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I got an early finish off work so decided to head into the Dales in search of a previously unclimbed Hewitt. I decided on Great Knoutberry Hill from Widdale Foot which looked pretty straightforward on the map and fairly quick - both important considering time allowances and the murky weather.
It was raining when I set off, initially along a tarred track before an uninviting sign warning of a bull in the field stopped me in my tracks! The route was a public right of way so I ignored the sign and followed what was now a muddy farm track onwards and upwards.
- The start point!
- Initial road out of Widdale
- Not an inviting sign along a right of way!
The mud was now horrendous, thigh deep in areas and I found it was far easier to stay on slightly higher ground before rejoining the path when it hit the forest and was much firmer underfoot.
- Out of the mud into the forest!
Once out of the forest the gradient got a bit steeper as I headed up into the mist along the Widdale to Dent Bridleway.
Eventually I came to a stile on my right which gave access to the open fell and from here it was an easy and not too wet underfoot pull up to the trig point which was in thick mist and was surrounded by a pool of water (touchable thanks to some nice stepping stones).
- The Trig point on top
No views today and with rain threatening it was time to make a quick retreat back the way I came to the main Widdale to Dent track.
- The wall I followed to the summit
- This stile on the right is where you turn off for the summit from the Widdale to Dent track
Lower down it had brightened up somewhat and I got a pleasing view of Widdale as I walked back in fairly bright conditions.
- Looking down Widdale
Wanting to avoid going back through the mud bath on the other side of the forest, I took a right turn onto a good track which seemed to lead back to the Main Road. There were no signs up at this side of the track but once back at the Main Road it appeared that this was actually a private road! Oh well....it allowed to me avoid the muddy farm track!!
- The private track I followed back to the road
From here it was a mile of easy road walking back to the car to complete an easy after work wander.