LONG SLEDDALE'S EASTERN FELLS

Sunday 11/10/2009. My co-residents at Mosedale Cottage Bothy left quite early, my own departure for the quiet and lovley Longsleddale Fells was about quarter to ten, not exactly an alpine start but today's walk is of the order of seven and a half miles so I am not pressed for time. The walk down the steep and ancient track of the Gatescarth Pass leading into Lonsleddale is a delight, and the river Sprint with it's impressive series of waterfalls is particularly attractive and all-asparkle in the morning sun's stillness as the Stonechats flit and dance along the walls. This is indeed "a little piece of heaven fallen to earth" The start of the round (another Birkett outing) leaves the Sadgill Bridge and goes straight into a steep climb north-east to the summit of Great Howe giving good views south and west out over the Kentdale Fells to Morcambe Bay and wide blue sea. From Great Howe it's an easy walk along the plateau first to Grey Crag, I liked the cairn so stopped for a can of sardines for early lunch, then on north to Harrop Crag then west to bag the final top of Tarn Crag. From here an easy descent to Mosedale Hawse and back to the Bothy to enjoy the rest of the day. In the evening gloaming, I stood by the door of the bothy, mug of tea in hand watching a small herd of Red Deer, with the bull rutting and strutting somewhere out of sight but not out of earshot, wonderful sound of pure nature,and the first time I have heard it south of the border. The picture is of the "tarn" and the old survey tower on the summit of Tarn Crag.