The longest day - Summer solstice

Summary

The highest summit of the very extensive Baugh Fell, known as Tarn Rigg Hill - and is quite featureless. Rarely visited, it’s a fell that I won’t be visiting in any hurry. I spent most of the day navigating my way over pathless moorlands, which seemed the take forever! However, the views over Sedbergh and the Howgills are fantastic and very rewarding - especially from Knoutberry Haw.

The Hike

I’m not really into hikes where it’s pathless. Although I knew I had to do it at some point, and I knew it was going to be an incredibly long day. Luckily, it was the longest day of the year, so I had plenty of time. While I set off from the roadside, it was already trackless. Well, there was a faint track, but it was barely visible, and it only started to get worse, too. I felt very far away from anything and everything. It was incredibly frustrating not knowing if I was going in the right direction most of the time. Thankfully, it was a warm day, as I would have hated to be navigating through wet moorland.

The isolated landscape allowed me to appreciate nature in its purest form. I didn’t see a single person the entire day. Although challenging, I had to keep on telling myself how great this was, to be somewhere where barely anyone visits. It’s what makes walking so enjoyable. Having the freedom to explore places that machine can’t get to.

I remember walking alongside the river and wondering how much longer it would last. I was following my GPX but seemed to making very slow progress. It seemed like it would never end, taking much longer than I had planned. Eventually, I found an opening where I could see the grassy hillside. Taking the left-hand fork, I ascended the steep V-shaped valley towards the open tarns, where I was treated to awe-inspiring views of the Northern Dales.

At the Tarns, I headed towards the fence line, planning to follow it to Knoughtberry Haw. An isolated trig point which offers breathtaking views of the Howgills and the western Dales. I have visited the trig before but from a different side of Sedbergh. It always fascinates me by its beauty.

The summit of Knoutberry Haw meant I was officially halfway. From here, I had hoped it would be a little less forgiving on the legs and navigating wise. However, it still proved to be quite difficult. Along the plateau, I followed a vague path to the west of West Baugh Fell Tarn. I was in ore of the Howgills and its beauty.

From the Tarn, this marked the start of the descent. It was full of shake holes and mounds of moorland heather. Which made it extremely difficult to descending. My feet hurt and my legs hurt, and to make matters worse, it was very humid and warm. I could see my car in the valley below, but yet I still wasn’t any closer. The long descent blurred into one. I spent most of it trying not to go over my ankle. In the end, I reached my car, tired yet satisfied with my accomplishment of reaching the remote Baugh Fell. The entire walk had challenged me both physically and mentally, and when I did eventually arrive back at my car, I was completely spent.

A grand day in the fells and one I will remember forever.

GPX

Gallery