Sunday, 17th May 2009
| Walk: | Hartsop Above How, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, Little Hart Crag, High Hartsop Dodd, Middle Dodd | ||
| Start Point: | Cow bridge car park | Grid Ref: | NY 402 133 |
| Distance: | 11 miles | Ascent: | 3,850 feet |
| Weather: | The day started out fine with a strong wind but after a few threats the wind finally reached us, though it cleared towards the end of the walk | ||
| Accompanied by: |
6 members of the group, led by John D |
||
| Comments: | Taking advantage of the off road path we walked towards Deepdale Bridge but turned off to head up Deepdale Park on our way to Hartsop Above How. With better than expected weather we had good views of surrounding valleys and fells. As we made our way up to Hart Crag the cold wind forced us to put on extra layers, despite the climb! Following a small section of the Fairfield Horseshoe we headed down the rocky descent and on to Dove Crag. From there we made our way down to Bakestones Moss and Little Hart Crag where we found a sheltered spot for lunch. A quick 'out and back' allowed us to take in High Hartsop Dodd before descending to Scandale Pass. Here the rain finally reached us and full waterproofs were the order of the day (or should I say 'afternoon'). The weather gradually deteriorated as we crossed to Middle Dodd where the rain was joined by a hail shower and with the camera in the backpack there were no photos for a time. The very steep descent from Middle Dodd was made easier by the fact that it was possible to walk on hummocky grass for most of the way but we were really glad to reach flat ground again. (A descent of approximately 1,500 feet in 1 mile!!) Walking across to Brothers Water the weather cleared and it was out with the camera again as we made our way back to the cars. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
The sun shines as we head across Deepdale Park with Place Fell in the background . . .
and looking onwards (and upwards) we can see Hart Crag, Fairfield and Cofa pike on the horizon
From higher up we look down on the hamlet of Hartsop with Gray Crag rising from the valley . . .
and higher still gives us a view down Deepdale Valley and across to Place Fell
The group approaches the summit of Hartsop Above How . . .
from where we can see the route up to Hart Crag on the right and across to Dove Crag on the left
We shelter from the wind for our coffee stop . . .
before continuing on . . .
up a scree slope . . .
to Hart Crag where the group . . .
and I pose for a photo
The sun just catches Catstye Cam as it pops up behind Striding Edge . . .
and zooming in on Fairfield we see the cairn and shelter
In the opposite direction Windermere has come into view . . .
and across the valley is the other arm of the Fairfield horseshoe with Heron Pike on the left and Great Rigg on the right
Looking back to Hart Crag, Fairfield is on the left and St Sunday Crag is on the right
The group approaches Dove Crag . . .
and a pause by the cairn provides a group photo . . .
whilst I try it our for a seat
Brothers Water looks a long way down from here!
The group makes its way between the two summits of Little Hart Crag . . .
and we try to find shelter from the wind to eat lunch
There seems to be some discussion about the cairn on High Hartsop Dodd . . .
could it be something to so with its size!!!
Looking back up to Little Hart Crag as we retrace our steps
Climbing up from Scandale Pass the weather soon closes in and the camera is packed away . . .
until we are down in the valley - Middle Dodd in the centre
Across Brothers Water the Angletarn Pikes make a fine profile
Return to 2009 Diary Return to top