Walk 1196 - The Calf from Sedbergh

     
Click thumbnails for larger images.

The Howgill Fells to the east of the M6 motorway provide superb walking. Seeing few walkers, the grassy paths offer a superb promenade from which to view the surrounding countryside. One warning - care must be exercised as the complex structure of ridges and valleys can be very confusing when visibility is poor. Apart from that head off into the Howgills and you will be surprised why more people aren't enjoying the experience!

Free parking is available in the small town of Sedbergh (the one at grid ref. SD657919 is probably best). From here head out along Howgill Lane, passing playing fields and a small housing estate on your left to reach a footpath sign pointing up through Lockbank Farm, which gives quick and easy access to the Fells.

Turn left along the intake wall for a short way climbing steeply on grass before taking a clear path that climbs gradually across the fellside in a northeasterly direction. This leads with ever improving views over Garsdale and Dentdale to the col between Arant Haw and Winder. Reaching the col turn sharp left and follow the clear path to the summit of Winder. The views west are superb including the Lune Valley, the Shap Fells and the Lake District Fells.

Retrace your route back to the col and begin the climb to the summit of Arant Haw. Ignore the path making a direct assault on the summit opting instead to follow the path that climbs more steadily across the southern flanks. Easily graded this route leads to Rowantree Grains where the onward route comes into view with a steep climb to the top of Calders.

Continue over Calders and Bram Rigg Top to reach the highest point of the Howgills - The Calf. It is worth wandering north a few hundred metres to enjoy the northern Howgills with the long deep valleys so typical of the area before retracing your steps to Rowantree Grains. Stay with the ridge here to easily reach the summit of Arant Haw.

Leaving the last summit of the day it is important you select the correct route. Head due west off the summit to pick up a grassy path that descends easily to Crosdale Beck. At times the path feint but the descent is easy and straightforward. Cross Crosdale Beck and head south with the intake wall to your right. This leads you back to Lockbank Farm and the road back to Sedbergh.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL19
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 98

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

Ruby's Cottage, Sedbergh - Cumbria
Self Catering - 1 miles / 2 km away

Mirefoot Cottages, Kendal - Cumbria
Self Catering - 9 miles / 15 km away

Hilton House, Windermere - Cumbria
Guest House - 16 miles / 26 km away

Denehouse, Bowness-on-Windermere - Cumbria
Bed & Breakfast - 16 miles / 26 km away

Linthwaite House Hotel, Windermere - Cumbria
Hotel - 16 miles / 26 km away

Meadfoot Guesthouse, Windermere - Cumbria
Guest House - 16 miles / 26 km away

Braemount House, Windermere - Cumbria
Guest House - 16 miles / 26 km away

Waterhead Cottage, Ecclerigg, Windermere - Cumbria
Self Catering - 16 miles / 26 km away

Treetops, Windermere - Cumbria
Self Catering - 16 miles / 26 km away

Lakeland Lodge, Borwick, Carnforth - Cumbria
Self Catering - 16 miles / 26 km away

Self Catering Directory
A wide range of properties throughout UK & Europe

Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher
Search, choose and book your accommodation online.

Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales