Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
This walk has been split in to two separate outings and includes in it the Chapter 30
(Dunnerdale Fells - called Tarn Hill) not to be confused with the higher Tarn Hill
which is the third peak visited as described in this blog.
Confusing I know, but we didnt feel it worth making a separate journey for just ONE Fell.
The second half of this Horseshoe (containing Nameless 1183ft & The Knott 925ft)
will be completed and blogged here at a later date.
This walk is a delightful one, none too strenuous and a reasonably
good path throughout. The views on a good day (like we had) are extensive
From the A593 take the minor road sign posted for Broughton New Mills and
Ulpha near Duddon Bridge. As you approach Stonestar a number of lay by`s either
side of the road provide free parking. The start of this walk as indicated by the line
is some 30 odd yards or so further down the road
The sign post at the start of the track
The path at the start of the walk is (at this time of year - August) covered in bracken.
However the track is easily followed
Looking back to the road from the bracken lined path
After an initial stony path to start with it turns more grassy as we climb
The path scythes its way through the bracken and swings left to head
towards a grassy rake and the ridgeline above
On the top of the ridgeline now and we pass the first of many tarns that will be
encountered on this route
The path now improves greatly. Initially the aim is to ascend via the grassy
rake shown at the top of the shot
Higher up now and there are a number of times where tributary paths branch
off left towards the grassy rake. For no other reason than a better walking surface
we chose to keep right on the main path at this point
After a number of forks in the path we eventually decide to veer left
at this point near the big isolated boulder
The big boulder from the tributary path
We are just about to make the final turn to ascend to the summit approach.
We pass the locals who are just busy doing nowt
Take the right hand fork to ascend up to the summit approach of Great Stickle
At the top of this raise, the ground evens out and gives access to Great Stickle
The first proper view of Great Stickle. The route to the summit is via
the right hand slope. Easy walking
The summit trig point comes in to view
Sue on the summit of Great Stickle. Click here for a 360 degree view
Caw from the summit of Great Stickle
The path heads towards Dunnerdale Fell (left) and Tarn Hill (right) even though
Dunnerdale Fell is called Tarn Hill in the Wainwright Guide Book.
Yes - it is confusing. There are numerous paths across the undulating ground
We found that the key is to make your way down to the obvious path
that heads towards a series of small tarns
At this point we have just reached the first big tarn and its best to skirt
left when you get there
Heading for the "Dunnerdale" Tarn Hill first. The ground is a little boggy, but keeping
to the right avoids the worst of it
Dunnerdale Fell in the centre of the picture. We skirt through the small
rocky outcrops. The path is reasonably well defined
Looking back to Great Stickle across the undulating terrain
The very neat summit of Dunnerdale Fell (Tarn Hill). Click here for a 360 degree view
Looking towards Tarn Hill. The high point is circled and at this point the path
to take is a matter of choice. We headed for the obvious channel on the right
Looking back to Great Stickle (far right)
After about 15 minutes or so we reach the channel and the summit cairn
of Tarn Hill (Stickle Pike round) comes in to view.
Yes - I was confused too
On the summit of Tarn Hill looking towards Stickle Pike. Click here for a
360 degree view from the summit of Tarn Hill
Looking south across the numerous Tarns
Looking back to Great Stickle from the summit of Tarn Hill
The fourth and final fell of the day - Stickle Pike. Initially, follow the obvious
grassy trod, however our path will veer right shortly to avoid a steep drop
down over rocks to eventually end up climing the grass path seen on the
right hand side of the Pike
Setting off down the grassy trod. Following the route shown
We pass what must be the only Tarn in the District to be completely fenced off
At this point, we have turned right and walked downwards parallel to
a dense area of bracken. This is to avoid the steep drop further along
and to get on the main path seen slightly right of centre in the shot
Once safely down - an obvious path cuts through the bracken and leads
up to the summit approach on Stickle Pike
The upper reaches of Stickle Pike heading towards the shoulder on the right
The southern face of Stickle Pike. We chose not to scramble up this.
An easier route can be found around the northern face
At the top of the shoulder a marker cairn signifies to take a left turn
We chose to strike up to the summit from here on the grass. Slightly
further on a scree path also leads up to the summit
Caw from the climb up to the summit of Stickle Pike
After a short but steep climb, the summit cairn appears
Sue on the summit of Stickle Pike. Click here for a 360 degree view
