For those of you that are thinking of going onto the hills I would strongly recommend that you read the advice given by the Mountain Rescue organisation of England and Wales. To read this advice, which will open in a new page please click HERE. If you would like to make a donation to the Mountain Rescue organisation which is purely voluntary please click HERE. Please make the time to read the advice page.

We left home with the intention of going to the Lakes around 8:45 but on arrival at the promenade at Morecambe we had a quick change of plan. It looked quite dark and broody over the South Lakes and the weatherman on Radio Cumbria was promising some rain for the afternoon. Thinking that the rain looked like arriving a little earlier than that we did a right turn at Carnforth and headed over to the Dales. Malham Tarn was Ediths choice and I didn't argue because all I wanted was a quiet walk with not much climbing. Surprisingly we were the first car on the park at Malham Tarn although there were a few people around. Our route was first to the tarn and then to the summit of Great Close Hill before descending to Middle House Farm. From there we walked to Street Gate from where we revisited the tarn on our way to the car. We called in at Malham on our way back for a cafe stop and a little walk around the village.

Looking across Malham Tarn towards Fountains Fell as we walk to the tarn.

There was nothing at all coming over the weir.

The level of the tarn is well down.

From the tarn we headed over towards Great Close Hill following the track of the Pennine Way.

A look back just in time a brief glimpse of the sun.

Still on the Pennine Way which follows the tarn round before heading off towards Fountains Fell. We however will be leaving it just to the right of the trees an centre picture.

Sunshine on Fountains Fell

Great Close Hill

Thirsty cows at the tarn.

Here we have left the Pennine Way and are making our way up Great Close Hill.

A look towards Middle House farm which we will pass by shortly, but first....

....passing by what looks like a man made feature on the way to Great Close Hill

The ancient cairn on the summit as been converted into a shelter for nettles.

From the summit looking SW'ly towards Pikedaw Hill, Kirkby Fell and Rye Loaf Hill.

Descending towards Middle House farm. The path we will use is called the Monk's Road part of an old path to Fountains Abbey.

Colourful meadows

A look back to the gentler side of Great Close Hill.

Middle Close farm

From the farm our path followed the farm track to Street Gate.

Great Close Hill from near Street Gate.

With time a'plenty we decided to return via the tarn as the day seemed to be brightening.

Just a small amount of water passing through the valve for whatever purpose.

From the tarn we drove down to Malham for a visit to the cafe.

That's all folks!!!

Next Walk:     29th June 2010 - Arnside & Silverdale AONB - Arnside Knott the easy way

Last Walk:    25th June 2010 - Lake District - A Troutbeck Valley wander  

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