This year I seem to have neglected the Yorkshire Dales, so it's time to put that right. Today my mother would have called a good drying day, unfortunately for us walkers that usually means strong winds, the fell forecast confirmed it, buffeting on exposed ground and high ridges, the wind would make walking difficult. Armed with that information I decided to head for the sheltered valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. From the sleepy village of Austwick I climbed into Crummack Dale to pause for a brew at the delightful Wash Dub Field, I then followed one of the many green lanes to the head of the valley before I ascended onto the scars of Moughton, for me this is one of the most interesting places in the Dales, an absolute delight to walk across, an intricate and delicate landscape that should be cared for, take time to enjoy it. I exited Moughton through Sulber Gate onto another green lane, this took me south past the ancient cairn on Long Scar then into the valley of Clapdale, (somehow it doesn't have that ring to it), before entering Long Lane I crossed Clapham Bottoms to descend Trow Gill, a short walk to Ingleborough Cave then a sharp climb to Long Lane, at the junction of Long Lane and Thwaite Lane I turned left to head back to Austwick.
Crummack Dale and Clapdale.

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Robin Proctor's Scar seen from Crummack Lane.
   
Striding across the fields above Sowerthwaite Farm with views into Crummack Dale.
   
On the path to Wash Dub Field looking to Studrigg and Long Scars.
   
What a gem, the Clapper Bridge at Wash Dub Field.
   
To the left is Wash Dub Field, In late spring and in early summer the beck was dammed to make a pool, the sheep were washed to remove parasites, the Wash Dub was still in use as late as the 1930s. Somehow I can't imagine the various park authorities and the dreaded health and safety executive allowing this practice to take place in this day and age.
   
A delightful stroll between dry stone walls on one of the many green lanes in Crummack Dale.
   
Across Crummack Dale the first view of Ingleborough.
   
Across lush green fields Studrigg Scar.
   
I have now climbed onto the limestone escarpment of Moughton, across the skyline Pen-y-ghent.
   
Take care crossing the limestone pavements of Moughton, especially on a windy day like today, it's easy to get caught off balance.
   
A distant Ingleborough.
   
When crossing the limestone pavements take time to look past the toe of the boot, the hollows between the limestone blocks are abound with rare orchids and ferns safe from the ever hungry sheep.
   
The limestone pavements of Moughton backed by Pen-y-ghent.
   
Looking to Ingleborough from the ancient cairn on Long Scar.
   
Seen from Clapham Bottoms, Thwaite, on the far horizon, grey today Pendle Hill.
   
Walkers ascend Trow Gill.
   
The limestone cliffs of Trow Gill.
   
Ingleborough across Clapdale as seen from Thwaite Lane.
   
Looking to Long Scar across Crummack Dale.
   
Last seen at the beginning of the day, the impressive limestone cliffs of Robin Proctor's Scar.
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