Capplegill - Hart Fell - Saddle Yoke - Capplegill

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
10 kms	04:00 (hrs:mins)	650 metres	Explorer 330: Moffat & St Mary's Loch

Description

This is an excellent high level walk taking in the Corbett of Hart Fell (808m). Though the initial ascent of Saddle Yoke is gruelling the effort invested is amply rewarded. On the Yoke there is a short edge with dramatic views of the glens on both sides. The route then either follows the open moorland or with care, skirts the cliff-tops which is far more stimulating. The whole walk is enclosed by sheep fencing so navigation is greatly simplified. The scenery is gripping and given clear weather the Lake District is visible over the Solway from the summit of Hart Fell.

Having left the road, the walk starts gently along a farm track. The twin peaks of Saddle Yoke are high to the right as the waters of the Blackhope Burn hurry away below to the left. Shortly the route is barred by a gate. Negotiate this and strike out up the grassy slope to the right which forms the shoulder of the Yoke. There is no path as such, just 600m of tendon-twanging, ham-stringing and lung-bursting incline. At 494m a short remission can be found. The gradient eases off and incongruously there is a small pond, paradise if you are a dog.

Continue onwards and upwards for 200m and eventually the summit of the Yoke is achieved. Dropping down into the saddle the path follows the narrow edge between Saddle and Upper Saddle Yoke. This is an airy spot with the Black Hope Glen some 500m below to the left and similarly the Carrifran Glen far below to the right.

Past the Yoke the landscape opens out and is quite flat until it dips down into Whirly Gill. Skirting the top of Saddle Craigs follow the fence to Hart Fell. Though a Corbett, the summit of Hart Fell is totally flat and of little interest, but given good weather the distant fells of the Lake District are clearly visible over the Solway. The route continues along the western edge of the Black Hope Glen. The fence line can be followed but it is preferable to keep close to the cliff-tops, obviously taking great care, as the view into the glen below is stunning. Look out for the pinnacle on Black Craig. There is a short edge at right-angles to the main cliff which culminates in a grassy knoll. The view from this mighty pulpit is heart-stopping. Do take care, it is a long way down. From here it is a short walk back to the road.

Access Info

The walk starts by the Black Hope cottage at Capplegill some 9km east of the pretty town of Moffat on the A708 to Selkirk, just off Junction 15 on the M74.