Thirteen walkers left Dufton to follow the Pennine Way up to High Cup Nick, passing the impressive basalt plinth called "Nichol's Chair" (after the Dufton cobbler who is supposed to have sat astride it to mend a pair of boots). A coffee stop near the edge of High Cup Nick would have proved an expensive one if we'd been charged for the magnificent view! The way now led alongside Maize Beck, following it downstream for a few miles and eventually leaving the Pennine Way behind. After lunch beside the beck, we turned uphill to begin the climb to our main objective for the day; Mickle Fell. We were now in the military area for which Stan had arranged permits for us to be allowed access. However, we were unable to ring our arrival time through as we'd been requested, as nobody could get a phone signal. In fact there was no signal until almost at the summit! (Fortunately, Glenn was wearing his flourescent jacket, making our presence especially visible). Although the climb up to Mickle Fell doesn't look too steep on the map, what it lacks in gradient it more than makes up for with some good squelchy, boggy bits, into which some of us fell. The view from the summit was excellent and extended to Wildboar Fell, Whernside, Great Dun Fell, Cross Fell, Cow Green Reservoir and further. We then retraced our steps back to Maize Beck and High Cup Nick before taking the delightful path along the opposite edge to the Pennine Way, passing some of the wild fell ponies on the way. The path gained a little height before finally taking us steadily downhill to a lane, which led back to Dufton after a mile or so. A great day out and well organised and led by Stan and Shirley.