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Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Yorkshire Dales & Moors => Topic started by: karl h on 17:24:32, 26/05/20

Title: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 17:24:32, 26/05/20
My first drive to exercise today, and not wanting to visit any "honeypots" I headed for the wide open spaces of the Howgill fells. I found a route that didn't pass through any farms or even any gates.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120585.jpg)
There is a large parking area on the very narrow Fairmile road ( some parts of which date back to Roman times )  This is looking along the road to Fairmile Gate on a beautiful bank holiday Monday..
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120591.jpg)
Looking down to the river Lune, the railway and the M6 from where I leave the road headed for the col of Back Balk to pick up a good path up the more gentle side of Lingshaw.. There looks to be a path straight from the parking area directly up the side of Lingshaw but it's to early in the day,  (and to early in the post lockdown fitness recovery ) for any direct ascents.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120596.jpg)
Dillicar Knott is the top with the mast and the top to the right is Greyrigg Forest which I visited in March.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120600.jpg)
Crossing the unmarked top of Lingshaw and I have to lose some height before the start of the long pull to Fell Head. This is my first time walking in the Howgills but the hills did remind me very much off the back o' Skidda fells and I did get the same feeling of although your destination looks a long way away it's surprising how the time it takes to get there is shorter than you think.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120603.jpg)
This lovely balcony path is to be my way back to the car when I return to the col between Lingshaw and Fell Head.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120605.jpg)
There is the col, I'll be coming in from the left later in the day.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120606.jpg)
The view back with the top of Lingshaw visible. Once up here you get that "walking along on the top of the world" feeling.
.(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120609.jpg)
You can just make out the trigpiont on The Calf which is ( just about ) the highest of the Howgill fells.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120612.jpg)
On Fell Head now about to follow the wonderful high level promenade to Breaks Head.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120614.jpg)
I set off quite early in the day so the sun hasn't had time to burn off the morning haze but I can see Borrowdale in Westmorland with the wooded Mabbin Crag above. You can see the fire break through which the path passes to Ashstead Fell..
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120618.jpg)
Unfortunately I now have to lose and then regain a couple of hundred feet, but again it's bark is worse than it's bite and I'm soon on to Bush Howe from where it's a fairly gentle uphill walk to the Calf.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120620.jpg)
The valley of Long Rigg Beck.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120627.jpg)
On to the Calf, the highest of the Howgill Fells at 676 mtrs. I retraced my steps as far as Bush Howe.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120636.jpg)
From where I could see a path shooting off to the right across the hillside which is not on the map but heads in the direction that I needed to go.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120640.jpg)
Following another quad bike track down to Over Sale from where I had intended to carry on to Docker Knott ( the next top along ) but once on the top of Over Sale I was overcome with lazyitis and elected to cut down the hillside to Blakethwaite Bottom.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120646.jpg)
Docker Knott and Blakethwaite Bottom.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120651.jpg)
I thought Great Ulgill Beck was a lovely spot with a couple of nice cascades and pools.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120660.jpg)
Lovely pool and falls in the beck. I spent a very nice few minute relaxing by the water.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120666.jpg)
After leaving the beck there is a steep little climb to the path contouring along Force Brow and the valley of Carlin Beck. These walkers have taken to the steep slopes to escape the valley where it meets the waterfall. It does look a bit precarious
.(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120670.jpg)
Then again my path is not exactly the safest I've ever walked on. Amazingly a fell running family of Mum, Dad and two teenage daughters came bounding along here without a care in the world. I social distanced myself up the hillside and hung on to the grass.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120672.jpg)
The bare bones of the Howgills show through above Black Force waterfall.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120674.jpg)
Looking west along Carlin Gill
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120683.jpg)
The M6 snaking it's way through the farm land to the south. Black Comb just visible top right.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120684.jpg)
On to the path contouring around the western slopes of Fell head.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120688.jpg)
Passing the very dry gully of Blind Gill.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120693.jpg)
Scafell, the Pike  and Great End in the centre of the picture with the Coniston group to the left and the distinctive "muffin" top of Great Gable to the right..
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/P1120701.jpg)
Nearly back to the car now after coming down Whin's End to Fairmile Beck and then the road.
(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/maphowgills.jpg)
Map
My route was
Parking area nr Fairmile Gate - Back Balk - Lingshaw - Fell Head - Breaks Head - Bush Howe - The Calf - Bush Howe - Wind Scarth - Over Sale - Blakethwaite Bottom - Force Brow - Whin's End - Fairmile Gate ( about 9.5 miles 2950 ft ascent )



Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: GnP on 17:37:18, 26/05/20
Such wonderful views. !
"looking along the road to Fairmile Gate"  A cracking scene.   O0

Karl , may I ask which image hosting site you use . ?
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 17:47:03, 26/05/20
Such wonderful views. !
"looking along the road to Fairmile Gate"  A cracking scene.   O0 


Thank you G & P O0

Karl , may I ask which image hosting site you use . ?


I have my own domain name and webspace through fasthosts which costs around £4.50 a month and £20 every two years to renew.




Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: GnP on 17:50:59, 26/05/20
Thank you G & P O0


I have my own domain name and webspace through fasthosts which costs around £4.50 a month and £20 every two years to renew.
Ok, thanks.
Your images have superb tones & resolution.  O0
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: April on 18:25:09, 26/05/20
Lovely pics Karl  O0 I don't fancy the balcony path meself  :o
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: ninthace on 18:26:21, 26/05/20
There is a route up Carling Gill but is quite sporty.  IIRC it claimed a life a some winters back when someone tried to ice climb it.  Never got round to it myself before I left the area but a link here
https://bowlandclimber.com/2019/09/09/up-the-spout-carlin-gill-in-the-howgills/ (https://bowlandclimber.com/2019/09/09/up-the-spout-carlin-gill-in-the-howgills/)
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 18:36:11, 26/05/20
Thanks April. O0
BTW I have gambled and bought a cheap train ticket to Ravenglass for the 3rd July. If we are free by then can you ask squeaky if she fancies a wild camp ;)


Ninthace, I read about that scramble and it does sound good but given the advice from the MR teams saying if you need them expect a long wait I decided against it :)



Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: Ridge on 18:37:43, 26/05/20
Great set of photos Karl.
I can't quite get my head round the shot of the other walkers, it looks precipitous.
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: vghikers on 19:09:57, 26/05/20
Grand clear pics of the velvety folds of the Howgills.  O0
The craggy outcrops and gills are lovely spots.
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: Brandywell on 19:43:30, 26/05/20
Great report Karl.  O0   We've only walked the Howgills once and started from Fairmile Gate, parking there were greeted by an aweful stench, on looking over a wall we were confronted by a pile of rotting sheep.  :o My memory of the walk route is a bit hazy but we did reach The Calf.  Your Fasthost package is a lot cheaper than  mine. :)
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: One F on 19:57:30, 26/05/20
Nice one Karl. Great place to spend time and social distancing is usually very easy in the Howgills, where keep 2m apart means 2 miles.


Brought back some poignant memories of a great day out just over 9 years ago, when we did descend by Black Force down in to Carling Gill and a few of the group managed a bum slide where it got a bit too steep. Ah, the folly of youth  8)  The TR for 2011 is here http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13329.0 (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13329.0)   if you fancy a quick peek although apologies for going off topic a little bit.
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: pleb on 19:59:57, 26/05/20
Great stuff again.  O0
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 20:33:37, 26/05/20
Stunning.  Funny you mention Ravenglass as I'm literally (tonight!) planning a route from there for when we've got out of 'lockdown' proper!
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 20:41:34, 26/05/20
Great set of photos Karl.
I can't quite get my head round the shot of the other walkers, it looks precipitous.
Thanks Ridge O0  I think the long range view did make it look a lot more dodgy than it was. I watched while they all made it safe ground thankfully.


