The Dunnerdale Fells

Walked on 17/02/2008

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Tarn Hill (OF) – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 2 miles Total Ascent: 195 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny and hazy. 4°C.

There was further sunshine and haze today. We had a short walk around a couple of old favourites up above Broughton Mills – Stickle Pike and Tarn Hill. It felt really warm in the sunshine today, in fact I was in shirt sleeves which I guess is unusual for February – not that I am complaining!

The Dunnerdale Fells over the rolling pastures of Broughton Mills.

Great Stickle and Stickle Pike.

Great Stickle.

It's that eerie, misty light again over Caw from the start of the climb to Stickle Tarn.

A hazy view along the Duddon Valley to Harter Fell and Bowfell.

Stickle Tarn, completely frozen.

Nowhere for Angus and Casper to swim today!

Looking north across Stickle Tarn.

Stickle Pike, the perfect mountain shape.

Great Stickle over another frozen tarn.

Stickle Pike across one of the tarns on Tarn Hill.

Who's a bonny lad? Angus on Tarn Hill.

I think I saw more people up here today than all day yesterday on Coniston.

The Pike and Hesk Fell across the Duddon Valley.

Angus and Casper on the southern summit of Stickle Pike, the main summit cairn to the right.

The Scafells from Stickle Pike's summit.

The moon over Stickle Pike.

The Duddon Valley from the top of Stickle Pike.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 07/12/2007

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 225 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: Wind and hail. 6oC.

It has put a lot of rain and hail down through the night and this morning, so today’s walk was a bit of a ‘smash and grab’ opportunity between heavy hail showers and strong winds, mainly to give Angus and Casper a bit of fresh air and exercise. We almost made it unscathed but got caught in a heavy hailstorm towards the end which left us sodden.

Stickle Pike towering over the Duddon Valley.

Caw from the Duddon Valley side is even bigger.

Angus showing how windy it was on the climb to Stickle Pike.

Blue sky over Caw, Esk Pike and Bowfell are on the skyline to the left.

Looks a bit chilly over the windswept Stickle Tarn and I can confirm the wind was indeed cold. Brrr!

The way to the summit of Stickle Pike.

Time for a quick dip for these two, they must be mad!

Caw from Stickle Pike.

The summit cairn on Stickle Pike.

Angus and Casper.

Caw with Stickle Tarn below, the Coniston fells beyond.

Looks a bit ominous over towards Harter Fell and the Scafells.

Looks like it is raining beyond Great Stickle over the Duddon Estuary from the southern cairn.

The view from the south top, the main summit cairn to the left with a great panorama of the Scafells, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags, Coniston fells and Caw.

Quick boys, lets go! A heavy hail shower advances towards us from across the Duddon Valley over Whitfell with The Pike and Hesk Fell to the right. Very painful it turned out to be too. Ouch!

Dunnerdale Fells

Walked on 30/08/2007

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Great Stickle (OF) – Tarn Hill (OF) – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 2.5 miles Total Ascent: 235 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Overcast and windy. 18oC.

I had a shorter walk today in poorer conditions than yesterday up to the Dunnerdale Fells. Angus (the old trooper) was out as well, loving every minute of it of course! It seems like a while since I’ve been up here, certainly before the summer, yet it looks quite wintry already…

It's all a bit gloomy after the sunshine of yesterday heading towards Stickle Tarn.

Looking to the head of the Duddon Valley from the climb with the high fells lost in cloud, Caw up to the right.

The track to Stickle Pike.

Stickle Tarn.

Angus and Casper - up to their necks in it today.

Looking back to Stickle Pike from the climb to Great Stickle.

Stickle Pike and Caw from Great Stickle.

The Duddon Estuary.

The three of them - trig, Stickle Pike and Harter Fell.

The two of them - Casper and Angus.

Great Stickle from Tarn Hill.

Stickle Pike from an appropriate tarn on Tarn Hill.

Sunlight on Green Crag.

Looks like it's clearing to the north from the summit of Stickle Pike.

Scafell and Slight Side.

The scene of yesterday's walk - Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.

Having a rest on Stickle Pike.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 21/02/2007

Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 225 metres Time Taken: 1 hour.

Weather: Wet and gloomy. 8°C.

