10.5 miles/17km | 5-7 hours | challenging
The Howgill Fells rise directly above Sedbergh, around fifteen minutes' drive from Garsdale, and they are the closest real mountain walking to both our cottages. The highest point is The Calf at 676 metres, and the standard loop from Sedbergh takes in Winder, Arant Haw and The Calf, covering around 10.5 miles with 2,810 feet of ascent. The Howgills are grassy, rounded and quiet compared to the limestone Dales - you will see few other walkers, and the paths are smooth turf rather than broken stone, which makes for easier going underfoot.
The views from The Calf stretch west over Cumbria and the Lake District, and east over North Yorkshire. The ridge can be confusing in poor visibility because the tops are broad and featureless, so take a map. The route from Sedbergh follows the River Rawthey upstream to Cautley, where you can detour up to Cautley Spout - England's highest waterfall by total drop - before climbing onto the ridge. The Cross Keys Temperance Inn sits at the foot of Cautley Spout if you want a meal and a rest before or after the climb.
Park at the pay-and-display car park in Sedbergh, near the Tourist Information Centre. The Black Bull Inn and the Dalesman are both on Main Street for food afterwards.
Walk details
- Start point: Sedbergh (Joss Lane car park, LA10 5AS)
- Distance: 10.5 miles/17km
- Parking: Joss Lane car park, Sedbergh
- Route description: Visit Sedbergh - Walk 1: Winder and the Calf
