Sunday, 25th November 2012

Walk: Lockbank Farm, Crosdale Beck, Bram Rigg Beck, White Fell Head, The Calf, Calders, Rowantree Grains, Settlebeck Gill
Start Point: Sedbergh Joss Lane car park Grid Reference: SD 659 921
Distance: 9.8 miles Ascent: 3,130 feet
Time: 5.75 hours    
Weather: Mainly dry and overcast with a severe wind chill factor on the summits
Comments: Despite the many weather warnings for the rest of the country the forecast for the Howgills was one of light rain improving after lunch. On this occasion the weather forecasters were pretty accurate though the mist on the high fells was disappointing. However there were some good views to be had when not in the mist and the walk was enjoyed by all - despite having to search for suitable places to cross a number of becks!

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

One of the becks showing the results of the recent rain

 

Looking up the Lune Valley with the Whin Fell ridge on the left

 

Elevenses on the flanks of Brant Fell

 

Mist still covers the tops of the fells

 

Calf Beck - the last one of the day

 

Beginning the long climb . . .

 

which seems to go on for ever . . .

 

but a group of fell ponies . . .

 

provide some interest on the way . . .

 

with one being encouraged to come closer . . .

 

as Kath tries to make a friend

 

A last look down the White Fell before we continue upwards - and into the mist

 

But who are the two dodgy-looking characters on The Calf?

 

Pat adds a rock to the cairn on Calders

 

Emerging from the mist the sun highlights traffic on the M6 . . .

 

and the views clear as we descend

 

A sheepfold provides the ideal spot for lunch, sheltering us from the biting wind

 

As the Rawthey Valley comes into view we are treated . . .

 

to some amazing views

 

Looking across Sickers Fell to the Rawthey Valley

 

Sunlight breaks through the cloud . . .

 

to highlight the summit of Crook

 

The V-shaped gulley of Settlebeck Gill . . .

 

with an interesting sky as we look back

 

We take a short pause where the path branches to cross the beck . . .

 

just above the waterfall . . .

 

and an interesting rock formation . . .

 

is spotted by John and Robb

 

The afternoon light catches the trees . . .

 

providing a contrast to the sky

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