Kensgiff and Yarlside

About

At the eastern edge of the Howgill Fells, the shapely peaks of Kengriff and Yarlside stand a lonely vigil. Set in stunning surroundings, they have all the very best qualities you would expect of the area, but for some reason they tend to get a little bit overlooked. This is perhaps down to the fact that they are a bit out on a limb and slightly disjointed in terms of ridge walking. For those who don't mind a little extra re-ascent and are happy to tick just two peaks in one outing a walk over these hills is a sheer delight.

The walk starts with a gentle warm up along an elevated fellside terrace that traverses around Wandale Hill. This gives access to the refreshingly lonely valley head of Adamthwaite. From here a stiff ascent leads onto the lofty summit of Kensgriff. A whole new set of views down the remote valley of Bowderdale opens up and stays with you as you make the descent, then further ascent over to Yarlside. The views from Yarlside into the interior of the Howgill Fells are simply stunning and if you haven't already had lunch, then the summit is the place to do it so that you can sit down and take in your surroundings. A simple but steep grassy descent then leads down over Ben End to the valley road.