Return to the 'Dales 30'

(The fells over 2000ft in the Yorkshire Dales National Park)

Pen Y Ghent  & Plover Hill, 9miles 1850ft

7am in Horton in Ribblesdale as I set off for 

Pen Y Ghent

The outline of Pen Y Ghent as the sun starts to warm the early morning

Looking back to Horton from the well made path at the start of the climb

This friendly couple who had now passed me were from Derbyshire and had come to climb the '3 peaks challenge' of Pen Y Ghent, Ingleborough & Whernside, which is no mean feat. 24miles & 5200ft 

"Hope you managed to complete it ok"

Looking back down the the path which is part of the 'Pennine Way' long distance walk

Pen Y Ghent summit trig point 2277ft

The path crosses the wall and on the other side were.... 

....these two who looked like they had been there all night! Maybe to see the sun rise?

Two more walkers posing for photos

I left the Pennine Way & all the other walkers on the summit who were heading for their 2nd peak of the three. My route was taking me across the summit  to Plover hill my 26th 'Dales 30' 

Looking ahead to Plover Hill summit 

Starting the descent from the summit 2231ft to 

 Foxup moor....

.....and again

Looking back to Pen Y Ghent

One of the many 'pot holes' in this area

Looking back to the full length of the two summits....

....and ahead to Horton in Ribblesdale

Finally back at the car for lunch!

Lowther  Castle to Howtown

via Askham, Arthur's Pike, Loadpot Hill, Wether Hill & Fusedale

11miles 2000ft

Setting off from Lowther Castle (near Shap)

Crossing the river Lowther

Passing through the attractive village of Askham

Looking back as I climbed out of  Askham with Cross fell and Little & Great Dun fells above the mist filled Eden valley

Looking back north down the path towards Askham

This very new looking bag had been left packed with chocolate confectionery and dog lead!

The stone circle on Askham fell

Looking north up Ullswater with Pooley Bridge at its head.... 

....and south down Ullswater from the same place

Ullswater again from Arthur's pike 1749ft

A busy camping and caravan site on the lakeside below

....and a lakeside hotel on the other side

 The Ullswater ferry leaving perfect ripples in the water

A final look down the lake before.....

....continuing the climb to Loadpot Hill

The summit trig point 2205ft 

Followed soon after by the summit cairn on Wether hill 2211ft today's highest point

Leaving the summit I sat in the grass for lunch with my route down Fusedale leading right to the lake

The Helvellyn & Fairfield fells on the horizon

Zooming in on Sandwick bay

Halfway down Fusedale this chap was getting his dog to pose for photos!

'Mellguards' just outside Howtown

The Howtown hotel

Finally sitting by the lakeside with coffee and biscuits waiting for my lift back to the car.

A marvellous day's walking with much of interest, fantastic views and perfect weather (for a change!)

Scafell via Foxes Tarn & 

return via Slight Side 

11.5miles 3400ft

Setting off from Wha House in Eskdale....

....Whilst being watched 

Passing below Scale Gill force

Samson's Stones with Slight Side( L) & Scafell (R)

The path continued climbing the right hand side of Cam Spout falls...

....before climbing up Foxes Tarn Gully rising to the left from where this man has just descended

Looking back down the gully, Foxes tarn no longer exists having dried up leaving just a trickle down the gully

Bowfell from the scree path above the gully leading to.....

Scafell summit 3162ft

Lunch time admiring the view to Wastwater from the summit saddle

Also to Wasdale Head

Lunch over I did a circuit of the craggy summit, looking here into Mosedale with Pillar at its head 

Scafell Pike on the other side of Mickledore with the usual large numbers of walkers at its summit

Looking down Deep Gully with Scafell Pinnacle centre right

Great Gable centre left and the very popular zig zag path to Scafell Pike below left

Looking down on Mickledore from Broad Stand with its Mountain Rescue stretch box, which  shockingly  was recently vandalised. A lone walker (centre) climbs towards Scafell Pike

Starting the descent over Long Green & Slight Side

Burnmoor tarn (L) & Wastwater (R)

Arriving back at the car following the long and somewhat uninteresting trek along the side of Quagrigg Moss

Despite the above comment this was a fabulous day's walking in some really impressive mountain scenery