Sale Fell and Ling Fell in one

A simple figure of eight walk to take in these two smaller fells in the North Western region (Pictorial Guide Book 6) of the Lake District.

On Location: 29th February 2012.

Wainwright Fells: Sale Fell, Ling Fell

Parking: I parked centrally to the route in a small pull in near Brumston Bridge GR: NY 1848 2931. Please be aware that spaces here are limited. Always be aware of local traffic and do not block farm gates etc.

This route was one of the many walks which Andy undertook to obtain references for the Wainwrights in Colour project. Even though this walk was completed some years ago the landscape doesn’t change that much so the route could still be followed. This route could be split into 2 seperate walks, one for each fell and is one of the easier routes, making it ideal for a family walk.

All images taken with a Samsung WB500 compact camera (before I owned a DSLR)

Route map: click on the arrow to play the route. Route files in various formats are available by clicking in the Plotaroute.com link at the bottom right.

On the way to the parking space we pass though the small hamlet of Wythop Mill. At this point we turn left to proceed up a narrow lane in the direction of Wythop Hall.

This is the area where we parked. As you can see, there are roadside areas with just enough room for a couple of cars. Do not obstruct local traffic. From here walk through the gate and then turn immediately left up the hill. Keeping close to the wall on your left.

There is a path which is reaonably steep. Good opportunites to look back across the valley to Ling Fell. After 180m take the path to the right which leaves the wall and heads uphill.

Steadily climbing you will pass by this outcrop of white (quatrz) rocks. Continue on the path.

Dodd Crag is about the only major outcrop of rock on the fell. The Whinlatter Fells form the skyline here.

Nearing the summit there is this odd “scoop” of rock (slate) breaking through the surface. Shortly after this point you will reach the summit.

The summit of Sale Fell looking east towards a cloud covered Skiddaw group. The summit cairn here is not a permanent feature. Available cairn material here comprises of small slate stones, as easily cast aside as being used for cairn building. When I visited this top previously (on 18/5/08) for my reference for the Wainwrights in Colour there was a small cairn (see WIC p281). No sign of it today.

From the summit we headed east to the wall where we turned right. The paths here will take you down towards Kelswick.

Kelswick is a fine farmstead in a great location. I will be using this scene as the basis for my pen and watercolour portrait sketch of Ling Fell.

Swaledale sheep roam the slopes of the fell.

Once past Kelswick farm we head right along a distinct track that runs above and parallel to the metalled road. Soon we are back at the start point and the car. Of course, at this point you could just get in the car and call it a day. Not for us though, we head south on the lane, up towards Eskin, and at the junction turn right. In 200m take the track to your left that goes up through the metal farm gate.

Looking back to the lane and the gate that we have just come through.

Ascending the lane, which is in fact an old corpse road, we take a look back towards Sale Fell where we were earlier.

Whilst the corpse road continues to contour round the fell side we head up the track to the left.

It is a good track that gently rises up towards the summit of Ling Fell.

On this route we pass by these piles of stones. Another can just be seen in the distance. These are the old grouse (shooting) butts mentioned by Wainwright (Ling Fell 3). By continuing along the track we are soon at Ling Fell summit.

The summit area of Ling Fell. The Ordnance Survey triangulation column is Wainwright’s summit at 373m. However, at it isn’t the actual highest point of the hill.

A short distance from the column is a small cairn. This wasn’t here in AW’s day and in fact this also isn’t the true highest point (374m) of the fell which is over to the right and is unmarked.

With Broom Fell behind the reason for this cairn being placed here is unclear.

From the summit there is a good view, including Binsey, 5 miles away. As you can see from the fleece on the sheep, it was a rather windy day. We didnt hang around, task completed we opted for the direct route down off the fell. A path down the slopes of the fell takes us straight to the gate that we came through earlier.

Looking back up the fell from the wood near Burthwaite. Now simply a case of walking back down the lane to return to the car.

Not the most challenging of walks but ideal if you are looking for a simple leg stretch and to take in these two North Western fells.

Until next time, thank you for reading.