18th November 2012 - Barbon Low Fell
Walk Details
Distance walked: 8.5 miles
Total ascent: 1533 ft
OS map used: OL2 - Yorkshire Dales, Southern & Western areas
Time taken: 5.5 hrs
Route description: Barbon-Barbondale-Blindbeck Bridge-Bullpot Farm-Fell Road-Barbon Low Fell-Brownthwaite Pike-Fell Road-Fellfoot Road-Barbon
The forecast for today had been for fine weather and it certainly started out that way but half way into the walk it decided to chuck it down. After half an hour of heavy rain and hail it cleared up but I didn't get the good views from Barbon Low Fell that I'd hoped for. Never mind, it gives me an excuse to do this walk again.
From Barbon I walked through the village to the church of St. Bartholomew's where I turned left to take the path across Barbon Beck and then up through the woods of Barbondale. This path ends where it meets the road through Barbondale to Dent. I followed the bridleway to Bullpot Farm and then it was onto Fell Road with a track taking me to the summit of Barbon Low Fell and back down again. The route back to Barbon was along the bridleway of Fellfoot Road and a walk along a minor road.
Total ascent: 1533 ft
OS map used: OL2 - Yorkshire Dales, Southern & Western areas
Time taken: 5.5 hrs
Route description: Barbon-Barbondale-Blindbeck Bridge-Bullpot Farm-Fell Road-Barbon Low Fell-Brownthwaite Pike-Fell Road-Fellfoot Road-Barbon
The forecast for today had been for fine weather and it certainly started out that way but half way into the walk it decided to chuck it down. After half an hour of heavy rain and hail it cleared up but I didn't get the good views from Barbon Low Fell that I'd hoped for. Never mind, it gives me an excuse to do this walk again.
From Barbon I walked through the village to the church of St. Bartholomew's where I turned left to take the path across Barbon Beck and then up through the woods of Barbondale. This path ends where it meets the road through Barbondale to Dent. I followed the bridleway to Bullpot Farm and then it was onto Fell Road with a track taking me to the summit of Barbon Low Fell and back down again. The route back to Barbon was along the bridleway of Fellfoot Road and a walk along a minor road.
Route map
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St. Bartholomew's, Barbon on a fine Sunday morning
Crossing Barbon Beck
Looking back at St. Bartholomew's from just past the bridge over Barbon Beck
The village of Barbon as I head up into Barbondale
On the bridleway through the woods in Barbondale
Back out into the open. The fell in the distance is Crag Hill.
Back across Barbon Beck. I'll spend a short time on the road through Barbondale before taking the bridleway to Bullpot Farm.
The view up Barbondale from the bridleway to Bullpot Farm
and down dale. My route up was through the woods on the right.
The slopes of Middleton Fell on the other side of the valley. It was at this point that I became aware of the downpour that was approaching.
Bullpot Farm. Home to the Red Rose Cave and Pot Hole Club. I spent half an hour stood in the lee of the building having my lunch while the heavy shower of rain and hail passed through.
A cloud topped Crag Hill from Fell Road, the road to Bullpot Farm. Just a little bit of road walking before I head for the top of Barbon Low Fell.
The valley of Leck Beck
Views from the trig point on the summit of Barbon Low Fell. Crag Hill and Green Hill.
A sunlit Middleton Fell
Dark clouds on the right hide the Lakeland fells
But I can make out Morecambe Bay
The huge cairn on neighbouring Brownthwaite Pike is my next port of call
On Brownthwaite Pike with the sun shining on the River Lune
Kirkby Lonsdale in the valley below
Looking across to the Forest of Bowland
Middleton Fell and the summit of Barbon Low Fell
The cloud has lifted enough for me to be able to make the Lake District fells
Time to head back to Barbon. Firstly, along this walled track until it reaches Fell Road.
Heading down Fell Road
On the bridleway of Fellfoot Road...
I passed several of these alongside Fellfoot Road. A boulder in an enclosure with a step in the wall to gain access. I can't think of any explanations for them. If anyone has any ideas, drop me line. STOP PRESS! I now have an answer. They are examples of Andy Goldsworthy's art in the countryside. If you view the Clougha Pike walk later in the month another of his installations can be seen. Many thanks to Mike from Bolton for providing the solution.
The big house of Whelprigg
Back in Barbon