Wild Boar Fell & Swarth Fell
A jewel of the Yorkshire Dales.
Summary
A distinctive fell in the northern dales, on the eastern slopes of Mallerstang, where a series of nine large cairns stand prominently. The name is taken from the last wild boar to survive in England, killed by Sir Richard Musgrave of Hartley Castle in the 15th century. It would have been nice to see some wild boars, but sadly, this wasn’t the case. However, the flat plateau, remoteness, and quietness of Swarth Fell make it excellent walking conditions and a place to truly get away from it all.
I always feel my mind seems a bit scrambled before starting any type of hike. I can’t think straight, focus, or make a rational decision. It’s only by being outside, escaping, immersing myself in a peaceful place, where things are simple, that I can almost rewire my brain to think more freely and calmly. I’ve wanted to visit Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell for a while now and knew it would have a big effect on me. This place felt special, any place usually does in the Dales. And while I began my hike, I knew it was going to be a fantastic day.
The hike began from the foot of the fell. I followed along a vast area of exposed land, beside the north of Mallerstang road. Wedged in-between the rolling fells of Wild Boar Fell & Gregory Chapel, splashed by pockets of sunshine where sheep grazed on each side of me. While I roamed, I came across the ‘Watercut’. An impressive random piece of modern art with fantastic views into the valley below. From here, I slowly descended through the u-shaped valley. Admiring the swooping hills that lay beside me from both sides.
Meanwhile, as I approached the valley floor, I was a bit confused about where to go next. The route brought me to somebody’s house, and I was afraid that I might be on private properly. Regardless of this slight confusion, the only logical way to get back onto the route was to quickly sneak into their back garden and jump over the wall.
- Surely there was an easier way over? I thought.
After climbing the wall, I followed a faint track through open fields and over man-made brick stiles, until I arrived at an exposed valley where Wild Boar Fell came into full view. A soft bed of cotton wool puffs floated above the summit while I could see the path snake its way upwards. It looked immense!
A mix of pastoral meadows, sun yellow with buttercups, whitewash and dry-stone walls complemented the area. I steadily began to make my way up towards the nab, taking in the views the higher I climbed. It all seemed but a mere distant memory. It looked fantastic looking down.
Upon arriving at the group of eight man-made structures which stand on the edge of the Wild Boar Fell and Swarth intersection, the views to the south were breathtaking. Following the ridge line towards Swarth Fell, I could see why people come here. I had it all to myself. I was lost for words, and could feel my senses awakening as the beauty of the fells captivated my mind.
Eight man-made structures on the edge of Wild Boar Fell
The path, on a carpet of short moorland grass, followed towards Sand Tarn and the Howgills where I would begin my final short climb to Swarth Fell, albeit most wouldn’t recognise this is a trig point. The entire area was filled with rolling fells. I couldn’t help but stop on the hillside to take in one last moment, as I walked the irrevocable part of the hike. I felt free, and while I looked back on Wild Boar Fell, I knew I would be back, as this was becoming one of my favourite hikes.
Its only by experiencing places like these that you can understand the emotional and physical impact that the fells can give.
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