
Backpacking from Staveley station to a Rockhoppers MC trip staying in the Shap Fell Bothy. The first day was fine but all rivers were in spate and the ground was sodden: light sleat. I walked past Skeggles Water and dropped into Longsleddale to Brownhowe Bottom, dropping down to Mosedale Cottage bothy where I stayed the night. The next day I decided it would be easiest to handrail the fence up to Tarn Crag, however this meant climbing into the wind initially. Goggles were required and with a heavypack (I had been travelling) this was excruciating. The actual summits of Tarn Crag and Grey Crag were saved for a better day. I could see only a few feet and was constantly being blown over. However I passed over Harrop Pike and Great and Little Yarlside to arrive at Shap Fell Bothy sodden but relieved, but also somewhat exhilarated. Those were the worst conditions I had ever been in whilst on my own.
Area :
Far Eastern Fells
Reaching their highest point at High Street(828 metres) they occupy a broad area to the east of Ullswater and Kirkstone Pass. Much quieter than the central areas of Lakeland they offer in general easier but less exciting walking as the fells merge mainly into the surrounding moorlands. Exceptions however are the fine rock scenery to be seen surrounding the head of Haweswater