Grand clear pics of the velvety folds of the Howgills.  O0
The craggy outcrops and gills are lovely spots.

Thanks VG..velvety folds sums up the Howgills perfectly O0


Great report Karl.  O0    We've only walked the Howgills once and started from Fairmile Gate, parking there were greeted by an aweful stench, on looking over a wall we were confronted by a pile of rotting sheep.  :o My memory of the walk route is a bit hazy but we did reach The Calf.  Your Fasthost package is a lot cheaper than  mine. :)
Thank you John  O0  I did have to get out of the car a couple of times to herd sheep off the road so perhaps the dead sheep were ones that wouldn't move. ( and I'm off to double check my fasthosts account now  ;D  )


Nice one Karl. Great place to spend time and social distancing is usually very easy in the Howgills, where keep 2m apart means 2 miles.


Brought back some poignant memories of a great day out just over 9 years ago, when we did descend by Black Force down in to Carling Gill and a few of the group managed a bum slide where it got a bit too steep. Ah, the folly of youth  8)  The TR for 2011 is here http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13329.0 (http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=13329.0)  if you fancy a quick peek although apologies for going off topic a little bit.


Hi Kevin mate long time no see, hope you are keeping safe and well :)
That Tr didn't half have some names from the past including a couple of forum legends


Great stuff again.  O0 
Cheers Pleb O0  Great walking in the Howgills less  chance of bumping into the riff raff if you know what I mean ;D
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: April on 20:45:06, 26/05/20
BTW I have gambled and bought a cheap train ticket to Ravenglass for the 3rd July. If we are free by then can you ask squeaky if she fancies a wild camp ;)

Squeaky says yes as long as A + B can come because someone has to carry her food  O0

I truly hope we have been let out of prison by then  :(
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 20:46:33, 26/05/20
Stunning.  Funny you mention Ravenglass as I'm literally (tonight!) planning a route from there for when we've got out of 'lockdown' proper!
Thanks mate O0
The normal one way train fare from my neck of the woods is 34.50 but  For some reason  on couple of trains during the day it's only a tenner so I thought it was worth the gamble. Great walking over Muncaster Fell into Lakeland from Ravenglass
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 20:47:53, 26/05/20
Squeaky says yes as long as A + B can come because someone has to carry her food  O0

I truly hope we have been let out of prison by then  :(


Go on then...but no snoring or farting and bring gas :D
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: beefy on 20:55:57, 26/05/20
Great pics karl O0
Yes April does a lot of that ;D
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 20:58:33, 26/05/20
Great pics karl O0
Yes April does a lot of that ;D
Thanks mate O0  Hopefully wont be too long before we are out on a camp. Even with Apriil's farting and snoring ;D
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: Mel on 21:10:16, 26/05/20
Lovely, green, velvety, rolling fells   :)


I also couldn't quite get my head around the pic of the walkers on the fell side - I thought you'd randomly done a google satellite view  ;D


Between you and Richard you're doing a grand job of exploring these hills for me  O0
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: April on 22:21:50, 26/05/20
Even with Apriil's farting and snoring ;D

I think everyone on this forum knows who the snorer is and who is the farter. A clue, not me and not Squeaky  :D
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: pdstsp on 10:29:26, 27/05/20
Cracking pics Karl - and that looks a great route, particularly as you didn't have to walk through any farms etc.   O0


Those walkers look daft to me, though I guess if you talk a fall down that slope it really wouldn't matter how long the MRT took!
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: richardh1905 on 13:17:56, 27/05/20
Great report and photos karl - the Howgill Fells have such a lot to offer. I'll certainly be back soon, but we have our eye on Black Combe tomorrow....
Those walkers on the steep slope were in a bit of an exposed spot, weren't they.

