sit down. The final fell of the round, the intriguingly named Great Cockup, looks very close from here but there’s a fair drop down to the pass of Trusmadoor before an initially steep ascent.
Family shot on Meal Fell by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Trusmadoor by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Trusmadoor from the ascent of Great Cockup by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
It was while we were crossing Trusmadoor when I made the innocent comment of it looking like a great place for a wild camp that set Graces imagination running riot. Needless to say we are now checking out reviews of lightweight tents, sleeping bags etc with dreams of a summit camp on Sgurr Na Stri or such like. My daughter isn't easily dissuaded once she gets something in her head so I’d say sooner or later it will happen.
The main feature of Great Cockup is its view of Skiddaw behind the impressive Dead Crags of Bakerstall, otherwise its a bit nondescript and we soon headed down the open fell side before making our way along a lovely path above Longlands Beck.
Back O'Skiddaw by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Grace and Hughie on Great Cockup by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Heading down from Great Cockup by johnkaysleftleg, on Flickr
Many might consider these fells a bit boring but for me there is far more drama and interest in this landscape than is obvious upon initial viewing. The Uldale fells are like walking in another area altogether as they are so different too much of the Lakes, I for one could spend many a happy day wandering around this part of the world and I suspect I will do just that in the coming years.
