North of the Cross Keys Inn near Sedbergh lies lonely Wandale Hill. It is possible to climb it but the more interesting walk circles the mountain, past an attractive waterfall with views across the Howgills.
This was the first walk I had done all year where I started absolutely convinced that I would meet no-one. I was right! Once Cautley Spout had receded in to the distance I was on my own. Not strictly true as the wild ponies were in evidence. In addition sheep were flooding the fellside and the farmyards at Adamthwaite and Narthwaite had clearly been the recent residence of large numbers of cows.
There is a bridlepath which circles Wandale Fell. Fortunately it is well used by the local farmers and therefore obvious to follow. As a result this offers more opportunity to study the unusual views from this unusual fell. For the first part of the walk Yarlside is dominant. Secondly on the approach to Adamthwaite Farm there are views across the Northern Howgills whilst on the return there is an excellent and unusual perspective across Wild Boar Fell. Towards the watershed on the far side of Wandale Hill the land rises quite steeply. Here there is an excellent waterfall as well as some increasing evidence of tree plantations.
After rains the river crossing is difficult below Narthwaite (wet feet minimum) and the detour is via the inconvenient farm road. Best to leave this walk for dryer conditions.
If you feel a need to climb lonely Wandale Hill access it from directly north of the summit. It is a higher start, the ground tends to be dryer and there are no walls in the way. The summit is marked by a small cairn with excellent views.
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