Sun 18th June: Swirl How from Duddon Valley

Leader: Mel

Car Parking: Birks Bridge Car Park, Duddon Valley. SD 235995

Start/Finish: Birks Bridge Car Park

Meet Time: 9.15am

Start Time: 9.30am

Route:  From the car park head north east along the road and take the footpath on the right heading steadily uphill towards Seathwaite Tarn.  At the dam, branch onto the indistinct footpath leading up the shoulder of Troutal Fell and onto the ridge up to the summit of Grey Friar which on a good day has cracking views of the surrounding mountains.  From the cairns continue along the path to the junction and head straight on up the hill to the second summit of the day, Great Carrs.  From here it is an easy walk along the edge to Swirl How and the route then descends to skirt round Brim Fell and on to Dow Crag.  Following the ridge line along above the screes and Blind Tarn take the obvious downwards track of Walna Scar Road heading west back into the Duddon Valley.  Upon reaching the tarmac veer away north west along the right of way leading past Long House and Tongue House and eventually alongside Tarn Beck.  Cross the beck and rejoin the original outward route and retrace steps the last mile back to the car park

Distance: ~11.5 miles or 18.4km

Ascent: ~900m

Time: 7 hours

Grade:  Strenuous

Please text Mel by 6.00 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk - 07584303975