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Rest Dodd and The Nab

This walk came about due to the constraints requested by the landowner of the Martindale Deer Forest, and the nearby loveliness that is Angle Tarn. After an out and back to The Nab - which is the preferred route, side-stepping the peat hags and general sogginess, looking over Angle Tarn from one of the grassy topped crags is such a refreshing antidote that we couldn't miss it out. In all a well rounded walk, a bit of everything, and leaving the car park in one direction you arrive back from the other.

The walk starts at the far end of the lovely village of Hartsop. A car park, just a patch of rough ground, sits on the very edge of the fells. Walking past the remains of the abandoned Myers Beck Lead Mine(1), the climbing soon starts. Man's hand in the landscape continues at Hayeswater Reservoir, currently being returned to a mountain tarn. Then a steep and damp climb up grass slopes to Rest Dodd which lies just off the Roman road of High Street. The Nab and its peat hags(2) quickly follow. Skirting the slopes of Rest Dodd on the way to Angle Tarn the ground conditions improve and from here onwards mostly consists of good paths or tracks. In good weather a lunch stop on Buck Crag overlooking the tarn is thoroughly recommended. On clear paths the busy junction of Boredale Hause is reached, and then a steep descent on the aqueduct track brings you back to the minor road near the junction with the Kirkstone road. From which it is a short stroll back through the village to the car park.

Some people prefer to walk to The Nab when the ground is frozen solid and the peat hags unlikely to be problematic. However, the descent onto the ridge is very steep and a slip would be awkward in such a remote location. If anything, perhaps schedule it for during a dry spell.

This walk was surveyed just before the Hayeswater dam was removed during the summer of 2014. The footbridge over the outfall is to be removed and a new bridge installed where the bridleway crosses the outflow. Paths in the area are apparently going to be re-surfaced with the concrete and stone from the dam and earthworks.

In the summer months fields between the car park and the top fell gate may have cattle. These are a particularly aggressive dairy breed which you should not approach, whether you have a dog or not.

A small car park is at the farthest end of the village from the main road. It gets very busy at holiday times, as does the car park at Cow Bridge on the main road.