Meugher

Walk of the Week - 05/05/09

Yarnbury, Grassington Moor, Meugher (575 metres), Sandy Gate, Mossdale and Bare House. 10 miles / 6 hours.

Meugher is said to be the most remote fell in the Yorkshire Dales. It is certainly the least visited (until I wrote this walk up for the Northern Echo!). It rises up on the lonely watershed between Wharfedale and Nidderdale, surrounded by miles of rolling moorland, with few landmarks or features, which makes this whole area a navigational challenge!

However, this is a walk of stark beauty that heads up through the abandoned lead mines across Grassington Moor before steadily climbing to eventually reach the rounded grassy summit of Meugher. The views from this summit are expansive with Great Whernside, Little Whernside and the Nidderdale moors clearly visible. Meugher is surrounded by peat hags, deep gullies and thick tussock grass that saps your energy. From Meugher, the route headed west to pick up the bridleway at Sandy Gate that leads down into unfrequented Mossdale and back to Yarnbury. Map, compass and good knowledge of how to use them essential. If you are unsure, then sign up for one of my navigation skills courses - http://www.teamwalking.co.uk/