Baugh Fell
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Baugh Fell is a flat-topped hill in the Northern Pennines immediately to the east of the Howgill Fells and north of Whernside (the highest of the Three Peaks). The rock of the plateau is millstone grit, with sandstone and limestone on the flanks, and the Dent Fault ends on the western slope. The Trig Point at SD740916 (the highest point: 2224 feet, 678 metres), provides excellent views of the Three Peaks, the Howgills, the Lakeland Fells and surrounding countryside as far as Blackpool Tower on a clear day. For an intersting view down Wensleydale and the Eden valley it is better to walk the (slightly downhill) mile to Grisedale Pike on the eastern flank of Baugh Fell, passing the eastern tarns on the way. Baugh fell's west tarn (a quarter of a mile in circumference, and about six feet deep) is notoriously difficult to find on the almost flat top because it nestles in a slight hollow. The simplest way to ensure that it is not missed is to take a sighting from the Trig point, then keep walking north for about a mile, initially slightly downhill, then along the almost flat top. An alternative is to follow the western rim of the plateau, overlooking Sedbergh, until two cairns point the way to the tarn. Rawthey Gill has its source in the centre of the plateau, making the walk from the west tarn to Grisedale Pike very strenuous because the gill cuts deep into the plateau as it flows north, then west to Uldale and Fell End, becoming the river Rawthey through Cautley and Sedbergh before joining the Lune at Middleton bridge. To the south of Baugh Fell is Garsdale, and to the north-east is Grisedale. The col between Grisedale and Uldale separates Baugh Fell from Swarth Fell and Wild Boar Fell which overlooks Mallerstang and Kirkby Stephen. Walkers who enjoy solitude can achieve this here, even on Bank Holiday weekends, when the Lake District Fells are crowded. On a busy day, one farmer and his dog, or one other walker might be seen during a day's walking. (The other walker might be the originator of this article who was born 1000 feet up Baugh Fell.)
Baugh Fell has open access from Garsdale Foot and West Hind Keld on its south-western slopes, from Grisedale on its north-eastern slopes, and from parts of Fell End on its north-western slopes. There is no public access from Garsdale, though some friendly farmers might allow walkers to pass through cultivated land with permission. A bridleway from Garsdale Foot to Hebblethwaite Hall gives open access from the west, and another bridleway from Uldale to Grisedale forms the northern limit of Baugh Fell. These make an interesting walk avoiding the higher ground, but the route is neither legal nor safe for motorised vehicles.
There is some doubt about the etymology and correct pronunciation of Baugh Fell. Locals call it "Baafl", but this is dialect. Some pronounce it identically to Bow Fell (some 20 miles to the west); others say Bough, as in a tree branch, (not as in Frank) but the best pronunciation rhymes with Waugh (as in Evelyn)!
For details and pictures of a walk round Baugh Fell, see [hillwalkersgallery Baugh Fell]
