Baugh Fell

Baugh Fell is a large, flat-topped hill in the northern Pennines, lying in the north-western corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It stands immediately east of the Howgill Fells and north of Whernside, the highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Formerly in the West Riding of Yorkshire, since 1974 it has been part of Cumbria. The fell sprawls over roughly 45 square kilometres with steep slopes on the Garsdale side and gentler slopes to the west. The summit plateau is L-shaped, measuring about 4 km from end to end, and is marked by Rawthey Gill cutting through the middle. Baugh Fell is worth the journey for its wide views and quiet moorland. The trig point on Knoutberry Haw stands only two metres lower than the highest point at Tarn Rigg Hill and offers excellent views of the Three Peaks, the Howgill Fells, the Lake District and even Blackpool Tower on clear days. Better views down Wensleydale and the Eden valley can be found from Grisedale Pike, a slight projection on the eastern flank. Five small tarns called the East Tarns lie grouped together on the eastern part of the plateau, while the West Tarn sits at the north-western end and is difficult to locate on the almost flat top. A visitor finds open access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, allowing freedom to roam across uncultivated moorland. Several bridleways lead from the Rawthey valley to the west, and a public footpath from Uldale to Grisedale forms the northern limit. Open access is also granted from Garsdale Foot, West Hind Keld, Grisedale and parts of Fell End. The Grisedale road gives an easy route up to the trig point by following the wall. Once on the open fell there are no established routes to the summit, as the slopes are mostly gentle. Even on bank holiday weekends the fell remains mostly unfrequented, offering a peaceful experience.