Breasthigh and the other borrowdale

About trip

2. Where the wall turns 90 degrees right and a track veers up to the left, go straight ahead. There’s a small water splash with a tough but short climb beyond.

3. The track loses some of its identity here, so be prepared to strike a sou’westerly bearing, crossing the ridge to the left of Belt Howe.

4. Rollick on stony zig-zags down to Borrowdale.

5. Head up the valley. The map would have you believe you can keep to the northern (true left) bank but it’s easier to cross at the obvious bridge and follow the south bank to the stepping stones. Either cross these or splash the ford.

6. It’s a tough climb but surprisingly do-able as long as you can maintain traction on the rubble. It doesn’t go on as long as you might think, either.

7. There now follows a really stony descent into the seldom seen valley of Bretherdale. Watch out for this descent - I came a purler here and am currently nursing a number of injuries.

8. Trundle down the valley and turn right at the end for the short climb up Pikestone Lane back to the start.