On Saturday the route headed southward from Hawes, over Dodd Fell and around the sideof Fleet Moss to avoid the deepest of the bogs. In the afternoon we had a good view of the hillside with the entrance to Hag Gill, a cave which several members of the caving section have been down (I always seem to miss these trips).

We reached a prospective camp site at about 4pm. The field was bathed in brilliant sunshine, it was so inviting so we stopped there. After pitching our tents, some of us headed off to Strans Gill since it was still quite early. This gives a short, pleasant, easy scramble with a tricky final wall which is easily avoided. Best done in dry conditions unless you're wearing a wetsuit!

Most of our backpacks take place in early spring or late autumn, and usually end up within walking distance of a pub on the Saturday night, as it is often a bit cold to sit around on a campsite once it's dark (that's the official line anyway). This was no exception, so after dinner we wandered down to the pub in Hubberholme for some lubrication. Walking back uphill in the dark, avoiding the deep mud, took a bit more effort.

The next day it was just as sunny, although with a biting wind (this didn't deter Pete ∓ Aaron from wearing shorts). From Hubberholme we walked roughly northwards over Stake Moss, down to Stalling Busk, then up over Drumaldace and then back to Hawes.

Last Updated: 13 Oct 2005	© Slough Mountaineering Group	contact us