Dovedale Climbageddon 11 miles

Dovedale is busy on Saturdays but we are aiming to keep high and mostly avoid the crowds.
What we will do: We head south from Alstonefield using footpaths to reach Stanshope. From here we amble down Hall Dale. On reaching the valley floor, we travel south briefly before heading steeply uphill west. When we finally reach the top, we go south to Bunster Hill and then angle down to meet a footpath. A quick nip up Thorpe Cloud (these days there is only one official up and down route) will give us a good appetite for lunch beside the stepping stones.
Refreshed by lunch we climb steeply alongside a fence to reach the eastern valley rim. From here a lovely path leads along the top before dropping gradually down to the valley floor. A few metres further north, we head up again – at first gradually before the steepest part of the walk – a tricky scramble up scree to reach the Nabs and then Baley Hill with fabulous 360 views. From here we descend to the bridge at Milldale before skipping up the hill to Alstonefield. For anyone still in need of steep ascent, a footpath will give you that. Many of us may prefer the more gradual Millway Lane by then!
This is a strenuous walk with plenty of steep ascent. You need to be reasonably fit to do this. I will try to stick a link to a Relive video of this walk. Even if you don't watch it all, look at the height chart to see the frequent ups and downs!
Like the idea of the walk but don’t fancy all the climbs? Why not try Climbageddon Lite?! How does that work? Miss out the ascent of Thorpe Cloud and/or the final climb to the Nabs and Baley Hill. You can decide part way through the walk to omit a section.
What to bring: sun cream, walking boots, lunch, fluids. There are plenty of fresh nettles on the ascent to Baley Hill – I would strongly recommend long trousers. At least one walking pole to assist with the ascents and descents.
The walk starts by going through a field of cows with calves. The scramble up to the Nabs is difficult. Therefore this is not a walk for dogs.
Toilets: Alstonefield, Milldale
Defibrillator: Milldale