Y Gully

Valley in Westmorland Eden

England

Y Gully

Climbing to Fairfield from Link Hause Once on the ridge that forms one side of the Fairfield horseshoe, there is little drop between the subsidiary summits of Dove Crag and Hart Crag and the main top. The first col is unnamed on the map, but north of Hart Crag is Link Hause and a short climb above Scrubby Crag to reach the summit area of Fairfield itself. Cairns may help route finding in thick weather, but this one doesn&#039;t seem to stand out well against its rocky background in ascent. It may be of more importance in descent when falling over Scrubby Crag is to be avoided. — Climbing to Fairfield from Link Hause Credit: Andy Waddington

Y Gully, Westmorland Valley is a picturesque region located in the county of Westmorland, in the northwestern part of England. Nestled between rolling hills and lush green landscapes, Y Gully is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

The valley stretches over several miles, with the River Y meandering through its heart, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors and locals alike. The river is known for its crystal-clear waters and is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The surrounding hills offer breathtaking views of the valley, making it a favorite destination for hikers and nature lovers.

Y Gully is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various bird species, mammals, and rare plant species. It is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ensuring the protection and preservation of its unique ecosystem.

The valley is dotted with charming villages and hamlets, each offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and traditional way of life. The local community is warm and welcoming, and visitors can expect a friendly atmosphere and a chance to experience the renowned hospitality of the locals.

Y Gully is well-connected by road, with several scenic routes leading to the valley. The nearby town of Westmorland provides convenient access to amenities such as shops, restaurants, and accommodations.

Overall, Y Gully, Westmorland Valley is a hidden gem in the English countryside, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a chance to immerse themselves in the rich culture of the region.

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Y Gully Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.513156/-2.9814067 or Grid Reference NY3613. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Climbing to Fairfield from Link Hause

Once on the ridge that forms one side of the Fairfield horseshoe, there is little drop between the subsidiary summits of Dove Crag and Hart Crag and the main top. The first col is unnamed on the map, but north of Hart Crag is Link Hause and a short climb above Scrubby Crag to reach the summit area of Fairfield itself. Cairns may help route finding in thick weather, but this one doesn't seem to stand out well against its rocky background in ascent. It may be of more importance in descent when falling over Scrubby Crag is to be avoided.

Andy Waddington

Contemplating the way on from Cofa Pike

Cofa Pike is a distinctly rough and rocky eminence, somewhat unnervingly loose if descending from Fairfield towards St. Sunday Crag. The dog is eyeing up the way on towards the next hill (as well she might, being a little unconfident as yet on scrambles, and unsure what is in store here). There's a very good scramble on the far end of St. Sunday Crag, but that was not our destination today, as we planned to drop into Deepdale via a path clearly shown on older maps, but which seems to have fallen into unpopularity in recent times. It is steep and loose at first, then boggy for much of its lower course, but has the great advantage from our point of view of actually leading back to our day's starting point near Brothers Water.

Andy Waddington

Path descending Deepdale

Deepdale doesn't, from a distance, seem particularly deep and the footpath (not a public right of way, but this is all CROW Access Land) wends its way rather boggily between moraines for much of the way. This section, however, is drier and perched above a minor gorge, which undoubtedly does look deep seen from this distance, with a number of cascades and general splashiness, much the sort of thing favoured by Gill Scramblers.

Andy Waddington

Path descending Deepdale

A less than distinct path (shown on older maps, but now intermittently missing on more recent mapping) drops steeply down from Deepdale Hause between Cofa Pike and St Sunday Crag, wending its way rather damply between moraines higher up the dale, then traversing above a gorge mid-dale before reaching this section, mostly dry underfoot, and on gentle slopes on the left bank of Deepdale Beck. Only when it meets the even fainter route down from the NE end of St Sunday Crag does it suddenly transform into a public right of way and become a much more convincing track.

Andy Waddington

Path beside Deepdale Beck

The path in the lower part of Deepdale (downstream of the rocky gorge) generally stays on boulder-studded slopes above the left bank of the beck, remaining a lot drier underfoot than the faint route in the upper dale which wends its way rather boggily between moraines. At the head of the dale, it is much steeper (and a bit loose in spots) just below Deepdale hause between Cofa Pike (a prominent eminence north of Fairfield, though somewhat dwarfed from this angle by the shady Greenhow End at the centre of the picture) and St. Sunday Crag. There are a number of crags, much loved by less famous climbers looking for new routes in the latter half of the twentieth century after the easier routes on bigger crags, and much harder lines elsewhere had long been claimed.

Andy Waddington

Path between Hart Crag and Fairfield

Gareth James

Summit stone shelter on Fairfield

Gareth James

Summit shelter on Fairfield

A roughly constructed shelter to protect resting passersby from wind on the exposed Lakeland summit.

Graham Robson

Looking to St Sunday Crag from Fairfield

Looking across the upland landscape from the top of Fairfield to St Sunday Crag.

Graham Robson

Fairfield summit plateau

The plateau at the top of Fairfield featuring several cairns and summit shelters.

Graham Robson

Path between Fairfield and Grisedale Hause

The public footpath connecting the summit of Fairfield and the much visited junction of paths at Grisedale Hause.

Graham Robson

Looking back along the path above Bleaberry Crag

David Robinson

Ruthwaite Lodge

Ruthwaite Lodge was restored by the maintenance team of Outward Bound Ullswater. On 26th March 1993 it was dedicated to the memory of Richard Read and Mike Evans.

Tim Glover