UPPER SWALEDALE CIRCUIT - 28.9.11


Leader Roger reports –

 

There was only Ian and myself from the Group plus four members from Vermuyden (North Lincs) when we met at Keld at 9.45. The latter looked likely to run us off our feet. We followed field footpaths to reach the start of the Pennine Way path and managed nearly two thirds of Great Shunner Fell before the rain started and low cloud descended. We reached the top in about two hours with no view at which point the four visitors decided on a quick return to safety in the pub.

 

Ian and I twice attempted to find a reasonable route across trackless featureless moorland before giving up. We found our way back to Great Shunner and back down defeated once more.

 

The afternoon was spent following little used footpaths across and into Birkdale and minor roads to Whitsun Dale for a pleasant afternoon tea at Ravenseat with a Dales TV Star younger and prettier than Hannah Hauxwell before returning via How Edge Scars back to Keld at 4.45. An enjoyable walk after all but no repeat will be undertaken except in perfect clear visibility and dry underfoot conditions!