Date: Friday 24th November 2023
Company: Myself and Ann-Marie
Distance: 9.7km, Ascent: 515m
Time: 3Hrs 5Mins
We set out this morning to ascend some Lakeland fells that I had hoped to ascend on my previous visit in April 2023 but couldn't because the road leading to the starting point was closed. Today the road was open so we drove to, and parked at, Sadgill to undertake a circuit of Grey Crag, Harrop Pike and Tarn Crag
. Tarn Crag was one of only two Marilyns that I had not yet ascended in the Lake District.
Route:
Sadgill is a picturesque starting point.
Sadgill:
To commence our ascent, we passed through the gate and then beyond the signs advising to keep to the public footpath, keep dogs on a lead, and access to open access land. We made our way steeply north-east up the grassy slopes to reach a stile beyond which lies the open access land.
Ascent from Sadgill:
Lower slopes of Great Howe:
Looking west, we could see several of the Kentmere Horseshoe hills, an outstanding round of nine Wainwrights that we walked in March 2022.
View across to Shipman Knotts:
Looking back to Sadgill:
Ascending Great Howe:
Beyond Great Howe we continued on towards Grey Crag which would appear to also be called Sleddale Fell.
Grey Crag:
Ascending Grey Crag:
On reaching the summit area of Grey Crag we visited the cairn and then the small outcrop which according to the Database of British Hills is the summit.
At the cairn atop Grey Crag:
At the summit of Grey Crag:
We then made our way across to Harrop Pike, which isn't a Wainwright but is a twin-top of Grey Crag.
At the cairn atop Harrop Pike:
From Harrop Pike, we next headed for Tarn Crag, the highest peak in this circuit.
If undertaking this circuit, I would advise that these are possibly the boggiest fells I have walked in the Lake District so worth wearing boots and gaiters unless you don't mind wet feet.
Tarn Crag:
Having read a couple of trip reports in advance of undertaking this circuit, I knew we should find a pillar near the summit of Tarn Crag. I believe it was erected by Manchester Corporation during the construction of the Haweswater Aqueduct.
Pillar atop Tarn Crag:
Pillar atop Tarn Crag:
At the summit of Tarn Crag:
From Tarn Crag, we continued northwards before striking roughly west to reach the wide track leading back to Sadgill or on to Gatescarth.
Descent from Tarn Crag:
Impressive crags on Tarn Crag:
The walk back to the car along the wide track was not wonderful, as the track consists mostly of loose stones. We had to take care not to twist or sprain an ankle.
On the track leading back to Sadgill:
This was an enjoyable circuit.