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Green Head, Charleton Gill, Brae Fell, Swinburn Gill, Fellside Farm, Cumbria.
[10.3 km] Tue 28 Sep 2021

 
OS Grid ref: NY 28550 36962
Lat/Long: 54.722555, -3.110824
Quite windy and torrential rain over Shap on my drive to Cumbria. The rain had stopped when I arrived at Green Head but it was very overcast. Rain was forecast and I could tell it was on its way as I set off up the road towards Charleton Wath (ford). Considering the weatherI was surprised to see 3 other walkers out. I hopped across the ford then turned left to head south along the grassy path up Charleton Gill. I walked this way last week on my way down off Brae Fell and this time I am reversing the route to head back up to Brae Fell.

 Heading up Charleton Gill.
 

 The unmarked path on the map is quite prominent.
Just before reaching the point where I crossed the river the heavy rain started and I stopped to put my leggings on. The path up the fell was an easy route to follow and I’m surprised it's not shown on any map, not even the on-line versions. Brae Fell summit cairn was quite windy but the heavy rain had eased a bit.

 Brae Fell summit.
I continued on the level ground towards Little Sca Fell but left the main path to turn left and start my descent into Swinburn Gill. There is no path shown at the head of the gill so I had to find the best way down I could. The first part of the descent was very steep so I took a diagonal descent to the river. Crossing over I descended the far side to avoid the waterfalls. I reached the old mine workings at Red Gill and kept down at river level.

Heading down Swinburn Gill.

Old mining equipment.
This is where I joined a minor route shown on the map. The rain continued and there was little to see through the cloud. The path crossed Wet Smale Gill then on to reach the footbridge at Dale Beck which is the main access road to the Roughton Gill Mine area. I followed the track north to Fellside Farm where there was only one car in the parking area. Then I was on the road to turn left and follow it back to my car.
   
 
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