Holme Fell

Holme Fell

Route: Holme Fell

Area: Southern Lake District

Date of walk: 10th October 2018

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 5.9 miles

Ascent: 1,100 feet

Weather: Sunshine and blue skies, very warm but also very hazy

Standing at 1,040 feet, Holme Fell ranks 213 out of 214 in the list of Wainwright fells, but it’s a rugged place with good views and set in the middle of some wonderful countryside, and is well worth a visit

It took us nearly 1.5 hours to drive from the north west to the south of the district, such is the complicated nature of the terrain between the two areas, and when we finally arrived we parked in the car park at Low Tilberthwaite, owned by the Lake District National Park Authority

We walked along the road for a few yards and after crossing Yewdale Beck we headed east into the woodland. This brought us to Holme Ground, signalling the start of the ascent of Holme Fell. It was easy going and before long we reached Ivy Crag, a prominent rocky area about 200 yards away from the main summit, which is slightly higher. Sadly the long distance views, which are normally extensive, could hardly be seen thanks to a thick haze. In view of this we didn’t bother to detour across to the main summit, but made our way down the fellside, aiming for a prominent tarn (which is a disused reservoir)

After passing by the tarn we arrived at the chasm which is Hodge Close Quarry, a former slate mine which is now a playground for intrepid abseilers and divers. The narrow road petered out here and we followed a track to Stang End, with some lovely views across Little Langdale. From here we started out on the return leg as we followed a path to ancient Slater Bridge (which we detoured to admire but didn’t cross). Leaving the bridge, we turned south and walked back up the valley to Tilberthwaite. It was a delightful walk, although a shame that the long distance views weren’t shown in their best light

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