CrossKeys Cautley Yarlside Randgygill WindscarthWyke FellHead TheCalf Calders Cautley CrossKeys
31st July 2009
Steep Gradients, Spectacular Views and Lonely Valleys
Map
copyright Ordance Survey
Summary
A very strenuous walk which, for the first 4hrs, is either up or down. And the downs are steep, very steep. But the views are spectacular and the valleys stupendous making the effort well worthwhile. The solitude of Bowderdale and Langdale should be experienced. From Bowderdale Head to Windscarth Wyke there are few tracks and you need your wits about you to ensure that you read the map correctly and take the correct route. From Windscarth you are on good paths and route finding is straight forward.
At the end of the day you will have sore and very tired quads; so you have been warned.
The Nuttalls describe the route form Randygill Top to Windscarth Wyke as ‘interesting’. It’s not the most natural route I’ve been on and I wouldn’t like to repeat it often. It is certainly testing. At first I thought it a chore but on reflection it’s a challenge that takes you into some lovely valleys. So put up with the effort and enjoy it.
We didn’t see much wild life except for the sheep and ponies. There were the usual crows and a view rabbits but little else.
A route for a clear day in summer to appreciate the views, eliminate route finding problems and minimise safety issues with the terrain – but then again I can be a wimp.