| Walk: | Mallerstang Valley, High Dolphinsty, The Nab, Wild Boar Fell, High White Scar, The Band, Swarth Fell, Swarth Fell Pike, Grizedale Common | ||
| Start Point: | Lay-by off the B6259 Mallerstang Road | Grid Reference: | SD 774 969 |
| Distance: | 11 miles | Ascent: | 2,350 feet |
| Time: | 6 hours | ||
| Weather: | Dry and sunny morning, with a cool breeze. Very cool on top despite the sunshine then warmer in the afternoon, excellent visibility all day. Despite the recent dry weather there were some quite boggy areas underfoot. | ||
| Comments: | Once again for the third week in a row
10 people turned up for what was an enjoyable walk perfect weather
conditions. Good views were had of wild boar fell from the valley
and the “standards” at the end of high white scar could clearly be
seen from the parking area. Wild Boar fell takes its name from the
wild boar which are said to have roamed the fell some 500 years ago
and it is claimed that a tusk kept in the Parish Church at Kirkby
Stephen is from the last Wild Boar to be caught on the fell. Making our way along the road to Aisgill farm we turned through the farmyard to start the first part of the walk, witnessing a new born lamb being tended by its mother as we left the farm. Following the valley towards Kirkby Stephen and passing the 16th century Stirk house we headed for Lock hill and elevenses before starting the climb up to high Dolphinsty. From High Dolphinsty it was sharp left to follow the ridge up to the Nab and Blackbed Scar. After taking in the view from the scar we headed for the summit trig point then on to lunch at the “standards “ (twelve large cairns resembling those on Nine Standards Rigg) on the edge of High White Scar. Little is known about why these cairns exist but one plausible explanation favoured by most people is that they were built by Shepherds to mark paths. Lunch over we contoured along the hillside on “the Band” before ascending Swarth fell from where there were excellent views of Ingleborough, Whernside and Great Shunner Fell. A long gentle descent then took us over Swarth fell Pike and on to Grizedale common where we headed down towards the road before doubling back towards the cars. |
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Scroll down to see photos of the walk
The view from the car parking area
Just born!
Stirk House and unusual stile
A pause by the railway bridge at Lock Hill . . .
gives Phil the opportunity to frame a photo
Wild Boar Fell
The climb up to High Dolphinsty
Looking back from High Dolphinsty
Towards the Standards Cairns
Don't jump, Ray!!!
The Nab
Looking back to The Nab
The summit of Wild Boar Fell
Heading for lunch
The eastern escarpment of Wild Boar Fell
Some prefer lunch in the open . . .
while others choose the shelter of the wall . . .
and enjoy the view along the Mallerstang Valley
Two minutes!
The Standards . . .
where Karen and Phil play 'Peek-a-boo'!!!
Swarth Fell
Sheila takes a moment to admire the view
A shelter for one - or is it an rock(ing) chair?
Action on the Settle to Carlisle line
The ruuined farm and bare tree set the scene for Wild Boar Fell . . .
and the group enjoys the afternoon sun . . .
but passing the tree . . .
an unusual box is spotted . . .
though no-one seems to be at home
Back where we started!