Two of the Dales 30 mountains lie to the east of the long valley of Mallerstang. The climb and walking on the slopes of High Seat and Lunds Fell is in places not well defined and can be wet but the views uniformerly excellent..
The broad ridge on the east side of Mallerstang creates less attention than Wild Boar Fell to the west. However there is much to enjoy on the hike. Some of the lower slopes can be hard work and have certain parts which are trackless. However tracks are starting to appear and the underfoot terrain improving with them, High Seat is the fourth highest of the Dales 30 mountains but receives few visitors although this number is increasing. A direct comparison can be made to the many thousands that visit the highest three, Whernside, Ingleborough and Great Shunner Fell. It’s a shame because the whole area is full of interest, historical and environmental. Where else can places boast a history including King Arthur, Lady Anne Clifford and Dick Turpin!
I have tackled these fells from both ends of Mallerstang and prefer the route from the south, starting near Garsdale at Aisgill Moor Cottages. The climb is steep and rough to Little Fell. On reaching the small cairn at Little Fell head 500m south to Sails, the ‘new’ highest point of the mountain. However once the summit is reached reverse your route and enjoy the broad ridge heading north. It is a lovely walk visiting such intriguingly named summits as Hugh’s Seat and Gregory Chapel. The descent follows the rim of Mallerstang Edge to the broad shoulder of the Riggs. Here there are some great views to the south and west as well as offering a straightforward descent to Hell Gill Bridge.
High Seat and Sails (Lunds Fell) are two of the Dales 30 Mountains of the Dales. The highest point of Little Fell was resurveyed in 2022 and found to be incorrect. The highest point is at the small cairn 500m to the south (easy stroll) at Sails. There is also some confusion as to whether this part of the fell is in fact Lunds Fell and not Little Fell at all. Best to just visit it!
High Seat and Sails (Lunds Fell) are two of the Dales 30 Mountains
Visit the ruins of Pendragon Castle whilst in the dale of Mallerstang.
There is also a straightforward climb of High Seat from the north which has some excellent views. Unfortunately for anyone wanting to do both mountains it is not a convenient start point.
On the return down the Riggs head to the stones on Gregory’s Seat. From here leave your outbound route and take a bearing just west of south. The Riggs is a broad grassy ridge, keep to the highest part throughout the descent where the terrain is easiest.
We completed this walk yesterday as described, with a 3-generation group from 10-70 years. Only space for 2 cars at the cottage but on a day that was a bit wet and windy we were the only walkers on these fells which felt remote but with lovely views all round. The climb up-to Little Fell is wet and untracked and hard work with GPS or compass needed. From there it’s only a bit better and featureless over to Hugh Deat but the path is then better up to High Seat. High Seat along to Mallerstrang Edge is also trackless, easier going though with a bit of climbing is to retrace on the good track back to Gregory chapel then drop down to the edge.
A rewarding if somewhat hard 10 miles and 2 more of the Dales 30 ticked off
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