It is the school half-term this week so Connie and I took the dogs up to Stickle Pike, a walk we have often done of course, and one we decided to continue with despite the poor weather around here today. If you are unfamiliar with Stickle Pike, it is a great little fell with a wonderful view (on a clear day!) and a tarn nestling below the summit. Today, however, we could see nothing…

Virtually the only 'view' of the day to the Duddon Valley from Kiln Bank Cross.

Angus and Casper in a gloomy Stickle Tarn.

Climbing the steep path to the summit.

Ta-Da!

Casper, Connie and Angus on the summit of Stickle Pike.

Hood up, it's raining now.

Casper.

Dunnerdale.

Incidentally, the new Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team brochure uses this photo of Stickle Pike on the front cover, one that I took from Harter Fell in the snow last year.

Caw

Walked on 16/01/2007

Start point: Seathwaite, Dunnerdale (SD 228 960)

Seathwaite – Park Head Road – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Caw (OF) – Pikes (OF) – Green Pikes (OF) – Seathwaite

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 700 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Cool and clear. 4°C

Today I met up with Roger and Ann Hiley and their two dogs for a walk to Stickle Pike and Caw from Seathwaite in the Duddon Valley. The weather was almost unbelievably different to the wet and windy weather we have experienced over the last week or so as it was cool and clear. The views were superb from everywhere today; if only it would stay like this for a while!

Wallowbarrow Crag and Harter Fell above a cold looking Seathwaite.

Dow Crag from Park Head Road.

Passing Caw en route to Stickle Pike.

Stickle Pike ahead.

Caw from the climb up to Stickle Pike

...and the view from further up.

A clear view to Harter Fell with the Scafell range, Esk Pike and Bow Fell beyond from the summit of Stickle Pike

The Pike, centre, with Whitfell and Hesk Fell beyond across the Duddon Valley.

Casper enjoying the sunshine with a stray tail to the right!

Group summit photo - Angus, Casper, Bethan and Harry. It's bad enough getting two dogs to keep still, never mind four!

The view descending to a mirror finished Stickle Tarn

Caw across Stickle Tarn

Returning to Caw - we ascended from the south-east, to the right of this photo.

A beautiful azure sky heading for the summit of Caw.

Looking to the head of the Duddon Valley from Caw.

The Coniston fells.

Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag with Pen in the centre.

Harter Fell, Scafell beyond

Esk Pike.

Grey Friar.

Devoke Water.

Wallowbarrow Crag.

Dow Crag, Buck Pike, Coniston Old Man, Brown Pike, Walna Scar and White Pike.

In the sunshine on Caw - there was a cool breeze on the top today though

White Pike and White Maiden beyond Pikes, the next objective

The lowering sun gives some texture to the Scafells

...and the Coniston fells.

Panoramic Duddon Valley.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

Haycock, Scoat Fell and Wasdale Red Pike. The left central ridge is Illgill Head with Yewbarrow to the right and Harter Fell in the foreground.

A final view of Scafell and Scafell Pike on the descent from Green Pikes.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 05/01/2007

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 225 metres Time Taken: 1 hour.

Weather: Bright and breezy. 9°C

After another miserable morning, the skies suddenly cleared at lunchtime and it was bright enough for us to get up to that well worn favourite of ours, Stickle Pike. It was fairly windy up there, especially by the tarn but at least we didn’t get wet!

Great Stickle and Stickle Pike

Caw.

Raven's Crag.

A windswept Stickle Tarn.

The 'SS Angus' sets sail!

Caw across Stickle Tarn.

The Knott and Dunnerdale.

Looking across to the Raven's Crag ridge.

This is a steep way we picked Connie!

The summit of Stickle Pike, Green Crag and Harter Fell beyond.

Caw from the southern summit of Stickle Pike. The shadow is Angus, Connie and me!

Casper, Angus and Connie.

Green Crag and Harter Fell across the Duddon Valley.

Silhouetted - Great Stickle, Stickle Pike southern summit and Stickle Pike summit cairn, the Duddon Estuary beyond.

Harter Fell across the Duddon Valley.

An ominous looking Caw.

Low flying aeroplane over the Duddon Valley.

A portrait of Connie.

Hesk Fell.

Sunset in Dunnerdale.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 23/11/2006

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 225 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast with brief sunny spells, wind and rain. 11oC.

