Hart Fell ridges horseshoe, near Moffat

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This superb horseshoe of escarpments and ridges - including the very fine Saddle Yoke - encircles the skyline around the Blackhope Burn. It makes for the classic route to the Corbett of Hart Fell.

Terrain

Very steep (and rough) initial ascent. Good going along the ridges, then a pathless wet section across to Under Saddle Yoke. Mostly grassy ridges for descent with final steeper slope.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Blackshope. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park near the start of a track just east of Blackshope Cottage, around 10km along the A708 from Moffat; there is space for several cars without impeding any entrances, or on the verge opposite. Begin the walk by heading back along the A708, crossing the bridge over the Blackshope burn, and then after a small building but before a barn turn right through a gate into the pastureland. Head up through the field, keeping close to the burn, to reach a further gate at the top end where the Hang Burn flows out of a ravine. From here the next stage of the ascent becomes extremely steep; keep to the east side of the ravine unless the bracken is high, in which case it may be easier to climb the other side of the burn.

Stage 2

Thankfully the bracken eventually relents and the ascent becomes more gradual. Keep fairly close to the burn, eventually reaching a fixed gate in a fence. Climb the gate and then turn right by the fence to reach another fixed gate. Once over this one bear left to continue the ascent, still keeping east of the burn.

Stage 3

The going is hummocky and rough, but becomes easier as the climb steepens once more towards Black Craig. The ground falls away very dramatically to the right, giving superb views across the glen to Saddle Yoke - the later stages of the walk. As the ground levels off the escarpment swings left.

Stage 4

The walk continues close by the escarpment, passing a small cairn, then picks up a track that leads further from the edge. After a very slight dip the track crosses the flat plateau of Swatte Fell - the Donald summit is by the wall over to the west. Eventually the track comes alongside the wall and fence, with another slight dip before leading across the top of Falcon Craig. Continue down to the beautifully named col at Hass o' the Red Roads.

Stage 5

A short steeper climb - still by the wall - leads up onto the grassy plateau of Hart Fell, a world away from the dramatic escarpments. Continue to reach the trig point set in the middle of the cairn. The views are as good as any in the area, and very extensive. From here the walk changes direction, following a fenceline to the northeast at first, then ENE and finally east to the indistinct top of Hartfell Rig.

Stage 6

Continue by the fence for part of the descent towards the next col - which is a peat bog seen ahead - before cutting off to traverse rough, pathless and wet ground above the headwaters of the Whirly Gill. The heavy going continues up onto Redgill Craig, which does have stunning views back to Hart Fell.

Stage 7

Continue southeast up improving ground to reach the summit of Under Saddle Yoke. This is another fine viewpoint, whether looking back, down on the left side into the dramatic valley of the Carrifran Burn and its Wildwood - a volunteer project which has seen the planting of thousands of native trees, or ahead towards the peak of Saddle Yoke.

Stage 8

Descend steeply down grass to the col then continue up the narrow, arete-like grassy ridge leading to the summit of Saddle Yoke. This fine ridge is quite unlike most hillwalking in the south of Scotland. From the summit continue along the descending ridge beyond - a delightful section.

Stage 9

At around 475m there is a fence across the ridge but a stile is provided. Across this there is one final short ascent to point 494m. The ridge continues for another 300m or so before losing definition, and there is a final steep (though mostly grassy) descent to the southwest to gain the Blackhope Burn track just where it reaches a gate. Go through the gate and follow the track back to the start of the walk.

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Hart Fell ridges horseshoe, near Moffat

Terrain

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