NY3991014415 Park in a lay-by at Bridgend on the A592. The way up Deepdale is straightforward, initially on a track past a couple of farms. After 1.5km the track becomes a clear footpath, which weaves around extensive drumlins. All the while Greenhow End looms ever larger ahead. Leave the path where it rises towards Sleet Cove, crossing a stream and contouring left beneath Mart Crag. A short steep slog up grass and scree, skirting beneath the craggy front of Greenhow End, brings you to the mouth of Link Cove. Avoid scattered crags low down on your left by staying right of the right branch of Link Cove Gill (the left branch is a popular grade 3 scramble).

NY3708811912 Just before the upper floor of the cove is reached, head northwest towards the top of Greenhow End. The steep broken slope can be climbed almost anywhere. By following a cairned route up a rake it's just a steep walk, while it's possible to contrive some fun grade 2/3 scrambling on sound slabby rock by staying further right towards the front of Greenhow End. Alternatively the broken ground to the left of the rake provides a more easygoing, go-anywhere sort of scramble.

NY3688812045 Follow the broad bumpy crest of the ridge, pausing to admire the drop down Hutaple Crag into Sleet Cove, and Link Cove's impressive Scrubby Crag, where quality rock climbs await the intrepid armed with a trowel. Once on Fairfield's wide summit plateau bear almost due west to the top, which may seem crowded compared to Deepdale.

NY3587111732 Retrace your steps for the best part of a kilometre, before bearing southeast towards the narrow saddle of Link Hause. In poor visibility, watch out for the abrupt edge of Scrubby Crag as you make your way down to the saddle. A short uphill stretch then gains the summit of Hart Crag, a fine panoramic viewpoint.

NY3683111271 Keep fairly close to the edge of the north face, which falls away in a series of rocky tiers. Scattered outcrops bar your path, but they're much easier than they might look. The wide slope ahead narrows as you lose height, forming the thin neck of Hartsop above How, a raised highway between Dovedale and Deepdale. From here the views across to Greenhow End and out over Patterdale are stunning. The contrast with the enclosed depths of your approach route makes this ridge the more welcome, though bogs underfoot guarantee sticky walking at times. This long descent takes you gently down to Bridgend.