Sometimes hill lists collide, one may side with the OS, another may go with what is obvious on the ground - Little Lingy Hill is one of those tops caught in this uncertainty. Birkett places it to the more prominent lump above Iron Crag, while the Synge list sides with the OS and plumps with an insignificant bump in Miller Moss.
I've previously visited these tops before, even the boggy insignificant Synge summit has been crossed whilst taking a shortcut across Miller Moss (not recommended) but to describe this as a Lakeland Summit is stretching the dictionary definition of a 'summit'.
A friend has asked me what the ascent of Roughtongill is like so its a little photo heavy, its not a difficult climb but when the gill is in spate or in winter conditions it should be approached with care.
It should be noted that the LDNPA has placed a restriction of mineral collection in the area described by this walk to preserve the rare minerals for the nation, its ok for United Utilities to use the mineral rich mine spoil to repair pot holes on there track, or samples to slowly be washed down the valley. A successful prosecution can lead to a £20,000 fine, I've seen a few threatening signs in Hay Gill - but the only attempted prosecution was above the Plumbago Mines in Borrowdale.
The valley of Dale Beck is worth a visit...
& seems to go on forever...
the numerous zig-zag tracks above Silver Gill avoid any difficulties in Roughtongill...
but Silver Gill shouldn't be ignored either, well worth a visit...
the ford below the mine spoil, Roughtongill...
the water board hut marks the position of the 90 fathom adit...
its easier to escape the gill and take the paths on the left bank, through the spoil...
a clear path strike towards the gill ...
a small detour takes you to a short trial in Roughtongill...
back on the path a coffin level can be spotted in the gill, it looks loose but it isn't...
don't forget a torch...
the 60 fathom level, doesn't look as appealing...
the view back down the gill...
an easy scramble climbs the next short section...
another glance down...
another scrambly bit, to the left of the gill...
which leads to a narrowing of the gill, in spate expect wet feet...
the best route threads between the 30 fathomm portal and a small cascade, on the left bank..
height is slowly being gained...
its still narrow with steep sides but stay left for the best line...
the gill levels...
where it widens slightly, aim right...
all dangers are past, unless you sit on a thistle...
pre foot & mouth a wooden structure started to emerge from the scree but has disappeared, interesting rocks & mineral samples can be found (& left) here.
ruined sheepfold, there are hints of several mine levels close by, Knott & Great Sca Fell are well within reach...
Little Lingy Hill (Synge summit) surrounded by bog...
& Little Lingy Hill (Birkett summit) & Great Sca Fell on the horizon...
Great Lingy Hill to High Pike...
Hare Stones to Carrock Fell..
High Pike's summit...
and nice grassy descent back to Fell Side...
Thanks for those Simon - I'll have to have another go... I got as far as the boulders in the middle of the stream in the photo under where you've written:
ReplyDelete"which leads to a narrowing of the gill, in spate expect wet feet..."
Carol.
Shame you didn't pop your head over those boulders as your past the worst bits!
ReplyDeleteCheers Simon