Tim writes (20/04/2020): I remember this walk from Cross of Greet Bridge from 2013 because it ended up being a bit of a disaster. I am still posting the route because there’s potentially a decent walk to be made out of this, if you continue along the boundary line over Catlow Fell (rather than stupidly descending across Hasgill Fell like an idiot).
I recall the walk starting well, I set off on a lovely warm evening from Cross of Greet Bridge, which is a truly beautiful spot by the River Hodder.
I followed the road for a little while and turned left towards the farms at Kenibus. After Low Laith Farm it was up onto the fell, and by now the horse flies were chasing me in the hundreds. I seem to remember it being fairly steep here, but the flies kept me going at a decent pace.
Looking at the recorded map it seems that I decided to cut across the marked track at Pike Side, making a beeline for Bowland Knotts. I think this was my first daft decision as it was a spring so rather soggy underfoot.
After admiring the views on Bowland Knotts, I made my next bad move. Rather than following the boundary towards Catlow Fell and Great Harlow, I made the rash decision to descend over Hasgill Fell. Thinking back, I may have set off a bit too late to do the proper route so perhaps tried to save some time.
I headed towards a stream marked on the map as Kearsden Holes and seem to remember having to walk through it, more than once. Luckily, I had a decent idea where I was heading and knew that eventually I would re-join a track on the River Hodder. And after a little while, sure enough, I got to the River Hodder at the Ford. From here, there is a decent track back to Cross of Greet Bridge.
After the ordeal I rewarded myself with a quick pint at the Parker’s Arms on the way home. Looking back at some of these old walks during Covid Lockdown is keeping a smile on my face, especially when I see daft walks like this!
