Askham and Helton Fells

Thanks to Lee Benson and family for this walk. 

Today took us to Askham/Helton Fell. If you are approaching from Penrith turn right at the cross roads and this will take you to a park beside a cattle grid. Cross the cattle grid and follow the track up towards the wood on the right. At the top of the track you come to a gate which let’s you on to open fell.  

If you follow the path straight on it takes you to the summit of Askham Fell or to the left is Helton Fell. Today we didn’t make it to the summit of either as the focus was on finding the wild fell pony’s that are in the area at the moment.  

This whole area is scattered with easy to navigate paths (although there are boggy areas). As this is open fell there is no telling where the pony’s will be, binoculars where handy. If you are lucky they may be on Askham Fell. We had to make the trek to Helton Fell to find them, which meant a bit of carrying with the younger child (had done a long walk the day before). 

To see the pony’s on the fell made this worth while. They may not be here all year round but it is still good place to explore with ponds, steams and bogs hidden amongst the heather.

There is also an open air pool in Askham and two Pubs, a village shop and an art gallery, you are also only a mile away from Lowther Castle (visible on the walk). An easy area to spend a day with the family.

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