Ward’s Stone, an addition to a Bowland circuit from Littledale.

So this addition to the jaunt of a week ago makes a ten mile circuit with 1700 ft plus of ascent, with better long distance views. Start as for the previous walk, but at the Duke’s track carry on across it on an obvious path, and then left at a “T” junction at the ridge top. Grit Fell has a large boundary stone before the summit cairn. The path goes down to a wide dip and up to Ward’s Stone, passing close to the “Christmas” tree mentioned in the parent post. It was in it’s Spring decorations today, see photos. The bushy lower part contrasts with trees grown at less windy altitudes. Remember that Ward’s Stone is the third highest Lancashire hill. It was on the long path to Ward’s Stone that I pondered on why gritstone on paths is often white, not the usual grey, and I think it is because it has been bleached by the acid peat, which has then been eroded by many feet. I would like others’ thoughts on this, and wonder how long it takes to revert to grey, if ever.

Cross the bare Ward’s Stone plateau, and at the Queen’s chair, a gritstone boulder, follow the boundary fence NE cross boggy ground to High Stephen’s Head. If really soggy, it would be better to head E first then N to avoid the worst of the bogs, following the boundaries. Go down via Gallow’s Hill and Haylot Fell, through a gate visible from afar and down to meet the track which crosses Closegill beck and join the parent route.

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