Brownthwaite Pike from Cowan Bridge, Leck 10 miles, 1350 ft height gain. Leaders Richard and Keith
The walk starts in Leck (Cowan Bridge) and travels over open moorland to reach the summit of Brownthwaite Pike and then descends over fields to Devils Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale. The summit of Brownthwaite Pike is rounded and whilst the short walk to the summit is a little steep, it is not dangerous.
The route blends dramatic limestone scenery and fells. It is a very popular area for potholing as the region sits on top of the Ease Gill Cavern network with hidden shake holes and vertical potholes so when walking we keep to the path. For the most part the walking is easy there are some boggy areas which is to be expected on open moorland in November.
However, there are a few short tricky bits namely around Lower Kirk Caves and Ease Gill. At Lower Kirk Caves we cross a limestone ravine, that path is very narrow and is about 200 ft long with a steep drop of around 60 ft so extra care must be taken. We will take our time over that area. It is only a small part of the walk in its entirety.
Once we reach Brownthwaite Pike, the views (weather permitting) are extensive over the surrounding valleys and if we are lucky, we can see the sea in the distance.
Walkers should be appropriated dressed for this terrain but if the weather is too wet or misty we have planned a shorter walk from Devils Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale to the summit of Brownthwaite Pike (7 miles) this route does not cover the Lower Kirk Caves or Ease Gill so it is a fairly easy walk with scenic views over the valleys, we return on nearly same route. This walk has no real hazards.
Because of the different drop off points needed for the two walks the decision to switch to a shorter walk or not will be made by the walk leaders on the coach on the day when the weather has been assessed.
Led by Keith and Richard