Black Fell

This was another walk on the lower fells which surpassed expectations. We decided to take in Tarn Hows and parked at the southern end in the National Trust car park. Another sunny but windy day we walked with the masses around the western side of the tarn. An outdoor art exhibition (FRED) was being held in throughout Cumbria and one of the exhibits, a large floating feather, "Feather Flotsam", was at Tarn Hows. It really looked so natural floating on the water. Not at all out of place and at different times looking like a feather or a swan. It certainly was stimulating much comment from the passers by.

We left the main path at its northern end over a style following the Cumbria Way (we were on this in the north lakes yesterday) to meet the main track heading between Oxen Fell and Borwick Lodge. We turned right on the track for a short spell and then left it heading left trough the Iron Keld plantation, most of which had been cleared. Once leaving the boundary wall of the plantation a path (no marked on our map) immediately headed up the hill to the right and proceeded effortlessly to the summit.
The vista across to the western hill along this path was dramatic. Crystal clear lighting showed off the dramatic Wetherlam, Crinkles, Bow Fell and Langdales etc to their magnificent best. From the summit the contrasting picture to the east was of the softer lakeland hills of the Kentmere and Fairfield ranges (from this angle) the distant Pennine hills and the lakes of Windermere and Esthwaite water. To the south Tarn Hows and it's feather was in view. We spent the best part of an hour up here, visiting both cairns and relaxing in the sun before retracing our steps and completing the circuit of Tarn Hows.

Time 3 hours
Memories

• FRED (the white feather)
• Mountain views

Grade Excellent

Completed 64 To Go 150

Longlands Fell, Great Sca Fell, Knott and Brae Fell

Managed to park and the small hamlet of Longlands despite the road being closed for roadworks and a long diversion through Uldale. The sun was shining as we set off but the forecast was sunshine and showers. We headed eastwards along the Cumbria Way and soon left the main track along a small but distinct path up to the north ridge of Longlands Fell and soon up to the summit. The wind was getting stronger but on descending to the col towards Lowthwaite fell we were sheltered and stopped for lunch, greeting the only couple we met on the whole walk. The path skirts Lowthwaite fell to joint the main track up Charleton Gill and the ascends up to Little Sca Fell initially (which could easily be mistaken for the summit in mist), and then on to Great Sca Fell. We were fortunate to be in sunshine most of the time but to the west we were acutely aware of a wall of low, thick black cloud and rain heading our way. Such was the clear forewarning of the inclement conditions that we were able to put on our waterproofs and get out the compass in dry sunshine knowing that it would not be a waste of time. Skiddaw was in the mist most of the time but now, even Binsey across the valley was obscured. Soon after leaving Geat Sca Fell the mist came down, the temperature dropped and the horizontal sleet stung hitting our faces. It was enough to consider abandoning the ascent of Knott. However conditions like this on the hill pose an exciting challenge against the elements and a test of navigation, so on we went. There is a path leading up to Knott but quite indistinct in places amongst the peaty terrain and compass bearings, first south then south east, were a great comfort to hep us to the summit cairn. No view, just the required kiss on top and the retraced our steps to Great and Little Sca Fell where we came out of the mist to see a distinct track north to our final summit of Brae Fell.
The path off Brae Fell was heading North East, and knowing we had to aim for Longlands we decided to go 'off piste' and head straight down the grass slopes to meet the Cumbria Way where it fords Charleton Gill - no problems but quite a grassy trudge which we were glad we were not ascending. The rain now was well set in and we arrived back at the car drenched.

Time 4 hrs

Memories

• Navigation on Knott
• Watching the weather close in from the west
• Isolation

Grade excellent

Completed 163 to Go 151