Cheers Mick,
Ive had another look at your recce reports. I agree with not missing out Nine Standards and going via Gunnerside, I for one wouldn't want to miss that area.
I can see that forest path on the OS map. Well it isn't marked as apeth on the ground, just as a right of way. I can also see where it joins that track where you were confused as to which way to go. It shows to turn left then shortly find a path to the right, that takes you down to a lower track etc.
We as a club take over Lower Gillerthwaite Field Study Centre for a weekend each year. That's next week for us this year. I usually arrange and lead the 'A' walk on the Saturday, however Ive told the organiser that I will have to let him know last minute next week whether I am able to even go or not.
We usually have a mega drink whilst at the centre, but I can't drink alco whilst on these pain killers.
I tried to come off them yesterday, bad idea so back on them today. I hate taking tablets.
Dave.

Isn't that funny? I've done the Gunnerside route and low-level alternative and now actually much prefer the latter. Sitting in the meadows in the sun with my socks off, wriggling my bare feet in the sea of wild flowers was one of the most idyllic moments and enduring memories of my last crossing.

Just goes to show how we all like different things...and no one thing is right or wrong.

Spot on there HP.
Before my 5 day crossing I must admit that I was expecting a bit of stick from those spending the 'normal' amount of time on the crossing which I believe is an average of 12 days.
I did get some hostile reactions during my 10 day PW.
However on the C2C, there were people doing the route all manner of ways, and all I got was 'Best Wishes' and encouragement from other Coasters.
Dave.

I'm confused. I thought Gunnerside was the low-level alternative, as opposed to the route by the lead mines. Is there something lower than Gunnerside?

LWM

Are the problems on the Scarth Nick to Osmotherly section or the Scarth Nick to Husthwaite leg?. I recall some years ago that there were some new extraction roads created as the FC were starting to fell some windblows. Do you mean the bends on the steep descent from the top down towards the main road?

Thanks

Yes you are correct, I was meaning towards 'Gunnerside Moor' which is just above Swinner Gill, and going via Surrender Bridge.
Dave.

SC,
the path I'm referring to leaves the main route after Scarth Nick as it climbs (me going E-W of course) Scarth Moor south of Scarth Wood to enter the trees at GR466002 and drops steeply to the forestry track at 464004 and follows it to 462004 to descend again through the trees to join another path at 459004 (this one continues to meet the bridle from nr Kilton Hse to Scarth Nick Fm by Scarth Wood Fm.)- the ROW continues past Cog Hole to meet the main gravel track to Arncliffe Hall at (SE)455 999
Not sure how much of it is NT? The forestry work in progress last year made the ROW difficult to trace - I ended up on the lower forest track near to Norwood Fm.
As noted on the video clip the path is well defined on the ground to begin with. After meeting the forestry track and following it for a few hundred yards, I cut off right again down through the trees (a bit of orienteering!)- maybe too soon, and there may be evidence on the ground after all?
I could do with coming up for yet another w/end recce lol,
cheers
lwm

Apologies - I too was referring to Gunnerside Gill and the more remote Melbecks Moor crossing including Surrender and Crackpot. In all honesty I am quite unfamiliar with the low level route...

Do you mean the shortcut from the point where you enter Arncliffe Woods GR 455000(turning left along a forestry road rather than right) You follow the forestry road for about 1 1/2 km to a sharp 180 degree turn rising up the hill. At the uphill end of the bend there is a faint foot pad slanting up the slope at GR 464005 and rejoining the route at GR 469002. It is marked on the Harvey map as part of a dotted line indicating no visible path.

I used this path when doing the C2C in 2009. While the path was a little difficult to pick up in the first 100 metres or so, (from memory it seemed to be mixed up with the forestry track showing on the map) but once one got away from the old forestry workings it was a pleasant climb through forest and saved more than 2km on a day we had achieved a new record for late starts.

That's the one - I couldn't find the line after the forestry track. Maybe chewed up with the forestry work...
My refs are from the O/S Get-A-Map - click on location, which centres map and gives it's grid ref.
I think it's a better choice with a more interesting line, but certainly helped get me to that plate of Chicken Korma instead of 6 pkts of crisps!
Thinking back, ie. late starts, I remember it took longer to pack up the tarp than a bivvy and I wasn't heading out of Littlebeck till around 6am... maybe the Pacific Outdoor Uber Lite was a little too comfortable also... An air valve with a timer would be good - set to 4am - pssst... instant discomfort!