The wind was blowing strongly this lunchtime and the weather was changing quickly throughout the walk up to Stickle Pike – a constant rain, sun, dull cycle. That didn’t stop Angus and Casper having a good run and a swim though…

Looking to Harter Fell across the Duddon Valley with golden sunshine, dramatic sky and a rainbow!

Caw.

Angus on the summit of Stickle Pike.

Casper showing just how windy it was up there!

Looking across Dunnerdale to Raven Crag and The Knott.

On the summit of Stickle Pike.

The Duddon Estuary beyond the silhouette of Great Stickle.

Stickle Tarn.

Fleetingly, the surroundings of Stickle Tarn are golden.

Even Harter Fell caught some sunshine.

Stickle Pike over Stickle Tarn.

Caw in the sun this time - that looks like someone on the summit too.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 18/08/2006

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 225 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Overcast with rain later. 17oC.

We had an exploration of that old favourite Stickle Pike today, keeping off the paths and looking at things from a different perspective. It was very still and peaceful and a rather enjoyable saunter – we struck lucky with the weather too as just made it back as the rain started to come down heavily.

Casper, Connie and Angus always enjoy it up here.

Caw complete with quarries and spoil heaps.

Stickle Tarn below Stickle Pike, Great Stickle through the gap to the left.

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Harter Fell across a wood smoke filled Duddon Valley. Scafell, Scafell Pike and Esk Pike are visible beyond.

Close-up on Caw.

Great Stickle.

It's a lovely view of the high fells from Stickle Tarn.

Angus the mountain lion.

The Duddon Estuary, Great Stickle and Tarn Hill.

Stickle Pike summit - the rain is coming in from the north now. It doesn't often happen, but here is some rare, if rather grainy, footage that we managed to capture this morning - Casper Speaks!

Stickle Pike

Walked on 14/07/2006

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 225 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny and warm with plenty of blue sky. 23oC.

School’s out for summer! Well, at least Connie’s is – so it was up to Stickle Pike this afternoon in glorious, sunny weather – a complete contrast to the weather when I was not so far away from here two days ago. Nice weather for a (unintentional) swim today, too!

Caw - today we can see it, a contrast to the weather on Wednesday!

Connie and Casper enjoy the view on the climb to Stickle Tarn,

Stickle Tarn.

Nice to cool your feet in...

...and have a paddle or swim.

If you are paddling, be careful not to fall in. Connie didn't heed that warning - sodden!

Angus is content to carry on swimming though.

Casper is content to soak as well - in the sun!

A scramble up to Stickle Pike.

Nearly at the summit, overlooking Stickle Tarn with Caw beyond.

The Scafell range from the summit of Stickle Pike.

An unobstructed view to the north.

A trio on the summit of Stickle Pike.

Connie.

Scafell and Slight Side.

Esk Pike and Bow Fell.

The Duddon Estuary over the southern cairn on Stickle Pike.

The view to the north from the southern cairn.

Lakeland sky.

Dunnerdale Horseshoe

Walked on 20/06/2006

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Pike – Tarn Hill – Great Stickle – Scrithwaite Farm – Knott End – The Knott(OF) – Raven’s Crag – Stainton Ground Quarries – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 4.8 miles Total Ascent: 700 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast, clearing later. 14oC.

It was the same today as yesterday – it looked like someone had ruled a line at 400m and that was the cloud base across the whole of the southern Lake District. The Dunnerdale Fells were beneath the clouds, so that’s where I headed but even that looked a bit iffy at the start with the odd shower whilst I was on Stickle Pike. By the time I reached the return leg, the clouds quickly cleared away and even gave a hint of blue sky – it just shows how quickly it can all change.

Looking over Dunnerdale to Raven's Crag and The Knott, to be used on the return leg. The weather didn't look too hopeful as even these lowly tops were catching a bit of the cloud.

Stickle Tarn.

The route to Stickle Pike.

Casper caught in flight near Stickle Tarn.

Getting cosy on Stickle Pike.

The way ahead is the Tarn Hill - Great Stickle ridge running from right to left.

Stickle Pike from Tarn Hill.

Tarn Hill and Great Stickle with the Duddon Estuary beyond.

Looking back to Stickle Pike with Caw putting in an appearance from the cloud as it starts to lift in the distance.

The cloud starts to lift from Green Crag to the north.

Stickle Pike and Caw from one of the many tarns on the aptly named Tarn Hill.

Still a heavy looking sky over the Duddon Estuary, from Great Stickle.

