The slopes of Wild Boar Fell form a distinctive profile from well beyond the rarely visited Mallerstang dale. The circuit which includes Swarth Fell is excellent on good paths with a straightforward climb and descent. However it is the pleasure of walking in such a remote landscape which makes it so enjoyable..
Fortunately the boars have left Wild Boar Fell. Having previously encountered a so called tame pack in Scotland I am aware they can be vicious little dears! Their absence leaves the hill to its geographic virtues of which there are many. I would certainly place it amongst my favourite mountains in the Dales. The flat summit area is its crowning glory with hidden Sand Tarn and additional attraction. The one mile square plateau is ringed by some impressive gritstone cliffs which over look the dale of Mallerstang. The actual summit however is set to the west, away from the cliffs (and where you will find the tarn). The larks, pipits, curlew and lapwings are there to be spotted whilst the views are consistently impressive (weather permitting) in all directions. It is a place to linger.
Pondering the reason for the set of large standing cairns which are to the south of the plateau area is a good exercise in the pointless. No one knows the real reason so I stick to my preferred Wainwright’s theory that he used on Nine Standards Rigg. Apparently they were built to scare the Scots off!
The climb is straightforward and clear on the ground from Hazelgill Farm. The descent off Swath Fell also obvious. Returning to the car at Hazelrigg I tend to follow the marked bridleway to the east of the embryonic River Eden. It undulates a little but has consistently great views over to Wild Boar Fell.
Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell are two of the Dales 30 Mountains
From the summit of Wild Boar Fell drop the 50m to Sands Tarn, an excuisite place and deep enough for a wild swim (for those who wish to!).
The fence line between Wild Boar and Swarth Fell makes an excellent guide in bad weather. Therefore look for its start at the south east corner of the summit plateau near the large standing cairns.
Is it possible to see the Solway Firth from the summit of Wild Boar Fell? Or Morecambe Bay? Thanks
More likely Morecambe Bay but they are both a fair distance away
Wild Boars are no more ‘vicious little dears’ than any other animal – this is an unfortunate characterisation of a native animal struggling to regain a foothold after long persecution and eventual extinction. Leave them along, they will leave you alone. You are more likely to suffer at the hooves of cattle than boar.
Nor was Wild Boar Fell ever named after Wild Boar. It was originaly named Wilbert or Wilbrich(t) Fell, the name probably meaning Wild Cliff.
If you descended Wild Boar fell from the Nab (one of the ways up) to High Dolphinsty and then down the bridleway to the first level land you could then head off across the grassy limestone level of Angerholme following the obvious line of potholes and shakeholes until you meet the wall and follow that slight but clear, sometimes damp, but easily used path to the viaduct at Ais Gill farm. A lovely way down (although missing out Swarth fell)
My only meeting with Wild Boar was on the banks of Loch Ossian and they fair flew at us…just my experience.
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