The Northern Fells occupy a circular area about 10 miles in diameter. The centre is slightly lower, an area of upland grazing and marshland known as Skiddaw Forest. This name may be misleading since the only trees form the windbreak of Skiddaw House. This isolated building, was once a shepherd's bothy. It currently serves as a youth hostel. Skiddaw Forest stands at the head of the three major rivers of the Northern Fells. The Caldew, Dash Beck and the Glenderaterra. These streams divide the circular area into three distinct sections.
I led a group of 2 up to the lovely summit of Latrigg. Starting from the roadside at Briar Rigg, we followed the steep but easy path (also the Cumbria Way) to Mallen Dodd and on to Latrigg. The weather was fine and cool with a bit of a breeze (as always, up there!) From there we headed East through the field (keeping the dog under close control throughout the walk due to sheep) to a gate and stile, leading into Brundholme Wood. We followed the path Westwards through the mixed (mostly pine) woodland to rejoin the original path at NY272245.
