Start: Doddick Farm holiday apartment NY 33523 26553
Distance: 30k
Duration:
Direction: E from farm then W up Scales fell; NNE to Bowscale fell then NW toward Blackheart Beck but actually river crossing 1.5km NE; turning WNW by Mine then across rough land N direct (not on path) to Great Lingy Hut bothy. Returning SSW then S, missing the track and going across rough land again to join Cumbria Way SW to Skiddaw House then SSE through valley gap to Blencathra Field centre and returning along the lower edge of Access land to E.
Description: Steep ascent to begin with and considerable amount of Access land, some tracks and off path navigation. Twice I missed my intended target, the first time meaning I had to cross the river, which was too deep to get across in boots so I used my rubber socks carried specially for such eventuality, at NY 32295 32316.
I also missed the track on the return route however managed to follow the general direction across rough land and pick up the Cumbria Way. Learning point: more accurate navigation!
Area :
Northern Fells
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.
