Sunday, 20th July 2008

 

Walk: Great Whernside - Dowber Gill Beck, Providence Pot, Hag Dyke, Great Whernside, Hunters Sleets, Starbotton, returning to Kettlewell via Dales Way
Start Point: Kettlewell Grid Reference: SD 968 723
Distance: 11.5 miles Ascent: 2,220 feet
Time: 6.5 hours    
Weather: Dry but very breezy with a decidedly cool wind on the tops.  Cloud free summits giving excellent visibility for most of the day except in afternoon showers. Wet underfoot due to rain earlier in the week. 
Accompanied by: Phil (leader) and 6 other members of the group
Comments: After leaving Kettlewell we headed up Dowber Gill Beck - an interesting alternative to the higher path. After a brief inspection of Providence Pot, the entrance to a caving system, we continued up the gill and out onto the higher path. Some rather boggy ground had to be traversed before climbing to the summit of Great Whernside. Shortly afterwards the weather changed and it was 'on with the waterproofs'. By the time we stopped for lunch the sun was breaking through and we continued in improving weather. After heading down to Starbotton we returned via the Dales Way.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Leaving Kettlewell

 

Heading up Dowber Gill Beck

 

Ray and John inspect the entrance to Providence Pot

 

Elevenses

 

Looking back as we climb out of the gill

 

Guides' HQ

 

Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough

 

Surveying the scene

 

Pendle

 

Summit of Great Whernside

 

The group inspects the summit

 

Kath plays 'King of the Castle' . . .

 

followed by Marie

 

Is it time for lunch?

 

The sky may be blue but it has started to rain . . .

 

but it brightens up before long . . .

 

and the sun shines while we have lunch

 

Debbie and Marie opt for their own spaces

 

Looking back to Great Whernside

 

The un-named valley points the way to Kettlewell

 

Crossing the River Wharfe

 

River Wharfe

 

Heading back along the Dales Way

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