Looking across Dunnerdale to The Knott, the next objective.

Stickle Pike along Dunnerdale.

Amazingly, blue skies appeared as I climbed The Knott, here looking along the Lickle Valley to the Duddon Estuary.

Even Black Combe is there now - so that's what it looks like!

A panoramic view of the Great Stickle to Stickle Pike ridge.

Raven's Crag from The Knott.

Stickle Pike over Hoses.

Even the higher fells can be seen now with Harter Fell left of centre distance with Scafell behind. The distinctive 'crinkly' Esk Pike and the pyramidal Bow Fell are in the right distance.

Caw.

A close up of Stickle Pike, the disused quarry giving away the secret of it's industrial past.

Hesk Fell.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 05/04/2006

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 225 metres Time Taken: 1 hour

Weather: Sunny spells with a cold wind. 6oC.

There were blue skies when we set off for Stickle Pike this morning, but it quickly seemed to cloud over, especially looking to the north and the wind was bitingly cold. We had a surprise up there today as we were not expecting to see anyone (as normal up there) when we were caught by someone with….well you’ll see!

A smiling Connie and a laughing Angus. That hat should say 'Chilly', for that was a cold wind up there today.

Caw.

Hold on - what's this? Angus went the other way! Another Beardie catches us up.

Angus and Oscar, their tails are a blur. They had a great time running around together for a few minutes.

Angus is a swimmer and Oscar wasn't, so they parted company here at Stickle Tarn.

The twin peaks of Stickle Pike.

Black Combe.

Great Stickle and the Duddon Estuary beyond.

The rocky way up to Stickle Pike.

Hesk Fell from the summit.

Angus deep in thought.

Connie captured this great moody shot of Stickle Pike summit from the southern cairn.

Looking across the Duddon Valley to Whitfell and Hesk Fell.

The clouds are quite low on the high fells to the north-west, Harter Fell being the nearest.

The Lickle Valley.

Harter Fell grabs some rays , Esk Pike and Bow Fell beyond.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 15/03/2006

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 153 metres Time Taken: 45 minutes

Weather: Snow, clearing clouds. 0oC

The road from Broughton Mills to the Duddon Valley was finally cleared of snow this afternoon, so I was lucky to be able to get up there for a quick walk up to Stickle Pike. There were no footprints or evidence that anyone had been over there in the snow, which shows just how much it has been cut off since Sunday. The knee deep snow served as a good reminder how tough and physically demanding it is walking in these conditions and gave me food for thought for a planned longer walk tomorrow. I expect there to be even deeper snow in places on the Coniston fells.

The way ahead - blazing a trail to Stickle Pike in the virgin snow.

...Apart from a fox that has wandered this way before me.

Caw.

Stickle Tarn.

The route to the summit - no path and knee deep in snow.

Not knee deep for the light footed fox though!

Looking along the Duddon Valley to Harter Fell.

Harter Fell gets a rose tint from the low sun.

The summit of Stickle Pike.

There isn't much shelter for these inhabitants, toughing it out on the cold, windy summit

Great Stickle and the Dunnerdale Fells.

The main summit from the southern cairn on Stickle Pike.

Stickle Tarn and Caw with the snow-laden Coniston fells appearing behind - tomorrow's destination, I think.

Stickle Pike summit, left, and Caw right. Have a look at the same walk last summer 27oC warmer!

Stickle Pike

Walked on 25/10/2005

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 153 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: Overcast, windy on the summit with a quick shower on the return. 13°C.

After two days of constant heavy rain, it was a welcome opportunity to get out for some fresh air when the heavy clouds finally cleared this afternoon. Connie and Angus certainly seemed pleased to get out at last up to the nearby favourite Stickle Pike.

Great Stickle and Stickle Pike.

Harter Fell at the head of the Duddon Valley.

Angus on the climb up to Stickle Tarn.

Stickle Tarn.

Caw, resplendent in coppery bracken.

Angus and Connie on a windy Stickle Pike summit.

Great Stickle and the Duddon Estuary. See how different the colours were only three months ago here!

The Blacksmiths Arms at Broughton Mills dates back to 1577.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 07/09/2005

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 153 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: A drizzly, grey morning. 16°C.

It was grey with drizzle this morning – there wouldn’t be any views, anywhere – so we went for a short walk up to our often visited favourite, Stickle Pike above Broughton Mills and the Duddon Valley. There was no company this morning either as the children are back at school, so it was back to the old team once again!

