Over Farleton Fell.
Start. Holme.
Route. Holme - Lancaster/Kendal Canal - Duke's Bridge - Townend Farm - Farleton Fell - Newbiggin Crags - Burton Fell - Slape Lane - Oakwood Farm - Piper's Lane - Curwen Woods - A6070 - Holme.
Notes. Passed by thousands of walkers heading north up the M6 motorway, their sights set on the higher, tunnel vision guiding them to the hills of the Lake District, spirits lifted by the sight of the scree and gorse covered western face of the little hill that marks the approach to junction 36, the start of the days adventures. The hill in question is Farleton Fell rising to the east of Holme village, steep grassy slopes carved up by rivers of scree interspersed by a forest of gorse guard a vast limestone plateau, climb to the summit, you'll discover a vast expanse of naked limestone, interspersed by erratic boulders deposited at the end of the last ice age, deep grikes cut by rain water carve the limestone into blocks, a haven for rare flora, it all makes this cast landscape a wonderful place to explore.
My day started on Burton Road (B6384) opposite the cottages at Primrose Bank, a short walk down hill took me to the Lancaster/Kendal Canal, free of traffic this stretch of waterway is a must for wildlife. I wandered north, the constant hum from the M6 never very far away, after crossing North Road the canal ended abruptly at the motorway, a path cut through the field allowing access to the next bridge, the only way across. I crossed canal, motorway and Burton Road (A6070) to gain access to Farleton village, when the road swung left a finger-post on the right invited me to Farleton Fell, following this path I ascended the field before crossing a stile, the main path swung north hunting for gentler gradients, it soon turned south to ascend through a forest of gorse, in bloom at this time of year, once free of the gorse it was a short pull over grass to the summit.
From the summit I let the main path guide me north-east, in the company of a dry stone wall the path carried me through some stunning scenery before descending to the fell road, here I turned right ignoring Hutton Roof Crags, normally my preferred route. With tarmac under foot I descended the lane, half a mile of road walking followed before a finger-post directed me to Burton Fell, way marked paths guided me through fields and woodland, each step carried me closer to Slape Lane. Once in the confines of the lane I continued down hill, after a few minutes a plethora of yellow arrows nailed to a gate post greeted me, I left the lane following the farm track leading to Oakwood Farm, after passing through the farm yard I stepped onto the fell lane I'd walked down earlier, to my right another finger-post directed me to Holme, I followed this route down Piper's Lane. At the foot of the lane I stepped over a stile next to a rather ornate gate, I'd just entered a wonderful park alive with daffodils and ancient oaks, surrounded by woodland, hidden from prying eyes, this was a delightful end to the day, all too soon I stepped over a stile into Burton Road (A6070), to my left the other Burton Road crossed the motorway, all that remained a short walk down hill to the waiting car.
The Lancaster/Kendal Canal at Holme.
Lack of canal traffic makes this stretch of waterway a true place of tranquility.
Viewing the scree and Gorse covered western face of Farleton Fell. to the right the limestone cliffs of Holmepark Fell.
The canal as seen from North Road.
Steep, loose and unforgiving with plenty of prickly bushes to catch you when you slip, never fear my route ascended the field behind the farm buildings before following the intake wall out of shot to the left, it then ascended back into shot following the ridge line.
You'll know you're on the right path when you scramble pass this lot.....
.....then you're into Gorse and scree on the short ascent to the summit.
Hazy views today.
The views may be hazy, but the limestone scenery up here is quite special.
A feature known locally as the table, a small erratic boulder overlooking a landscape of naked limestone.
Another glacial erratic, this considerable larger specimen stands near Newbiggin Crags.
Hazy views over the Lune Valley.
Stretching across the skyline the limestone scars and stunted trees of Hutton Roof Crags, unfortunately off my route today.
A perfect example of clints and grikes with Hutton Roof as a backdrop.
The edge of Newbiggin Crags here limestone suddenly gives way to grassland, and I descend to the fell road.
Crossing Burton Fell.
Ready for this years crop.
This stile and gate at the foot of Piper's Lane allow access to a wonderful stretch of secluded parkland.
Daffodils and twisted oaks.
A long lingering look back to Hutton Roof before stepping on to the main road.