Managed to park at the National Trust car park on the A593 near Yew Tree Farm with a path leading up to Tarn Hows heading east. However, crossing the small bridge to the south and across a field takes you easily to Yew Tree Farm without having to walk down the road. From Yew Tree farm the path heads to the right of the farm, through a gate and easily followed north contouring along the eastern slopes of Holme Fell. Always looking for the path which will ascend up to the left, on to the fell itself, this is reached in just under 1km, signed on a rock but not very distinctly. However the path rises pleasantly amongst trees and heather to reach the top of the col apparently known as the 'Uskdale Gap'. Wainwright says the summit, Ivy Crag, can be seen when the col is reached but you have to ascend the obvious path to the left a short way before Ivy Crag is visible. Once on the summit, although not very high, the views are, as always, tremendous. It is often said that views from the lesser peaks are just as satisfying, if not more so than those from the higher peaks. Looking across and up to Wetherlam, across to Pike O'Blisco and beyond to Harrison Stickle, the hills have a different outline and demeanour than when seen from higher aspects on the larger fells.
Holme Fell spreads northwards with undulations and tarns. We decided to head north north west heading directly for the first visible tarn (reservoir) and then trying to find the main path heading down towards Holme Ground. We had to meander south west amongst the ferns and heather on indistinct paths, until the main path down was identified. Soon down to a track just above a wall which followed the wall round the southern end of the fell, eventually joining the quiet road leading up to Hodge Close.
Headed back to Yew Tree farm via the fields with Herwick Sheep and Belted Galloway cows. The way is signposted just before the road crosses a bridge and finished a lovely walk with a bowl of hot soup at the farm (sitting ouitside at the end of September!) before returning to the car.
Time: 2 hours
Memories
Lovely shortish walk with magnificant views
Delicious leg of Heardwick lamb purchased at the Yew Tree Farm cafe / shop
Overall Rating Excellent
Completed 9 To Go 205
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