Sunday, 25th November 2012

 

Walk: Lockbank Farm, Crosdale Beck, Bram Rigg Beck, White Fell Head, The Calf, Calders, Rowantree Grains, Settlebeck Gill
Start Point: Sedbergh Joss Lane car park Grid Ref: SD 659 921
Distance: 9.8 miles Ascent: 3,130 feet
Weather: Mainly dry and overcast with a severe
wind chill factor on the summits
Time: 5.75 hours
Comments: Despite the many weather warnings for the rest of the country the forecast for the Howgills was one of light rain improving after lunch. On this occasion the weather forecasters were pretty accurate though the mist on the high fells was disappointing. However there were some good views to be had when not in the mist and the walk was enjoyed by all - despite having to search for suitable places to cross a number of becks!

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

One of the becks that needed careful navigation

 

Looking up the Lune Valley with the Whin Fell ridge on the left

 

Elevenses on the flanks of Brant Fell . . .

 

with mist still on the tops

 

We are all pleased to have crossed Calf Beck - the last one to navigate

 

Beginning the climb up White Fell . . .

 

which seems never-ending . . .

 

but a group of fell ponies . . .

 

provide some interest on the way . . .

 

and one comes closer . . .

 

as Kath tries to make friends

 

Looking back down the flanks of White Fell before we head into the mist

 

The Calf - with two dodgy looking characters!

 

Christine adds a rock to the cairn on Calders

 

The sun highlights vehicles on the M6 as we descend out of the mist . . .

 

with clearer views as we continue to descend

 

A nearby sheepfold provides shelter from the biting wind as we stop for lunch

 

Amazing cloud as the Rawthey Valley comes into view . . .

 

and just a few metres further on we see an amazing sky

 

Looking across Sickers Fell to the Rawthey Valley

 

Sunlight breaks through the cloud . . .

 

and highlights the summit of Crook

 

The V-shaped gulley of Settlebeck Gill . . .

 

with an interesting sky as we look back

 

We take a short pause where the path branches to cross the beck . . .

 

just above the waterfall . . .

 

and an interesting rock formation . . .

 

is spotted by Robb and John

 

The afternoon light catches the trees . . .

 

providing a contrast to the sky

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