Looking along the Dunnerdale Fells to The Knott, low lying cloud hanging on the tops.

Stickle Tarn (where's Angus? - answers on a postcard please..!).

Even lowly Stickle Pike had its head in the clouds today.

Angus on the summit of Stickle Pike.

Great Stickle.

A swim in Stickle Tarn.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 12/07/2005

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 153 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and very warm. 27°C.

After a short break, it was nice to get back home and back to even hotter weather here than abroad! Of course, there were lots of things to do today but I managed to escape for an hour for a quick walk up to Stickle Pike with Angus who was glad to be free again and to have a nice cooling swim.

Caw from the climb up to Stickle Tarn.

It was so hot today - straight in, no messing!

Great Stickle and the Duddon Estuary from the southern cairn on Stickle Pike.

Harter Fell with the Sca Fells in cloud in the distance.

All this heat has made my tongue grow extra long.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 11/05/2005

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 153 metres Time Taken: 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and hazy. 14°C.

I had a much shorter walk today than my previous excursion to Ennerdale, with a visit to a pleasantly sunny Stickle Pike which lies between the Lickle and Duddon valley’s. Angus, fresh from the barbers, certainly enjoyed his new non-hairy freedom!

Stickle Pike is described in Wainwright’s Stickle Pike chapter in his book ‘The Outlying Fells of Lakeland’, page 126.

Great Stickle and Stickle Pike over Broughton Mills.

Nice haircut!

Looking over Great Stickle to the Duddon Estuary with Barrow-in-Furness and Walney Island beyond.

Stickle Tarn.

The view from Stickle Tarn.

The Dunnerdale Fells

Walked on 25/03/2005

Start point: Stonestar (SD 202 912)

Stonestar – Great Stickle (OF) – Stickle Pike – Tarn Hill (OF)_- The Dunnerdale Fells – Stonestar

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 502 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 35 minutes

Weather: Warm, becoming sunny at the end of the walk, 13oC.

We had a walk around the Dunnerdale Fells starting from Stonestar on the Duddon Valley road this warm afternoon. This is a lovely and quiet area – hard to find on a Good Friday afternoon I think! It also took in Stickle Pike and Stickle Tarn, the area we walked on Wednesday from the Lickle Valley side.

The walk was a hybrid of two Wainwright Outlying Fell walks. Stickle Pike is described in Wainwright’s Stickle Pike chapter in his book ‘The Outlying Fells of Lakeland’, page 126 and The Dunnerdale Fells are described in the Dunnerdale Fells chapter on page 132.

The Dunnerdale Fells route map.

The Pike across the Duddon Valley from Stonestar.

Looking down the rocky ravine along the Duddon Valley.

The Duddon Estuary from Great Stickle.

Stickle Tarn.

Walking on water?

Heavy clouds on Whitfell.

James and Angus on Stickle Pike.

Looking across to the mound that is 'The Dunnerdale Fells'.

The River Duddon.

The terraced path from Stonestar rising diagonally right to left.

The Dunnerdale Fells from the Duddon Valley.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 23/03/2005

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Tarn – Stickle Pike (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Distance: 1 mile Total Ascent: 153 metres Time Taken: 50 minutes

Weather: Brighter than this morning, 14oC.

As it was a bit brighter this afternoon, we had another short walk up to Stickle Pike above Broughton Mills. We were joined by Connie after she was sprung from school for Easter at lunchtime – much better than sitting in a classroom I think!

Stickle Pike is described in Wainwright’s Stickle Pike chapter in his book ‘The Outlying Fells of Lakeland’, page 126.

Stickle Pike route map.

Great Stickle, left, and Stickle Pike, right, from Broughton Mills.

Caw from the ascent of Stickle Pike. This is the fell I have chosen for the Wainwright Society Great Lakeland Challenge in May. Incidentally, Eric Robson, chairman of the Wainwright Society, writer and broadcaster has chosen Stickle Pike.

Angus and Connie at Stickle Tarn.

The steep path to the summit of Stickle Pike.

Stickle Pike summit looking to Harter Fell.

Looking over Great Stickle and Tarn Hill along the Lickle Valley to the Duddon Estuary.

Harter Fell with a glimpse of Bow Fell through the clouds to the right.

