Present: Dave Bone, Dave Wylie, Lester Payne, Bob Kelly (G), Alex Kelly, and 2 hours later, Trish Cranston.

Not expecting anyone to be there, I was the sole occupant of a car that arrived at the end of the Uldale road in good time, to find the Kelly's already gearing up on the only dry spot at the road end. Fortunately there was a rough layby for the rest of the 'mob' ¼ mile down the road. I had forgotten that the nice grass verges would be car death traps in winter. The conditions weren't cheerful, a steady light rain was falling in a stiff breeze, and the hill tops were invisible but there was a forecast for a bright day. Giving latecomers every chance, we waited till the appointed time then set foot on the hillside. The guidance of a wall did not help too long before we struck off for a prominent side stream below murk level, debating how many would turn up later, having not set their clocks, even to those who could just have got it doubly wrong. Little did we know?

Being prepared, at the last landmark the compass came out of pocket, and we continued on a bearing slanting across the grassy hillside. The shelf that should have held Sandy Tarn soon faded in out of the grey. I knew I had aimed off, but heading leftwards, no tarn appeared. A quick elevenses was had in a cluster of rocks back of some shallow pools, and then afterwards the real Sandy Tarn (very black sand!) popped into view round the corner 100m further on. We would never of guessed that we had walked over the outflow. From the back of the tarn, we headed straight up the escarpment edge on a bearing for the Trig point of Wild Boar Fell on the plateau above. We heaved over a mini snow cornice to find the target almost straight ahead - we had it to ourselves not surprisingly.

Still with the compass, as the itinerary included the other top, we struck out across the wet plateau amid the swirling drizzle. Admittedly a faint path soon proved we were on the right route and the next top with a well built cairn appeared, perched on the edge of the drop off into Mallerstang. Though the larger map showed 'cairns', this hadn't prepared Dave for the line of spindly, tall cairns running off into the distance (but not as good as Nine Standards Rigg). Back across the plateau the group trudged in line abreast, dodging lagoons and kicking soft snow patches, to pick up the ridge south. Dropping down to the saddle, we dropped below the rising cloud level, to see keyhole views away in Garsdale and over to Morecombe bay. It was beginning to break up. The wind was blowing it away, and we were grateful for the shelter of the wall crossing Swarth fell, before we took a righthander down to Holmes Moss. Crossing this was a tad wet and on 'bouncy' ground too. Everything had improved on approaching Rawthey Gill foot, blue skies abounded and a warm sun was out, and the ground was drier now on Limestone. The first walking group of the day was crossed, on the ill-frequented valley path.

Lunch was had in a pleasant spot on some wonderfully water carved limestone by the river. The day was now good and time for a major adjustment of clothing before setting off following the left bank of the stream (which was quite full). The only other person on the hills was met here, a fell runner descending. This way led deep into the heart of Baugh Fell alongside waterslides and pools, and a proper waterfall too. This led to a junction at Gill head - we took the left. Trish two hours later took the right, cutting out the final two Tops to save time. Out on the wide open ground, after negotiating the maze of tarns and bogs, we picked up the first Top of the fell (perhaps this block marked the spot - the OS weren't too helpful - this was still a vague aerial survey spot height). Anyway we had a wall to guide us over the final Top, with Trig point. Too good a guide - those romping away in front had to be reined in and directed right lest they enjoy the fleshpots of Sedbergh. Big sky country crossing the huge plateau, bound for another landmark cairn on the northern edge, and the nearby lonely West Baugh Fell tarn. Fantastic views now. We had to leave the high ground and a final sharp drop had us sliding onto the faint path on the south side of the the River Rawthey. The last ½ mile downstream was particularly attractive with plenty of waterfalls and other features, before crossing a footbridge and back up under the Rookery to the road out to the cars.

A day that turned out well, proving that perseverance is a virtue. Thanks to those who came, sooner or later.

Right, you've had the introductory and intermediate courses - now for the third in the trio. This time we move to Yorkshire and the Dales (but we won't see many of them). This is a circuit in the north-west corner taking in some big wild, open spaces and with very few paths on the map, though the going is mostly on grassy moorland.

For the start, drive to Sedbergh (A684 off the M6) - take the A683 Kirby Stephen road east from here for ~6mi, past the Cross Keys and take the first minor road right after Rawthey Bridge. Take the next right on the dead end road to Uldale. Park on the roadside with care in the few hundred metres before the public road end. Meet at the junction of the start of the plantation, and side-turn to Needle House [GR: 728972 at OS Landranger no. 98]. Allow ~2hr from S. Manchester and remember this is the start of BST.

Walk start at 10:30 BST. Distance ~12mi. Total ascent ~800m. The route: Head NE over the grassy moor (limestone country), by the side of the stream at Flint Howe and onto Sand Tarn. A bouldery ascent to the summit plateau of Wild Boar Fell and a visit of all the tops to get the varying views. Then off south on a good path to Swarth Fell. At Swarth Fell Pike we turn left and follow the wall down to arrive in the valley (Rawthey Gill Foot). The vast open expanse of Baugh Fell (pronounced Bow (and arrow)) is the next objective so we'll follow Rawthey Gill to its head at some tarns.

This area is exceedingly confusing in mist. First top (and summit) of Tarn Rigg Hill is next using a wall as aiming off point if necessary, then the wall is followed to the next top of Knoutberry Haw. On to the lonely West Baugh Fell tarn, and descend north to the river Rawthey. There is a nice riverside path on the south bank which is followed downstream to a bridge and a path back to the Uldale house road.

And the Boar hunt? It is a popular belief that the last wild Boar in England met its fate on these moors in the 15th century, though this is claimed by other areas too. But who knows what is on the moors these days? Pigs are supposed to be quite intelligent, maybe they learnt the art of disguise?