After the steep descent from the summit of The Calf in the Howgills and a similar climb to Bram Rigg Top it seems obvious that Bram Rigg Top is a separate mountain.  Not very spectacular perhaps and not much off the path, but our friend Myrddyn Phillips, using a very accurate GPS called a Trimble, cast doubts about the ascent from the far side.

So on a beautiful day in October we set off with Graham Jackson and John Barnard to check the measurements.  Well, we set off with them but keeping up with them was another matter and when we arrived they were already into their survey.

The method of measuring height differences using a Trimble is to measure the height of summit and col then subtract to get the difference.  The trouble is that small inaccuracies in the height readings can add up.  Graham and John use a Level and staff (good old OS stuff this) and they meticulously survey first the summit to find the highest point and then do the same for the col.  As we know from our own efforts finding the col and the summit can be especially tricky and involves checking up to sixteen locations for each.

It took them the rest of the afternoon to complete their survey and we only heard the result when we got home.  14.68 metres rise.  Oh so close!  But alas rules is rules and so Bram Rigg Top has to leave the elite.

It's like being voted off Strictly Come Dancing, so when you're next passing, do spare a few moments to deviate from the path and pay a visit to our old friend Bram Rigg Top.