Hart Fell via Saddle Yoke & the Black Hope Horseshoe

Dumfries and Galloway Walk

Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer 330	Sheet Map	1:25k	BUY
Anquet OS Explorer 330	Digital Map	1:25k	BUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 79	Sheet Map	1:50k	BUY
Anquet OS Landranger 79	Digital Map	1:50k	BUY

Walk Route Description

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This relatively tough excursion in the Southern Uplands of Scotland provides superb views and a challenging route. Park by the Black Hope cottage near Capplegill farm (grid ref. NT148098) about 7 miles from Moffat on the A708 Selkirk road. Pass through the gate next to the cottage and follow the farm track until a second gate is reached. Strike off up the grassy shoulder of Saddle Yoke. There is no defined path and the gradient is unremitting for 1500ft.

From the summit of Saddle Yoke the route drops down dramatically to a narrow grassy edge which forms a bridge across to Upper Saddle Yoke. From here carry on over the open moorland and peat hags down to Whirly Gill. From here follow the top of Saddle Craigs and continue up to Hart Fell, which provides a superb viewpoint of the glen and the route you are following.

The return journey is along the west leg of the horseshoe and skirts the tops of Hart Fell, Falcon, Coomb and Black Craigs. The best views are had close to the top of the cliffs although do take care if the visibility is poor. Of particular note is an interesting arete called the Hound Shoulder on Coomb Craigs. Not to be outdone Black Craig has a fine little grassy pinnacle which stands proudly above the Black Hope Glen some 1500ft below. It is well worth a visit but take care especially when it is slippery underfoot.

The descent to Capplegill is reasonably straight forward though the finish is steep. Care is needed to avoid Hang Gill, which is clearly marked on the Ordnance Survey map.

Walk GradingMore Dumfries and Galloway Walks

Other walks nearby

Walk 2045	Capel Fell via Sailfoot Law & Broken Back Hill	moderate	5.8 miles
Walk 3612	Ettrick Hills Horseshoe	mod/hard	8.0 miles
Walk 2006	Grey Mare's Tail & White Coomb	mod/hard	7.2 miles
Walk 2035	Hart Fell via Hartfell Spa	moderate	7.2 miles
Walk 2280	Hart Fell & Whitehope Heights	moderate	8.4 miles
Walk 2050	The Crown of Scotland	moderate	9.0 miles
Walk 2268	Annandale Way	moderate	9.0 miles
Walk 2618	Broad Law & Megget Stone	moderate	5.0 miles
Walk 3759	St. Mary's Loch Circular	easy/mod	7.5 miles
Walk 2135	Camps Reservoir Circular	easy	5.8 miles

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