Return to Whittle Wander's page

Long Sleddale, Tarn Crag, Mosedale Cottage. Wed 12 Jan 2005

The weather forecast was for high winds so we went for a walk with 'escape route' options. It was 7:30am when we arrived at Sadgill, Long Sleddale and still dark. The wind was blowing and light rain falling. By the time we'd had a brew there was enough light to set off. So I set off with Eric, heading east through the gate and steeply up the fell side. Although windy it wasn't as bad as expected and unlike last week the wind didn't get stronger as we gained altitude. There was no obvious trail to follow so keeping the wall to our right we followed it up to a crossing point which took us on to the open fell. Some rain was still around and this turned to hail as we climbed. Fortunately the cloud level was higher than we were so we still had some views. Eventually the large survey pillar on Tarn Crag came in to view on the distant horizon. When we reached it the wind velocity increased and we only hung around long enough for a quick photo. The eastern side of the stonework was covered in ice even though the temperature was just above freezing (+0.5dC).

Eric by the survey pillar on Tarn Crag
Unfortunately the ground wasn't as frozen as the pillar and it had the consistency of a soggy sponge. We followed the trail to the NE but it soon veered off to the SE. We wanted to continue on so had to cut across open fell to descend to Brunt Tongue and Mosedale Beck. The wind was now behind us and the walking a lot more pleasant. In the distance was the wed Sleddale Reservoir, obviously full. Over the bridge at Mosedale Beck we turned SW and soon arrived at Mosedale Cottage. This is where we stopped for our lunch and sat in the luxury of comfy chairs in a well-swept room.

Boyd and Eric enjoy the home comforts
of Mosedale Cottage.
The trail back over to the Gatescarth Pass was very wet and I was glad to reach the pass track even though it is stony and rough. Just under 2 miles more walking and we were back at the car and had long enough to get changed before the rain started.