A broad ridge in the Northern Dales

Summary

The broad ridge on the east side of Mallerstang offers fantastic views of the Northern Dales, Howgills, and the Lake District. Although the area creates a lot less attention compared to Wild Boar Fell to the West. It is equally as enjoyable, if not more so. The slopes of High Seat and little fell can be rough, however, it is well worth the visit as both contribute to the Dales 30 and are truly unique in their own way.

The Hike

I have tackled Wild Boar Fell before and enjoyed every minute. More so, I was very excited to explore the Fells to the East. I remember visiting the Watercut a while ago - a sculpture that lies in the valley beneath. And whilst looking up at the surrounding fells, I couldn’t help but wonder what they were and what magnificent views they held. After a bit more research, I was delighted to find out that two of them contributed to the Dales 30. High Seat and Little Fell. I couldn’t wait to explore.

We began at Aisgill’s cottage. It was a bitterly cold but sunny day. One of my favourite types of days to be out in the Fells. We began following a gravel track past Hell Gill Bridge, which soon opened up onto a more exposed area. This was a lot less maintained and difficult to follow. It was a long drag upward, especially on tracks not so visible, and some areas not visible at all. However, the views all around were breathtakingly beautiful. All we could hear was the crunch beneath our feet over the frosty ground as a great silence filled the air.

Meanwhile, the track we were following disappeared. We had to ramble through an extensive area of lumpy terrain. It seemed to go on forever. Eventually, we arrived at the summit of Lunds Fell that was merely a small pile of rock. Nothing too impressive, but at least we found the path.

Onwards, we continued following the path over a vast area of rounded hills. Painted by the movement of fast-moving clouds from the fierce, westerly wind. Dotted shades of oranges, browns, and yellows filled the landscape, making it pure bliss to wander through the Dale. The wind cut through the short grass, and while we continued following the path, we didn’t see a single person. We had it all to ourselves.

Not long after, we arrived at Hugh Seat. An impressive, lonely trig provided a welcoming view over Wild Boar Fell. Here, we continued along a small section of trackless path in search of a place to shelter for lunch and refuel for the last part of the hike. Afterward, the path rose to a larger impressive trig. I thought this was Chapel Gregory, but it turns out it was a little further along. Although not as impressive. However, it was a good landmark to retrace our steps back to after we had visited High seat. The last and Final Cairn.

High Seat held nothing special in terms of cairns but something very special in terms of landscape. Miles and miles of countryside filled my mind. I could see as far as the snowy peaks of the lakes! It was such a clear day. I was speechless.

From High Seat, we continued back towards Chapel Gregory where we descended to the rim of Mallerstang edge. Here the entire valley sandwiched between us and Wild boar Fell was filled with limestones and gritstone. A truly magical sight. Meanwhile, the descent was a lot easier and straightforward than the uphill. Cutting through the landscape back to Hell Gill Bridge.

I loved every minute of this hike!

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