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Sunday 20 March 2016

Sun 20 Mar - Hard Knott fell and Mediobogdum Roman Fort

Car Parking: Car parking is free at the roadside parking area by Jubilee Bridge, Brotherikeld (at the start of Hardknott Pass on the west side). Grid reference NY 214 011. If this area is already full there are other nearby places to park on the roadside towards Boot village.
Start Point: Jubilee Bridge, Brotherikeld. Grid reference NY 214 011.
Meet Time: 09.45 am
Start Time: 10.00 am
Description: This walk is a mixture of mountain paths and moorland walking. It is a circular route.
Route: From Jubilee Bridge we will take the path which goes northwards through Brotherikeld and follow the River Esk into Upper Eskdale. The water of the River Esk is beautifully clear, and after a couple of miles walking we arrive at a group of waterfalls and plunge pools. This is a great area to stop for a few minutes and soak in the atmosphere.

Soon afterwards we arrive at Lincove Bridge, one of the most ancient packhorse bridges in the Lake District, where we branch to the right and as we begin to gain height the fabulous rocky amphitheatre of the east-side of the Scafell Range comes into view.

Our route now doubles back on itself and we continue our ascent past a few little tarns to the top of Hard Knott. The view now includes the Coniston Fells and other planes of interest.

The descent to the road is quick, and we follow it for about half a km before taking the path to the Mediobogdum Roman Fort. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the fort is believed to pre-date Hadrian’s Wall, being at the time one the most remote outposts of the Roman Empire. From here it’s just a short stroll back to the cars.

High Point: Hard Knott summit (552 m) (approx. 480 m height gain)
Distance: Approx. 6 miles (10 km)
Time: Approx. 5½ hours
Grade: Moderate.
Note: This route goes through sheep pasture with some high “ladder-type” steps over drystone walls. For this reason it is not suitable for dogs.
Leader: Wayne

Please let Wayne know in advance by 6.00 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk (text 07753 121168)

If the conditions are bad I reserve the right to modify the route or cancel the walk. If insufficient interest is shown in the walk it may be cancelled.

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