Friday, January 03, 2025

Western Howgills

Peaks: Uldale Head, Docker Knott, Over Sale, Fell Head, Linghaw
Area: Howgills, Yorkshire Dales
Last time I was here was descending into these obscure valleys high above the M6 for high-value checkpoints on the two mountain marathons I've done in the Howgills. I have often gazed up at the tops when driving along the motorway but have never actually approached from the western side. It was a perfect option for M and I this morning en route to Glasgow in crisp sunshine. It was cold, however,  very cold in fact and the little lane from Tebay (just off the M6) was steep and icy, but I calculated it would just about thaw for the return journey. A complex start involved an icy barefoot river crossing, fairly agonising, before a steep zigzag haul up to Uldale Head which had a frozen pond, thick sheets of ice, near the top. Superb view of the hills to come, but then came a steep descent which M didn't enjoy much, losing height before climbing back up Docker Knott and then a gentler pull to the top of Fell Head. This is the main hill in these parts with expansive views to Ingleborough and the Dales, and also across to High Street, Harter Fell and the Lakes. A light dusting of snow, and crisp sunshine, all added to the scene. Then came a really superb descent over a broad ridge to Linghaw back to the car, only marred by the M6 which is otherwise surprisingly unobtrusive. After a pie in Tebay services, we continued to Glasgow via Moffat.

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