Dunnerdale Fells

Walked on 15/12/2004

Start point: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)

Kiln Bank Cross – Stickle Pike (OF) – Tarn Hill (OF) – The Dunnerdale Fells (OF) – Great Stickle (OF) – Kiln Bank Cross

Weather: Sunny and bright.

Today’s walk is a Wainwright/Birkett hybrid, taking in Stickle Pike – a personal favourite, the undulating Tarn Hill, a vague top named ‘Dunnerdale Fells’ (a separate ‘Outlying Fell’ walk chapter by Wainwright) and Great Stickle. The views to the north were superb, especially towards the end when the clouds lifted from the high fells.

Caw from the ascent of Stickle Pike.

Stickle Tarn.

Whitfell and Hesk Pike with The Pike in the foreground from Stickle Pike.

Looking to the Duddon Estuary across Tarn Hill and Great Stickle.

The main cairn on Stickle Pike from the south cairn with Harter Fell and the Scafell range in cloud behind.

Tarn Hill and Great Stickle.

Great Stickle.

The ridge that runs along the opposite side of the Lickle Valley; Caw - Brock Barrow - Fox Haw - Raven's Crag - The Knott.

Stickle Pike from the south.

he view from Stickle Tarn; see below for an annotated version of this photo.

Stickle Pike

Walked on 13/07/2004

Start point: Broughton Mills (SD 222 906)

Broughton Mills – Great Stickle (107) (OF) – The Dunnerdale Fells – Tarn Hill (108) (OF) – Stickle Pike (109) (OF) – The Knott (OF) – Broughton Mills

Weather: Sunny and bright.

A short walk in the sunshine today around Broughton Mills taking in a lovely round including Stickle Pike – well worth visiting for the views of the high fells, especially the Scafell and Bowfell ranges.

As well as taking in the Birkett tops, parts of this walk are described in Wainwright’s Stickle Pike chapter in his book ‘The Outlying Fells of Lakeland’, page 126.

From Broughton Mills, I crossed the River Lickle over the bridge and followed the tarmac up to Green Bank Farm where the road petered out into a track and then an overgrown path. Through the woods, the path changed into a walled green lane which skirts the base of Hovel Knott.

Hovel Knott and Great Stickle from the green lane. The path bears off to the right and heads up to the summit of Great Stickle.

The Duddon Estuary from Great Stickle.

Stickle Pike from Great Stickle. From Great Stickle, the path either heads directly to Stickle Pike or traverses the Tarn Hill ridge. I headed for the ridge after making a slight detour to the Dunnerdale Fells summit after confusion arose from my Dunnerdale Fells walk on 1.7.04 when it appeared I never quite reached the correct summit. This turned out to be the case and the correct summit is about 200 metres north west of my original position.

Looking from the cairned summit of the Dunnerdale Fells to the Duddon Estuary. A quick walk past a couple of un-named tarns took me to the summit cairn of Tarn Hill.

The Scafell range and Stickle Pike from Tarn Hill summit. An easy traverse of the ridge where tarns abound brought me to the foot of Stickle Pike.

Stickle Pike from the Tarn Hill ridge. Note the ancient stone circle cairn at the foot of the picture. It was down to the stone circle in the grass depression and up the path to the right of Stickle Pike to the col and then left up the very steep path to the summit of Stickle Pike. The view of Bowfell and the Scafell range from the col and from the summit of Stickle Pike is absolutely magnificent.

Harter Fell in the foreground, the Scafell range to the left and Bowfell in the centre from the summit of Stickle Pike. I then descended back to the col using the same path, past Stickle Tarn down to the fell road.

Stickle Tarn. Across the fell road and along the spoil heaps with the ridge above being the target. I contoured along the low level path longer than the AW route and ascended directly to Raven's Crag. It was interesting to note that the nameless summit 1183' quoted by Wainwright is actually called Raven's Crag by Birkett and Wainwright's Raven's Crag is not named by Birkett!

Stickle Pike over Hoses farm from the low level path. From Raven's Crag there is a descent to a large depression and the an easy, grassy walk to The Knott.

Cairn on The Knott looking to Raven's Crag and Caw.

Black Combe from The Knott. From The Knot, it was straight down over Knott End to the tarmac and back to Broughton Mills past the church.

Holy Innocents Church, Dunnerdale

and the sign at the start of the walk