Sunday, 8th March 2009

 

Walk: Slaidburn, Dunsop Head, Whitendale, River Dunsop, Beatrix, Pain Hill
Start Point: Slaidburn car park Grid Ref: SD 714 521
Distance: 12 miles Ascent: 2,750 feet
Weather: A dry but mainly overcast day with heavy, but short, hail showers
Accompanied by:

8 members of the group (Ian - leader)

Comments: We had been warned that the terrain was very wet and this was the case for much of the way. The fells had numerous boggy areas and walking through the fields meant dragging your feet out of the mud every step of the way! Even though it was a dull day there were excellent views and the walk alongside River Dunsop was quite pretty. As we descended to Whitendale we spotted an ambulance at the lonely farmhouse, then realised that there was a helicopter in a nearby field, though we didn't spot anyone needing medical attention. The helicopter took off as we descended the zig-zag path from where we had a 'ringside view'. From there we continued alongside the River Dunsop and eventually left it behind as we walked across the fields back to Slaidburn.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

The soldier on the memorial looks on as we head out of Slaidburn . . .

 

and through the woodland by Croasdale Brook

 

Ascending Dunsop Fell, Stocks Reservoir comes into view in the distance . . .

 

and descending into Whitendale we spot an ambulance and a helicopter at the farmhouse.

 

As the crew heads back . . .

 

we pause to watch the helicopter take off . . .

 

and before long . . .

 

it heads down the valley

 

We take the same direction - at a much slower pace . . .

 

and pass a couple . . .

 

of waterfalls . . .

 

before stopping for lunch . . .

 

just after crossing the bridge

 

Continuing on our way the first hail shower . . .

 

gives a photo opportunity with a difference!

 

Before long the sun struggles to show its face . . .

 

as we cross the River Dunsop

 

Always a 'sting in the tail' - but it it the next ascent . . .

 

or yet another hail shower?

 

At least it is dry as we walk back through Slaidburn - passing the memorial once again

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