Tuesday, 20th October 2015

Walk: Wray Crag, Shipman Knotts, Kentmere Pike, Harter Fell, Little Harter Fell, Adam Seat, Gatescarth Pass, Branstree, Artle Crag, Selside Pike, Artle Crag, Branstree, Selside Brow, Brownhowe Bottom, Gatecarth Pass
Start Point: Sadgill, Longsleddale Grid Reference: NY 484 057
Distance: 12 miles Ascent: 3,400 feet
Time: 6.75 hours
Weather: Sunny with a cold wind in exposed areas
Comments: The first part of the walk, to Harter Fell, is almost one long climb with few downhill or flat sections on the way. Crossing the stile at Harter Fell I skirted the top of the valley to regain the path on Little Harter Fell. I then visited Adam Seat which I have often passed on other walks. This provided a pleasanter route down to Gatescarth Pass. Another long climb took me to Brandreth but Artle Crag sports the more interesting cairns. A brisk walk took me across to Selside Pike and after a short break I returned to Branstree. From there it was downhill almost all the way back to the car via Brownhowe Bottom which was as boggy as usual.

Lingering mist in Longsleddale

Shipman Knotts with the Kentmere Valley beyond the summit . . .

and again looking towards Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick

Claiming the summit

A closer view of Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick . . .

and zooming in on the three cairns on Ill Bell

Kentmere Fell with Harter Fell to the right . . .

and looking across to Branstree

Harter Fell . . .

and me

Haweswater - looking very low . . .

with Mardale Head quite exposed

Adam Seat - a Birkett

Round trigpoint on Branstree . . .

so I come down to its level

Artle Crags . . .

which has two cairns

Selside Pike shelter looking east . . .

and across to High Raise

The last summit of the day

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