Sunday, 19th November 2012

Walk: Halton Height, Embsay Crag, Crag Top, Rylstone Fell, Cracoe Fell, Gill Beck Head & Barden Reservoirs
Start Point: Barden Road lay-by Grid Reference: SE 037 553
Distance: 13.6 miles Ascent: 2,150 feet
Time: 6.25 hours    
Weather: Dry with sunny spells
Comments: We were very pleased to welcome a new Fylde member to our group of eight, who hopefully will be joining us now on future strenuous walks. We set off on a clockwise circuit of the moor which altered the perspective of approaching the Rylstone cross and the Cracoe war memorial which we have visited before on previous walks in the other direction. We first climbed from the road up to High Crag trig point then followed a very boggy route over Embsay crag and round onto Crookrise Crag Top. Fortunately the water level of Waterfall Gill caused no problems and whilst the waterfall was quite a sight to see we were able to cross here with little difficulty. From here we were able to climb up onto Rylstone and on to the War memorial where we stopped for lunch. The weather conditions were actually perfect for this time of year with stunningly clear views all day.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Preparing to set off

 

A cairn and trig point adorn the summit of High Crag . . .

 

from where we have views across to . . .

 

Embsay Crag

 

Taking a breather to enjoy the views on the way

 

Embsay Reservoir from Embsay Crag

 

The bridge over Moor Beck . . .

 

which feeds Embsay Reservoir

 

Elevenses overlooking the reservoir and the crag

 

Across to Flasby Fell as we climb to . . .

 

Crookrise Crag Top

 

The trees are steaming in the sun as we descend to . . .

 

Waterfall Gill . . .

 

where we have a choice of crossing points . . .

 

and a view down the Gill

 

Then it's on towards . . .

 

Rylstone Cross . . .

 

navigating some very muddy sections . . .

 

to reach the rocky outcrop . . .

 

and the Cross

 

We follow the wall to our next target . . .

 

Cracoe Obelisk . . .

 

a War Memorial dated 1914 - 1919

 

Shooters' tracks make for quick walking . . .

 

and the shooter's hut . . .

 

attracts the attention of the group

 

Leaving the hut behind . . .

 

we eventually reach . . .

 

the former Reservoir Keeper's house . . .

 

dated 1833

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