By coincidence I have been looking at the Fairmile Road as a starting point, and had a long day out in mind... https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MzA1MzgzOA== (https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MzA1MzgzOA==)
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 18:03:19, 27/05/20
Lovely, green, velvety, rolling fells  :)


I also couldn't quite get my head around the pic of the walkers on the fell side - I thought you'd randomly done a google satellite view  ;D


Between you and Richard you're doing a grand job of exploring these hills for me  O0


Thanks Mel. The Howgills are very kind on the feet, the grass is so nice to walk on  ;)


Cracking pics Karl - and that looks a great route, particularly as you didn't have to walk through any farms etc.   O0


Those walkers look daft to me, though I guess if you talk a fall down that slope it really wouldn't matter how long the MRT took!


Thanks Paul O0  My route planning fell into place when I saw the parking spot on the Fairmile road which is just what I was looking for.


Great report and photos karl - the Howgill Fells have such a lot to offer. I'll certainly be back soon, but we have our eye on Black Combe tomorrow....
Those walkers on the steep slope were in a bit of an exposed spot, weren't they.

By coincidence I have been looking at the Fairmile Road as a starting point, and had a long day out in mind... https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MzA1MzgzOA== (https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MzA1MzgzOA==)


Cheers Richard O0  Your route looks a grand day out. Enjoy Black Combe, When I did it from the west we started at Townend hall and did   Seaness and Townend Knotts  on the way to the top
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:26:21, 27/05/20
Thanks Mel. The Howgills are very kind on the feet, the grass is so nice to walk on  ;) 
Not kind on the legs though!

Quote
Cheers Richard O0  Your route looks a grand day out.
I've become a bit obsessed with 'the other Langdale'.

Quote
Enjoy Black Combe, When I did it from the west we started at Townend hall and did   Seaness and Townend Knotts  on the way to the top
Uncanny. Almost creepy, in fact. That is exactly the route that I am planning. :D
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 18:37:03, 27/05/20
Not kind on the legs though!
I've become a bit obsessed with 'the other Langdale'.
Uncanny. Almost creepy, in fact. That is exactly the route that I am planning. :D


To be fair there are only a couple of routes from the coast so it had to be one or the other :)
But I would say that wouldn't I ?  ::) ;D
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:31:40, 27/05/20
Working on a plan to do a 2 day walk in the Howgills, with a wild camp in Langdale, so my next trip is partly reconnaissance.
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: ninthace on 22:02:01, 27/05/20
Working on a plan to do a 2 day walk in the Howgills, with a wild camp in Langdale, so my next trip is partly reconnaissance.
The problem with Langdale is that the drop in to the valley is quite sporty from the sides or the Calf end. The map does not tell the whole story, have a look at the aerial imagery - lots of V shaped water eroded valleys.  From the N access is problematiic, there are no rights of way to get you to the open access area and no continuous route in like Bowderdale.  I have often looked down into it but never been into it.  I am sure you will find a way in and a way out though, good luck.
PS - Have a look at going S from Cotegill as an access.  Parking may be an issue.  The road is narrow and I would not like to leave a car overnight close to and in sight of the A685.  Alternatively, park as for Bowderdale and work off piste round the N end of West Fell.
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: richardh1905 on 06:49:16, 28/05/20
Thanks, ninthace - the difficult access only adds to Langdale's appeal!  :)
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 07:57:39, 28/05/20
Richard. Whilst i was having my sandwiches on Bush Howe I was looking down into Langdale and thought at the time that the little hill of Cobles ( great name  :)  ) looked a possible route in or out of the valley.


(http://www.karlswalks.co.uk/2020/images/howgils-25-05-2020/coble.jpg)




I'm thinking of going back this weekend for a walk over above Black Force then down Uldale and back along Langdale up Cobles and back to Fairmile gate.


Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:30:36, 28/05/20

I'm thinking of going back this weekend for a walk over above Black Force then down Uldale and back along Langdale up Cobles and back to Fairmile gate.

I'm planning the same route in, but I want to prolong the Langdale experience so I'll be coming out via the Saddle Grain ridge (the next one south east of Cobles). Didn't have a date in mind, but suffering a lot from hay fever right now so may delay it a bit - certainly took the shine off our Black Combe walk today.


Enjoy your walk  :)
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: April on 18:41:16, 28/05/20
BTW I have gambled and bought a cheap train ticket to Ravenglass for the 3rd July. If we are free by then can you ask squeaky if she fancies a wild camp ;)

 :( It doesn't look likely that we are going to be free at the moment, no news about being able to stay overnight anywhere  :( I've realised the 3rd is a Friday and I am at work anyway. Are you staying a few days?

I am laughing at this evenings announcement by Boris. He said we can meet in groups of six outside from 1st June as long as people from other households stay 2m apart  ;D Has he not been in a park or beach in the last week where hundreds of people were together and not necessarily keeping 2m apart? Where we were near Greenfield it was quite busy too although we managed to keep our distance from most. There were a few who must not have heard of Covid and gave us no space at all.
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:03:04, 28/05/20
I would love to organise a forum meetup in the Howgills, but given the current situation, it will have to wait.
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 22:27:55, 28/05/20
I'm planning the same route in, but I want to prolong the Langdale experience so I'll be coming out via the Saddle Grain ridge (the next one south east of Cobles). Didn't have a date in mind, but suffering a lot from hay fever right now so may delay it a bit - certainly took the shine off our Black Combe walk today.


Enjoy your walk  :)
Thanks Richard, Sorry you are struck down with hay fever :(


:( It doesn't look likely that we are going to be free at the moment, no news about being able to stay overnight anywhere  :( I've realised the 3rd is a Friday and I am at work anyway. Are you staying a few days?
yes my ticket is for Friday afternoon so I thought we might be able to meet somewhere on Saturday but it is looking like I might have lost my tenner >:(


Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:08:32, 29/05/20
Don't give up on your ticket just yet, Karl.


Saw this in the press -


The Government do however have hopes holidaymakers might be able to take UK staycations from July.Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden as previously insisted he “would love to get the tourism sector up as quickly as we possibly can”. He continued: "We've set this very ambitious plan to try and get it up and running by the beginning of July."
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: April on 19:16:37, 29/05/20
Saw this in the press -


The Government do however have hopes holidaymakers might be able to take UK staycations from July.Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden as previously insisted he “would love to get the tourism sector up as quickly as we possibly can”. He continued: "We've set this very ambitious plan to try and get it up and running by the beginning of July."

I bleddy well hope so  O0

Not that I am in much of a rush to see Karl again  :D but it may mean people can travel on trains and stay overnight. Beefy is fully prepared to camp in my garden. Not sure if Squeaky will know what is expected though  :D
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: karl h on 17:37:45, 30/05/20
I bleddy well hope so  O0

Not that I am in much of a rush to see Karl again  :D but it may mean people can travel on trains and stay overnight. Beefy is fully prepared to camp in my garden. Not sure if Squeaky will know what is expected though  :D


I'll have to hope that something is sorted,  to annoy April if nothing else :D
Although from what I've seen this week and on my local walk today social distancing has gone out of the window so if no bug**r else is following the rules I might just go anyway.
Title: Re: TR 25th May - A Howgills wander
Post by: April on 20:22:49, 30/05/20
I'll have to hope that something is sorted,  to annoy April if nothing else :D
Although from what I've seen this week and on my local walk today social distancing has gone out of the window so if no bug**r else is following the rules I might just go anyway.

I hope to be very annoyed  :D

On today's walk with beefy from Greenfield we had a few problems with other people not knowing they should be keeping 6 feet away! Another smashing walk, I have to say I'm not really missing the LD.