Led by Brenda

 

A group of seven assembled at Melmerby on a sunny hot and humid morning, starting at 08-46 we were soon ascending and pacing ourselves due to the humidity and lack of wind.

On reaching Melmerby Low Scar a short break and photos were taken before making for the large cairn on Knapside Hill, a much easier gradient followed to Melmerby Fell which was the highest point on this outing.

 

Not going as far as Meg's Cairn we headed east to pick up the Maiden Way and followed this northwards to ford Aglionby Beck which cooled the feet! Continuing along the Maiden Way we ascended to near the A686 but followed a lower track having lunch part way along it. We briefly walked part of the A686 before resuming on a lower path to the summit of the A686 at Hartside 1,903ft. We were pleased to see an ice cream vendor of which most of us availed ourselves of their produce and sat down whilst enjoying them and absorbing the views over the Eden Valley.

 

From here it was a track to Twotop Hill, then down to cross the A686 and a continuation to Hazel Rigg from where after a short section of road a path was followed to pick up lanes, by passing Gamblesey we remained on the lane to Melmerby just as the rain became heavier, good timing!

 

Stats, Start 08-46 Finish15-50 Duration 7' 04'' Miles15-1 Average 2-1 Ascent 2,692ft

 

Photos by Brenda and Allan