Walk Leader: Pat Fergusson

Number on the walk: 16 and two dogs

Distance: 10.8 miles

Ascent: 1,700 feet

Weather: Unexpectedly lovely. Clear, mild but cool on the tops with a breeze

The first of Wainwright’s “Walks in Limestone Country” intrigued me a couple of years ago and provided my first walk for LDWA today.

Casterton, Barbon and Leck Fells are popular routes, but spectacular Ease Gill Kirk, halfway through our route is less known; a deep gorge surrounded by vertical wooded cliffs, hidden caves and pools with a worn, dry waterfall, which makes it an eerily silent, secret place, a thrilling discovery for first-time visitors.

Leaving Cowan Bridge by an easy route across farmland and old tracks, we started to climb from Casterton and on to Brownthwaite Fell, finding one of British sculptor Andy Goldsworthy’s “Sheepfolds” which gave some interesting discussion as we toiled uphill. Goldsworthy’s project began in 1996, aiming to become the World’s largest outdoor art project, now numbering about 200 installations of huge rocks in different locations and still continuing.

From the trig point on Casterton Fell, we had stunning views toward Kirkby Lonsdale and over the bleak Barbon Fells as we descended to Bullpot Farm, centre of the Red Rose Cave and Pothole Club. Passing many potholes on open moorland we discovered the Kirk,  stopping for a late lunch beside dry Ease Gill Beck.

Crossing to the opposite bank we continued above Leck Beck, popular grouse shooting territory giving way to farmland again to return to the cars, general consensus being that it had been a thoroughly enjoyable day with a taste of Indian Summer.

Thanks to Ian as acting photographer, hopefully a joyous and flattering record of the day! Photos can be seen 'here'