Rogan’s Seat from Keld

Rogan’s Seat lies within a large stretch of moorland in Upper Swaledale. The views are interesting rather than spectacular and the summit cairn a bit of a damp squib! The climb from Keld is the most enjoyable approach.

The Walk

I first came across Rogan’s Seat whilst Marilyn bagging. I extended the excellent walk up Gunnerside Gill with twenty minutes of purgatory trying to get the summit. The walk through rough wet peat bogs reached the insignificant cairn on the summit through perseverance and compass work rather than any pleasure. It was cloudy and with the car back at Gunnerside I repeated the trip back to the gill rather than take the easy, sensible land rover track. My feelings for Rogan’s Seat were somewhat tainted.

However I have since returned on many occasions, usually from from Keld. Each time the experience has become more enjoyable.  The lower approaches along the embryonic River Swale and climb up Swinner Beck was excellent. Although the landrover track to the summit is a little tedious it was at least quick and straightforward. I was happy that Rogan’s Seat was a worthy addition to the Dales 30 Mountains. For many the wide landrover’s tracks from Gunnerside offer the easiest approach but not the best.

The moors on the higher grounds are enjoyable for a while but tend to pall quite quickly. Returning to Keld I was determined not to descend the same way so carried on the landrover track (soon becoming more off road!) in to East Gill. I stayed high here and it was not too long before I was able to drop back in to the pleasant surroundings of the Upper Swale. Walking along the side of East Gill is a complete contrast to the easy approaches, largely trackless and rough.

Rogan’s Seat is one of the Dales 30 Mountains

Recommend

Keep high on the east banks of East Gill, there is an intermittent path which helps. The path (that is) keeps close to the contour line and makes the going easier.

Navigation Tips on Rogan’s Seat

There are a number of landrover tracks on the Rogan’s Seat plateau. Even though they often do not offer the most direct route to the summit they are offer the quickest access. It is rarely worth leaving them.