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.

The forecast was for a decent day after a showery start. As we left home we were caught in a light shower but the weatherman on Radio Cumbria was assuring his listeners that it would be a good day. As per usual no plans had been made so after a quick chat it was decided that we would go to Askham and have a walk to Heughscar Hill and then see how things went from there.

Route

We left the car in the free car in the village centre. AW in his "Outlying Fells of Lakeland" book describes Askham as " Westmorland's most attractive village "

The fellside is accessed by a walk up the road (l) until the metalled surface gives way at a cattle grid to the open fellside. (r)

A breather and an opportunity for a look back to the cloud-topped North Pennines.

Ignore all other paths and tracks to the left and keep straight ahead with the wall on your right.

Some of the many fell ponies that we saw on the walk.

A look back as we reach the gate that opens onto the more open fellside at Riggingleys Top.

There are many options regarding paths but for Heughscar Hill just aim for the trees away to your right and enjoy the views to the northern High Street fells as you walk the grassy trod.

As you progress along the path the views along Ullswater and to the Helvellyn Ridge. (Useless fact Helvellyn is probably derived from Helvillon meaning yellow moor)

The walking is easy, views are good and the day is fine.

A close up.

Towards the foot of Ullswater the Mell Fells and theBlencathra fells catch the eye.

Edith at the summit cairn of Heughscar Hill.

And yours truly at the boundary stone nearby.

As we carry on northwards Ullswater opens up even more.

Father and daughter enjoying a morning ride as we approach Heugh Scar.

Little and Great Mell Fell with Blencathra behind.

Just before reaching Heugh Scar we dropped down to pick up one one the many tracks heading towards The Cockpit. The Roman Road known as the High Street along here.

Sod's Law.....just as we were about to lose the views of the Helvellyn Fells the cloud that had been restricting them started to clear.

Another boundary stone as we arrive at Ketley Gate on the bridleway from Roehead to the Cop Stone.

As we make our way to the Cop Stone the North Pennines are now clear of cloud.

Looking over Tarn Moor and Helton Fell towards Loadpot Hill.

The Cop Stone....This glacial erratic stone lies close to the track that leads over the side of Moor Divock from Askham and Helton. It stands around 120cm above ground, is 1 metre wide and about a metre thick, and forms part of a man made bank of around 20 metres in diameter. This bank is believed to be a Bronze Age Ring Cairn that was recorded in the late 19th century as having more than 10 stones around its perimeter - there are still a few small boulders set into this bank.
 

There were a number of cars parked by the road as there was a hound trail starting later.

A look over to Knipe Scar as we make our way down to Helton......

.....with the North Pennines in front of us.

Passing by Heltonhead Farm.

A "butty stop" on the village green at Helton.

From Helton we took a path leading down to the River Lowther. The gate in the picture to the right had been badly damaged, perhaps by a bolting horse.

Rather than crossing the bridge over the river we decided to follow it down the west side to Crookwath Bridge.

As we left the river at Crookwath Bridge this big fella came by heading southwards. It was around 1:20pm and there was one due at the Heritage Weekend at Morecambe around 2pm so I guess this could be him.

A short walk along a quiet road took us back....

....to Askham where refresments can be had at either The Queens Head or the cafe.....before you ask...cafe.

Back at the car park and a view to the North Pennines.

On our way home we popped in to see a friend at Orton. This gave me the opportunity for a few hazy pictures .....here of Mallerstang

Wild Boar Fell and the NE Howgills

NW Howgills.

Next Walk:     15th September 2010 - Lake District - Cunswick Fell

Last Walk:     8th September 2010 - Lake District - A Rydal & Grasmere circuit.

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