Barbondale, Crag Hill, Bull Pot Farm, Cumbria / Lancashire. [16km] Mon 10th Dec 2007

With a cold sunny day forecast I thought I’d try and sneak a walk in. I had things to attend to at home first thing so didn’t get away till after 10:30. After a nice sunny drive I was approaching Barbondale about an hour later. Just as I started to drive into the valley I saw and overturned van across the road ahead. Two other vehicles were parked and their drivers inspecting the wreck. Fortunately there was nobody inside but it looked a recent crash due to the wet mud still splattered across the road. I’d set off in full waterproofs as it was drizzling steadily but thankfully not too windy. I reached the high point then started on the steep descent into Gawthrop. The view along Dentdale was still misty and wet. In Dent village I turned right up the lane to the Green and sat on a bench to have a coffee before starting up the rough narrow lane to Flinter Gill. I just managed to squeeze my car past it and continued a mile further on to start my walk at the same point as last Tuesday’s walk on 4th Dec.

Checking the flock

Then the weather was miserable rain and no visibility, which is why I’d returned to see what I missed the last time. I set off north up Barbondale in the chilly sunshine. The walking was very pleasant and as last time there was quite a bit of traffic on such a remote road. Barkin Beck on the left is the home to quite a few interesting caves and potholes. None of which I’ve visited. The map shows some of their wonderful names; Wonderland Cave, Strike Cave, Crack Pot etc. Near the high point on the road I reached the right turn up the rough track Called Green Lane, which isn’t very green. There were nice views down onto Dentdale and also across to the Howgill Fells. Up on the right a farmer was tending his flock of sheep and it was nice to pause for a moment to watch him at work.

I reached the junction with the top of Flinter Gill Outrake track. I was now on the same route as last week but this time with a view. A little further up the track I stopped to eat my sandwiches near the same spot as last time but now the wind was in the other direction so I sheltered on the opposite side of the wall. I set off south heading across open rising moor towards the Megger Stones. They soon appeared on the horizon and after crossing a wall I was there. Their position was just right for a spectacular viewpoint. Continuing up the fell I came to a wall which I followed to Crag End.

Cairn near Crag Hill

Just before the summit I saw an interesting tall cairn away to my right. It was on a small rocky outcrop and was another excellent viewpoint. Again I followed the wall until I reached the trig point on Crag Hill. It was so nice to have a view at my third visit. I pondered a while before setting off on the chilly descent to Bull Pot Farm. With such a late start the sun was starting to get near the horizon and by the time I reached the farm the light was fading. A few cars were parked nearby and some walkers had just returned to them, making the most of the good weather as I had done. I followed Aygill down to Blindbeck Bridge in Barbondale and back to my car.