Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
These two fells must rank as maybe the most remote (in terms of access) of all the
fells listed in Book Two. My website charts the progress of our 214 Fell journey, and
before undertaking a walk I do my research etc etc. On this occasion I winged it
thinking that the Mardale Head start point would be the easiest route. I was wrong
and I freely admit it. Should anyone who reads this description is thinking of trying it
then fine, but prepare yourself for some major losses of hard earned altitude.
AW quite rightly details this walk from Sadgill
As we approach the car park at Mardale Head, a clear view of the ridge
leading to High Street via The Rigg
The car park at Mardale Head (free at the time of writing this)
From the Southern end of the car park take the Gatesgarth Pass
Looking back to Haweswater from the pass
The track follows the line of Gatesgarth Beck between the shoulders
of Harter Fell on the right and Branstree on the left
Looking back to High Street and the ridge leading to it
The path climbs steadily to the col at Gatesgarth Pass
At the top of the col and the signpost marks the path to the Nan Bield pass on the right
and Sadgill straight on. We take the Sadgill route
Staying on the path we head towards Longsleddale and start to lose height (dramatically)
Almost at the bottom of the drop and we decide to cut our losses and follow a very
sketchy track across some very boggy ground. The idea is to aim for the slope
rising to the right where we will pick up a fence line that leads almost
directly to the summit
Almost there now
The boundary fence right leading up to Tarn Crag, left eventually leading up to Branstree
Just a case of following the fence line through the peat bog
Looking back towards the Gatesgarth Pass that we descended from
Towards the uppermost part of the fence, look out for an obvious path through
the grass that leads towards the summit of Tarn Crag
At long last - the summit cairn on Tarn Crag. Click here for a 360 degree view
Spud waits patiently to get his dinner - Hurry up Mum !!
About a hundred yards to the West lies the Survey post built by Manchester
Corporation during the construction of the Longsleddale tunnel conveying
the Haweswater Aqueduct
After lunch we set off for Grey Crag. The fence line previously followed serves as the
best route across the boggy ground. The cairn visible in the centre of the shot is
Harrop Pike. The summit of Grey Crag is to the right of the fence line
Approaching Grey Crag summit
The summit cairn on Grey Crag. Click here for a 360 degree view
Looking East towards The Pennines
Looking South towards Windermere
Not sure what this is - answers on a post card
Heading back to the Gatesgarth Pass to get back to Mardale Head
The valley of Longsleddale
Back over on the Mardale side now as the sun starts to set behind High Street
Nearly back down at the car park
A last look at the imposing North face of Harter Fell
Dad .. can you tell me why didn`t we do those Fells from Sadgill?? - are you
unable to follow the advice given by Wainwright?
