Uldale Fells.
Start. Longlands.
Route. Longlands - Longlands Fell - Lowthwaite Fell - Little Sca Fell - Great Sca Fell - Meal Fell - Trusmadoor - Great Cockup - Longlands.
Notes. The Uldale Fells are tucked away behind the much higher peaks of Skiddaw and Blencathra, sitting on the northern edge of the Lake District, visited by few, they ooze solitude. Today I had only sheep and a few mountain birds for company, these fells remind me very much of the Howgill Fells, wide grassy ridges leading to rolling summits, just one other reason to be here today, the fell forecast claimed the North Lakes should be free of cloud and this is as far north as the Lakes reach, the next hills north are Scottish.
My day started in a small lay by on the outskirts of Longlands, a sign on the gate announced I was about to enter Uldale Common and could I please shut it, I followed a good track northeast behind the houses before gaining access to the long grassy ridge leading south to the summit of Longlands Fell. On a good path I descended to a boggy coll before making the short ascent to Lowthwaite Fell, another short down and up to Little Sca Fell, then onwards to the summit of Great Sca Fell followed by a long steep descent west to reach Meal Fell with it's excellent wind shelter.
From Meal Fell I descended to Trusmadoor, this narrow pass marks the start of several paths, my route followed the one up the steep slopes of Great Cockup, I was soon on the summit hunting for the best route down. I followed the main path west before turning north at a line of Grouse Butts, no path now but it was a delightful easy descent across the grassy slopes of Great Cockup, eventually reaching the River Ellen, a stream at this point, I forded at this point to access the main path back to Longlands.
On the lower slopes of Longlands Fell looking to Great Cockup, not the hill with the trees the one in the gap.
Climb higher and the bulk of Skiddaw tilts into view.
Striding up the long grassy ridge heading to the summit of Longlands Fell.
A stunning early morning view to Over Water with Binsey rising to the right.
Golden light over the summit of Binsey.
View taken from near the summit of Longlands Fell, morning sunlight over Uldale.
Looking with trepidation to the summit of Brae Fell, I'll be heading into the cloud shortly somewhere up there is Little Sca Fell.
The summit Longlands Fell.
The wonderful view from the summit of Longlands Fell, Brea Fell, Broom Fell and Lords Seat all rising from Bassenthwaite Lake.
The featureless summit of Lowthwaite Fell.
Descending Lowthwaite Fell looking to Little and Great Sca Fells, still under cloud.
With it's head under cloud Skiddaw, seen over Great Cockup.
A wonderful golden glow across the summits of Longlands and Lowthwaite Fells.
Taking centre stage in shadow, Meal Fell with sunlight and shadow on the slopes of Great Cockup, free of cloud now mighty Skiddaw the Slate Mountain.
The summit Little Sca Fell.
Moving on to the summit of Great Sca Fell, the long ridge across the skyline leads to Knott.
Leaving the summit of Great Sca Fell looking to Meal Fell.
Wonderful light on the summit of Meal Fell.
This fine wind shelter marks the summit of Meal Fell.
From the summit of Meal Fell views through Trusmadoor, taking in the Broad End face of Skiddaw and the ominously named Dead Crags.
Binsey and Over Water as seen from the summit of Meal Fell.
Descending to Trusmadoor with the steep slopes of Knott dropping in from the left and Great Cockup in sunlight and shade.
Trusmadoor the narrowest of passes in the Uldale Fells.
Seen over the valley of Dash Beck the formidable face of Dead Crags.
The summit Great Cockup looking to Bassentheaite Lake.
Rising shear from the valley of Dash Beck, Dead Crags.
On Great Cockup looking to Binsey.
This strange structure I believe is a Grouse Butt, although I've never seen one like this before.
Ahead we have Over Water backed by Latrigg with Binsey to the left.
Sunlight adds sparkle to the Autumn colours in Crag Wood.
Trusmadoor as seen from the banks of the River Ellen.