Identity crisis on Little Lingy Hill

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...

Solway sunset on two wheels

Out of all the hills in the Lakes, the Caldbeck & Uldale Fells are probably considered the poor cousins to the other ranges. The views of the Scottish Coast over the Solway are hardly the most dramatic that Scotland has to offer, but one of the best times to view are at sunset - especially on two wheels

Climbing High Pike from Fellside, the sun getting low in the sky...

Carrock Beck Circuit - Avoiding the cloud

Despite a predicted 70% chance of clear summits most of the Northern Fells had their heads in the clouds. Fortunately both Carrock Fell & High Pike looked like they might clear, as a bonus it had been over a year since my last visit to these two hills. I parked in one of the many spaces near the ford and ascended Carrock Fell via Rake Trod and followed the usually wet crossing to Hare Stones before climbing High Pike. Descended back to the road over West Fell.

The path leaves the road above Stone Ends...