Our leader thought the best way to combat the cold and windy conditions was to climb - so we climbed and climbed and climbed!  Skirting east of Kisdon Hill we crossed the Swale, past Crackpot Hall and over both Swinner and Gunnerside Gills to Gunnerside Moor.  From there we headed for ruined Level House before commencing the first full loop of our figure of eight - a clockwise circumvention of Reeth High Moor via Surrender Bridge.

 

Returning to Level House we made our way south, then west and into Gunnerside.  For our final leg we followed the Swale westwards via Ivelet, with a short  “overshoot” to the only possible footbridge crossing of the Swale, and then across the famous wildflower meadows (unfortunately not yet in bloom) and into Muker.

 

Despite the cold and windy conditions we enjoyed sunny intervals and only very occasional rain (oh and some sleet)!  Overall a terrific day’s outing, with some challenging terrain and quite some climbing - but thoroughly enjoyed by all (including our guest and new LDWA member).  Thanks Andy for a great route and expert navigation.

Photos by Robert Cope