Fell Head and The Calf, from Howgill, near Sedbergh

This walk climbs to the Calf via Fell Head. Starting from the small hamlet of Howgill, near Sedbergh, this route sees few walkers. Offering good views to the Shap Fells and the higher hills of the Yorkshire Dales, this is a walk for the connoiseur.

Technical sheet

n°293277

A Sedbergh walk posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 09/03/21

Activity: Walking
Distance: 11.00 km
Calculated time: 4h 45
Difficulty: Moderate
Return to departure point: No
Vertical gain: + 552 m
Vertical drop: - 511 m
Highest point: 670 m
Lowest point: 187 m

District: Sedbergh
Start: N 54.357302° / W 2.567067°
End: N 54.357509° / W 2.561222°
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Description

The start is problematic as there is very restricted parking. You may be lucky to find a space near to Four Lane Ends (grid ref. SD632958) either on Howgill Lane or the lane that drops down to Lowgill. If this is not possible then park on the grass verge above Fairmile Gate (grid ref. 629980) although this option adds over a mile and a half to the length of the route.

(S/E) From Four Lane Ends head north along Howgill Lane. Just before Gate House on the left, turn right along the drive that leads through Beck Houses. Passing the farm, continue on the signed right of way crossing a stream to reach the intake wall at Beck Houses Gate. From here follow the rising path that leads in a wide arc to reach Whin's End. Note - if you have parked at Fairmile Gate then a more direct path will bring you to this same point.

(1) Continue on the main path that heads northeast to cross Blind Gill before it turns to head north to reach the col between Linghaw and Fell Head. At the Col turn right up a feint path that leads northeasterly onto Blake Ridge before veering south towards the summit of Fell Head, which is marked by a cairn. Now that you have gained some height you soon appreciate the complexity of the topography in this area with deep valleys separated by lofty ridges. Note there is a direct path from Whin's End to the summit of Fell Head but the route described is far more pleasant.

(2) Leave Fell Head on the main path heading east and then north east descending to arrive at Breaks Head. From here there is a steeper descent to the Col of Windscarth Wyke before a climb south east to Bush Howe. Staying on the ridge path continue over White Fell Head to reach the trig column on the Calf where you may actually meet another walker enjoying the superb all round view!

(3) Retrace your steps towards White Fell Head from where a descent southwest on a feint path leads you down to a crossing of Chapel Beck. If for some reason you fail to locate the path used on this descent then you should encounter no problems by just walking down over grass. Cross Chapel Beck and pick up the track that leads past Castley Farm and Cookson's Tenement to reach the start(S/E).

Waypoints

S : km 0 - alt. 192 m - Howgill
1 : km 2.48 - alt. 384 m - Whin's End
2 : km 4.26 - alt. 606 m - Fell Head
3 : km 7.28 - alt. 670 m - The Calf
E : km 11 - alt. 224 m

Useful Information

This route is easy to follow in good visibility. However if there is any likelihood of low cloud then those with a poor sense of direction should head back down the fell. Even when the sun is shining the complex ridge structure is confusing and it is imperative that you ensure you are equipped with the 1:25000 map, which has been studied before setting out.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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Reviews and comments

5 / 5

Based on 1 review

Clarity of route description
5 / 5

Clarity of route map
5 / 5

Walk interest
5 / 5

Dogmanstar

08 Mar 2021 at 19:27 EST

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 27/02/21
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Spring made an early appearance today with clear cobalt blue skies from start to finish. The Sky Lark thought it was spring too and sang his high sweet tune for the first time this year. The rivers sparkled and the grass on the valley bottoms was green and verdant. It's hard to believe that not much more than 10 days ago these hills were snow clad. There were still one or two remote specks of white in the places where the sun has yet to warm the ground.

We had high hopes for this walk of the connoiseurs and it didn't disappoint. The Howgills were dressed in their best panoramic outfits with clear views out tothe Pennines, the Cumbrian Coast, and the Kent Estuary shining like a national guitar in the morning sun. Even those super models of the North West that are the Lakeland Fells had seen fit to get out of bed today.

A word to the wise for those coming at this walk from J37 of the M6. If you have a vehicle much bigger than a Smart Car or a super mini then park on the M6 side (West Bank) of the River Lune just before the Crook o' Lune Bridge. This bridge was built for pack horses not modern cars on steroids. Not only is it incredibly narrow (8 feet at best) it's at an awkward angle with a switchback to navigate before you get on the bridge proper. If you do manage to cross without incident, potential parking spots on the other side are no more than scrapes in the hedge.

There is ample parking for a couple or three cars just before the bridge on the Lune's west bank and it might just save you the cost of a bumper or a wing mirror.

Other walks in the area

Winder and Arant Haw from Sedbergh

Departure from Sedbergh (Westmorland and Furness)

Winder and Arant Haw are two hills included in this delightful walk from Sedbergh. The Howgill Fells are an integral part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park yet they display a unique character. The walking is good, the views superb and the paths quiet. Who could ask for more?

Cautley Spout and The Calf, from Cross Keys, near Sedbergh

Departure from Sedbergh (Westmorland and Furness)

Cautley Spout, the Calf, Bram Rigg Top, Calders and Great Dummacks are all included in this walk in the Howgill Fells. Starting from Cross Keys, near Sedbergh, the route offers excellent walking within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and visits one of most dramatic locations in these hills.

Bowderdale and the Calf

Departure from Ravenstonedale (Westmorland and Furness)

The Howgill Fells offer excellent walking with few other people sharing the landscape. This walk follows Bowderdale deep into the area before climbing steadily to the highest point in this group of fells. The return route offers grandstand views as you follow a lofty ridge back to the start.

Kendal to Ambleside via Longsleddale and Garburn Pass

Departure from Kendal (Westmorland and Furness)

This route follows the path of the first quarter of the Lakes District Challenge 2022. It takes some parts of part of the Dales Way, magnificent views of Longsleddale, climbs up to Garburns Pass with views into Troutbeck and Windermere.