Old Crown Round

[Mossdog]

I've run the Old Crown Round Route, on my tod, a few times, always starting and finishing at Bowscale, which meant that Carrock fell was always my last summit, rather than the first. Consequently, I've never had to find the route off Carrock towards Bowscale Fell. This weekend though I ran part of the 'true' route from Hesket Newmarket to Carrock and on to Bowscale Fell.

I'd heard that there was a line to take from Carrock, to Round Knot, and then descend south-west towards the top of Poddy Gill, avoiding the steeper, boulder strewn ground to the south.

In the event, I couldn't find any clear line and found myself floundering about on the tussuck grass, fruitlessly following umpteen sheep trails. What I did eventually spot was a large cairn, which turned out to actually be a smaller cairn, perched on top of a dilapidated, old bield (?)at about OS Grid Ref: NY 32982 33333. From there, the 'trail' descended steeply to Poddy Gill and through chest high, sodden bracken.

Perhaps that's it - there is no clearer path (which I'm guessing would be rarely used anyway)? Or maybe if I'd floundered about for longer I'd have found something more distinct? Whatever, I'd hate to run this part of the route in poor visibility, and it contrasts markedly with practically all the other sections of the route which are fairly obvious, or at least easier to navigate in less clement weather.

How did you fair here Travs?