Height

639m (2,096ft)

Location

The Howgills

Neighbours

Randygill Top

Height

639m (2,096ft)

Location

The Howgills

Neighbours

Randygill Top

Gallery of Yarlside

Jonathan’s View

"Yarlside is an absolute cracker of a mountain. A climb from by any route entails a steep climb. However the climb is well rewarded, eventually, on reaching the neat summit, perched on a grassy dome of land. Sitting next to the cairn feels like a seat with the gods. More practically Yarlside offers the best perspective to study the topography of the Howgills. To the north is wild country with the rolling hills gradually dropping in to the Lune Valley. One of these rolling hills is the exceptional viewpoint of Randygill Top.

The deep divide of Bowderdale separates Yarlside from the southern and western Howgills but even in this direction the views are exceptional. The main spine of the Howgills are clearly outlined to the south, with the Calf and Calders two more Dales 30 summits. Look towards the west and an exercise of Wainwright spotting can be indulged in (including a splendid view of Great Gable) whilst to the east there is excellent views over Wild Boar Fell and Baugh Fell and the remote Pennine mass.

Even though Cautley Spout cannot be spotted from the summit, the crags of Cautley can. On the climb (and the main walk described below should certainly be taken in a clockwise direction) the views of Cautley Spot cannot be bettered from any other vantage point. Extending the walk to Randygill Top only adds to the pleasure. Pick a nice day."

Routes up Yarlside

There is a choice of routes up Yarlside . They are shown on the map and described below. The GPX file describes my favourite route.

click the image to see a larger version of the mao

My Favourite Route

From Cross Keys, near Sedbergh

Height to Climb

690m (2,265ft)

Parking

SD 698969 Cross Keys In, near Sedbergh

  1. There is some limited parking on the A683 at the Cross Keys Inn but if this is full, some more extensive parking exists 1 km north. From the Cross Keys drop steeply down to the River Rawthey, cross the footbridge and join the bridleway initially heading south west. A footpath heads north west after 300 metres and in to the valley of Cautley Beck. The great waterfall of Cautley Spout is now in view, the largest of its kind in England and a constant companion on your walk to the col at Bowderdale Head.
  2. As Cautley Spout is approached the path splits, take the right hand fork that goes due north up a steep path heading away from Cautley Spout. When the gradient flattens out at Bowderdale Haed look for a path skirting the hillside and then climbing steeply on the south side of a stream. This is a steep 250m climb but unavoidable. A col is reached, turn north and a further 50ms brings the lovely summit of Yarlside.
  3. If you are adding Randygill Top head north. Kensgriff is a steep sided hill between Yarlside and Randygill Top. From the col which lies to the north east of Kensgriff head north west to the summit of Randygill Top, returning to the col for the descent.
  4. From the col head steeply downhill west (no track) before crossing a stream. Climb 40 ms till you meet a path (it circles Wandale Hill). Follow this to the farm at Narthwaite. If conditions are dry take the path steeply down to cross Backside Beck (no footbridge) and rejoin the bridleway leading to the Cross Keys but if the conditions are wet follow the farm track east to where it meets the A683 1km north of the Cross Keys.

Cross Keys Inn

Alternative Routes

From Ravenstonedale

11.5 miles/ 580 m 

A full days walk but you will not see a soul.  There are alternatives routes in the lower half of the walk that all meet at Green Bell, I would suggest heading up a farm track which skirts the Knott and on the descent from Green Bell return further to the west, meeting the road at Tranmoor.

At Green Bell on the climb the walk over Randygill Top, Kensgriff to Yarlside is on excellent turf but steep (Randygill Top is however easily skirted on the return). Return the same way.

 

Up and Down!

Just Yarlside. 3 miles/500m

Head up the direct, steep climb from the Cross Keys Inn. However after reaching the summit take the direct route down the south east shoulder leading directly to the col at Bowderdale Head. From here turn left anfd follow the path alongside the embryonic River Rawthey back down to the start.

The Dales 30 Book

Buy your 132 page, full colour, guide to the mountains of the Dales. As well as a personal guide for your challenge, it can provide inspiration for your trips to the Dales.

Each of the 30 mountains includes the following:

A full description of the Best Route

A personal view of the mountain from the author

High quality, colour photography

A sketch map showing the route & alternatives

Facts and anecdotes about the mountain and the nearby area

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