I had once again got myself acquainted with the Outlying Fells of the Birker Fell road and Upper Eskdale passing my recent summits of Hesk Fell, The Pike and the Devoke Water Fells during this mornings journey into Eskdale, it felt great to be within familiar ground often spotting through the car window Outlying fells that I still required to summit.

It's a mid week late morning drive through to Eskdale along the Birker Fell Road and I was often forced to go around, or even stop completely as the sheep and their lambs dozed lazily on the tarmac, it felt like a far cry from the town I had left earlier that morning and as the minutes eased into hours the remoteness through my car window started to sink in and I was in heaven.

Boat How from Boot delivers a fantastic couple of hours through wide open spaces with panoramic views to match the likes of Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell with hardly no effort required at all. This classic loop collects just the one Outlying summit and starts and ends in the popular hamlet of Boot in Upper Eskdale. It's quite possibly the finest two and half hours you are ever likely to spend on the Lakeland Fells, it was just a pity however, that a heavy haze had descended but thankfully it took nothing away from a great walk.

Once Dalegarth Station is passed turn left at The Brook House Inn and follow the narrow lane towards the end passing picturesque cottages and Boot Inn where the lane starts to draw to an end close to Eskdale Mill. Here is Whillan Beck before heading through a large wooden gate, two paths are presented before you, the path up ahead is the very same path you would use on the return via Brat's Hill.

Here, head right after passing the sign posted 'Wasdale Head'

The old Peat Hut soon appeared on the horizon which gave an indication for an abrupt left turn before steering a pathless route through hummocky grass. The small summit of Boat How only appears once upon the crest of the ridge from where a short trek towards the summit is required.

Sadly today I missed out on those big views but I was more than happy to be out in such wonderful countryside with just the birds and the wind for company.