FRIDAY FELLS - Cross Fell: Highest Peak in The Pennines
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Start your weekend early with a 9 mile circular mountain walk (720m ascent) through the North Pennines National Landscape to the summit of Cross Fell, the highest peak in The Pennines. The walk starts from Kirkland, near Penrith, in Cumbria's beautiful Eden Valley.
The Pennines are known as the backbone of England. They rise in the Peak District, south of Manchester, and run up to the Scottish Border. This walk takes us to their highest point, Cross Fell, which presides majestically over the Eden Valley. You will have seen it from the M6, the A66 and many Lakeland fells. Cross Fell is also the highest point of the Pennine Way; the highest point in England outside the Lake District; the source of the mighty River Tees; and home to the UK's only named wind, the Helm Wind, which blows ferociously down its slopes in certain conditions (but hopefully not in August!).
The Eden Valley and the North Pennines are often overlooked due to their proximity to their much more famous neighbour on the other side of the M6, the Lake District National Park. However, this is a beautiful area of unspoiled villages and farmland surrounded by fells on three sides, which more than deserves the walker's attention. This being the height of August and school holiday madness in the Lakes, we thought this was the perfect time for Friday Fells to visit this quieter corner of Cumbria.
The walk starts in the hamlet of Kirkland and climbs to cross the summit plateau of Cross Fell, with its impressive cairn and summit shelter. After visiting the source of The Tees, we'll descend by a different path to make a circular walk.
If we have a strong group and are making good time, we may add an out and back trip further along the ridge to another local landmark, the radar station on Great Dunn Fell. You may have noticed this white golf ball like structure from the M6. This radar station is operated by National Air Traffic Services and is a key part of the air traffic control system for Northern England and Southern Scotland. This will add about 3 miles (1 hour) to the day.
At the end of the day, we'll go for an optional drink at a local pub.
You can find the planned route here, though we may be unable follow this exactly on the day.
Event full? Please join the waiting list. Places usually open up as the event gets nearer and, where necessary, we try to add additional leaders to increase the numbers, so you are highly likely to get a place.
New Members: Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event, do note that this walk is likely to require some experience. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Is it dog friendly? Well-trained dogs are welcome but please note and abide by the Countryside Code. Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members..
Image / photo credits: All images (c) JPV with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
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What to bring
Waterproof jacket and trousers: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Walking Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Food & drink
You will need to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water (at least 2 litres). Please note there are no facilities, shops or cafes at the start or en route. Nearest facilities are in Penrith.
At the end of the walk, there will be an optional visit to a local pub for a drink.