From: Kiln Bank Cross (SD 215 933)
Kiln Bank Cross – Park Head Road – Long Mire – Caw – Long Mire – Park Head Road – Kiln Bank Cross
| Distance: | 6 km |
| Total Ascent: | 331 m |
| Time Taken: | 1 hours 45 minutes |
| Start Time: | 12:20 |
| Weather: | Breezy. 10ºC |
| Finlay’s Wainwright Count: | 68/214 (0 new this walk) |
It was really quite cool earlier in the morning and it had been very wet. As it was clearing at home, I took the opportunity to find somewhere that may be dry and the Duddon Valley looked promising. To the south-west, towards Black Combe (and here Hesk Fell) it was sunny with blue sky. 
Stickle Pike. 
On the Park Head road, it was really wet with lots of large puddles and muddy sections. Finlay counts the sheep here – not for sleeping but just to make sure they are all accounted for. 
Where is this ‘Caw’ you speak of? Looks like that sheep has his eye on you Finlay! There were flocks of sheep along this section and I must say Finlay’s behaviour was perfect, he is turning out to be a fantastic companion and there are certainly no concerns about him worrying sheep and his recall is 100% now. 
Harter Fell and Wallowbarrow Crag get a brief spell of sunshine. Beyond, on the horizon, are the familiar silhouettes of Esk Pike and Bowfell. 
There is a slight descent on the Park Head road before the climb up to Caw following the old miners track which rises up to the right from the wall. Look at that rain heading along the valley! 
The Duddon Valley is just beautiful and the rain has now cleared out 
The view from the old mine workings. The rain was fleeting along the valley often now and I did think that we must be in for a soaking soon. Thankfully we kept out of it, so that was a bonus! 
The Duddon Estuary as the steep pull from the mine workings eases off. 
Made it! Finlay on Caw. 
The summit of Caw. 
Looking beyond Harter Fell is the dark silhouette of Pillar and the fells around Wasdale. 
This is the steeper than steep way down with no real path to speak of. Just as we started the descent, we were disturbed by three F-35’s – now they made me jump as we were level with the pilot (it felt like that anyway – they were certainly very low!). 
A magnificent view across Fox Haw to Stickle Pike to Black Combe. 
Back on the Park Head road heading for Kiln Bank Cross at the foot of Stickle Pike.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy these. Thanks.
Thanks for your feedback Nige, nice to know someone is looking 🙂