Ann Bowker: Access dates for the rest of 2005 are 28-29 May, 2-3 and 9-10 July, 6-7 and 27-28 Aug, 1-2 Oct, 5-6 Nov and 24-31 Dec. Access from the east and south is probably safe at any time, but I wouldn't risk going in from the west when firing is on, especially not via Little Fell.
Trevor Littlewood: The permit requirement is still in force as far as I know, and is a requirement of the Strathmore estate rather than the MOD or English Nature. We've been on Mickle Fell maybe a dozen times, never had a permit and never been challenged, but then again we've never been close enough to anyone who might object. The easiest routes of ascent which avoid the Warcop area start from Teesdale, though the obvious notices make it clear that you are entering the danger area. However, Mickle Fell itself is not fired at - it's simply a massive overshoot area. We have never seen any sign of any military stuff lying around on the hill.
The shortest route starts from the Cow Green Reservoir car park and follows the Pennine Way until past the Birkdale Farm enclosures. Descend to Maize Beck and make a crossing (this can be difficult), then climb by the fence/boundary stone line (nice stones - numbered), which takes you almost to the summit cairn. A longer route (with no Maize Beck crossing) starts from Hanging Shaw car park in Teesdale and follows paths and rights of way via Cronkley Farm toward Hagworm Hill, from where you can make your way generally west to the trig, which of course is still over 2km from the summit.
