Loop - CHALLENGE - Vale of Eden Skyline + Pendragon Castle - 22.5mi/36km

Join us for a great challenge out in the Yorkshire Dales on Summer Solstice! Slighty shorter and quieter route than the Yorkshire Three Peaks. I have based this off of the Yorkshire Five Peaks challenge route which I recced last year. I have changed it because I strongly advise to never do that challenge's route. The descent from High Seat on that route is super steep and dangerous, I've changed it so it is more gradual.

Start Time: 9:30am
Miles/Kilometres: 23mi/37km (Approx)
Total ascent: 1255m (Approx)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Estimated length of time: Hike will take approx 8+ hours
Dogs Allowed: Yes but must be on a lead for the entire walk, there will be sheep.
Public Transport: Yes, train leaves Leeds at 7:48am arriving at Garsdale at 9:21am.
Parking - Park at the station.
Payment: £1 - Use this link to pay: https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1 - please put "Eden" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet at the north side of the train station, opposite side from the car park (where trains from Leeds will arrive and there are terraced houses).

We start by walking down the road briefly before veering off along a footpath past fields to the viaduct ahead. We follow it under the viaduct and then to the A684. We cross over the road and follow a footpath that allows avoiding walking on the road at the junction. We cross the B6259 to follow a footpath through a meadow to a dirt road.

We now follow the dirt road across the River Ure and then turn left onto another dirt road that we follow up the hill. It is a gradual ascent past some woodland and up onto the moors coming out at an old roman or military road now called Lady Anne's Way. We follow this old road to the ruins of a farm then turn right onto a faint footpath.

We follow the footpath, gradually ascending further up the moors, over streams (there are bridges) and limestone rock to a tiny tarn for views across Cotterdale and Wensleydale. We then turn left and follow farmers tracks up and over the moors to the top of Lunds Fell (666m). From the road to the top it is approx 3.75mi/6km and 360m of ascent.

It is then across this moorland ridge hopefully with stunning views across the Vale of Eden, Mallerstang and Wild Boar Fell. The ridge starts with a 60m gradual descent before a slightly steep ascent up to Hugh Seat (689m). Then mostly flat to Gregory Chapel (695m). Then a bit of a descent and ascent to High Seat (709m). If it is clear, you will have clear views of the Lake District's many hills. We then follow the farmers tracks down the other side of the ridge and eventually veer left and start to descend into the Vale of Eden. There is no path to follow on this part, it is moorland to start with and then turns into grassy fields with limestone.

Eventually we come out onto Lady Anne's Way again and follow this through the farmland, over three streams; Ay Gill, Southwaite Gill and Owl Gill and then through a farm until we come out on the B6259. We walk along this briefly before following Lady Anne's Way through fields to a country road. Here begins the ascent up Wild Boar Fell. We can take a tiny detour instead down the road to look at Pendragon Castle (King Arthur's surname so maybe had something to do with him?).

We ascend up the country road to a cottage, there is meant to be a footpath here but I can't see it on Google Street View so if it is not there we take a slight detour following the road up. If it is there, we ascend through the fields to a farm, through the farm and up to the same country road. We now veer off and follow dirt racks to an old farm wall. Then follow a footpath alongside the wall steadily ascending up to Little Fell (559m).

We now follow the ridge all the way up to Wild Boar Fell (708m) and can stop up here for great views of the Howgill Fells and the Lake District beyond. From Pendragon Castle to the top, it is approx 3.5mi/5.6km and 495m of ascent. Once ready to set off again, it is a 100m descent down the otherside of Wild Boar Fell followed by an 80m ascent up to Swarth Fell (681m). It is now down hill all the way to the bottom of this ridge to the railway.

If people wish we can instead cross the railway and walk down the road to the pub we passed at the start. If people wish to head straight home, it is a short ascent up and over a small hill and then straight down to Garsdale. Walk along the road briefly and then turn off onto the road to the station and follow it up.

Disclaimers

The walk organisers do not have training or insurance. Therefore, anyone who joins the walk is accountable for their own safety and anyone they bring with them. By signing up you accept this.

Check the weather (on multiple websites) before leaving your residence. Bring clothing & footwear suitable for the forecast. We advise you to bring walking boots for any medium or harder walk. Trainers are only recommended for easy walks. Bring a coat just in case (this is Britain after all...) and extra layers if it is going to be cold.

All proceeds go towards equipment for leading walks, group events & trips. A percentage will go to charities.

Bring a packed lunch and snacks. Bring enough food & water to last the estimated time.

We recommend bringing some cash just in case. Especially if parking. Not everywhere is contactless yet.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the walks organiser.