This hike takes in the Calf (highest point in the Howgill Fells) and Cautley Spout (The highest waterfall in England). The Howgills are in Cumbria, but they are part of the Yorkshire Dale National Park.
The calf is not part of the 214 Wainwright but Alfred Wainwright enjoyed this route and described it as “The classic high-level walk on the Howgill Fells”
Stats
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Length | 9.9 mi – 15.9 km |
| Total elevation | 2,654 ft – 809m |
| Highest point | 2,221 ft – 677m |
| Walking time | 4h20 |
| Terrain | Paths and footpaths |
| Equipment | Good shoes, the path can get muddy in places and the rocks could be slippy. Sufficient water to last you for 9.5 miles or About 5 hours. Layers As the top can get exposed and windy |
View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
Getting there
- Driving: Car Park on the A683 by after Sedbergh
- Public transport:
From Carlisle: Train to Oxenholme and bus S1 or 563 to Sedbergh (c. 1h20)
From Lancaster: Train to Oxenholme and bus S1 or 563 to Sedbergh (c. 45)
From Manchester: Train from Piccadilly to Oxenholme and bus S1 or 563 to Sedbergh (c. 2hrs)
From Preston: Train to Oxenholme and bus S1 or 563 to Sedbergh (c. 1h00)
Watering Holes
- The Cross Key Temperance Inn – About 3.5 miles into the walk if you started at the car-park – or 5 miles if you started in Sedbergh
A very cosy cafe and book-store in a 400 years old Inn.
Great stop for coffee and cake before climbing the fall. The scones are home-made.
If you are stopping for lunch you will find soup, bacon sandwiches and classic pub fayre.
Note it does not serve alcohol and call ahead of time to ensure it is open during your visit. - The Thirsty Rambler – Sedbergh
This is a fabulous micro-bar. Muddy paws and boots are always welcome.
All ales and larger are sourced from small local suppliers.
A very friendly place where you will find fellow hikers. As the place is so small it operates on a first come first seat basis.
Don’t be offended if someone you have never met before sits next you and start up a conversation; it is that kind of place !
No food served unless you pre-book the whole place. And opening hours are very restricted. Check the website ahead of time to ensure it is open at the time of your visit.
Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat
Sedbergh is home to a famous boarding school. But not a bad place to spend the week-end. It is on the Dales Way.
Although a very small town, there are a few pubs, inns and cafes. And the Howgills will offer plenty of walking and cycling routes for your week-end.
For large groups: Sedbergh Barn – Sedbergh
For whole property rental only. The barn will sleep 35 in 8 bunk rooms.
There is a 2 nights rental minimum.
Quite a luxury barn: hot-tub, game room and drying room.
Each rooms have an ensuite and there are extra toilets on the landing.
Two kitchens and a large dining area.
For a romantic week-end: The Dalesman Country Inn – Sedbergh
Luxury accommodation and 2 AA rosette restaurant.
An old coaching Inn with 6 rooms, all furnished individually and with luxurious soft-furnitures and bedding.
Slightly more expensive than the other inn in town but the small difference is worth it in my opinion.
For lunch, expect traditional pub fayre at reasonable price. For dinner, there is the option of the classic fish and chips or more gastro dishes such as venison loin when in season.
For a cosy cottage: The Old Chair Workshop – Sedbergh
A cosy little studio cottage that sleeps 2 in a double bed.
Please note there is no internet !
For the Camper: Farm & Fell Camping – Sedbergh
Open from Easter to August.
There are 3 fields: family, classic and quiet (no noise on the quiet field between 20:00-8:00)
The campsite will accept tents, camper vans and motorhomes. Each pitches has a fire-pit.
It offers communal showers. Serves hot-food at certain hours from the farm-yard and a bar with live music in busy periods
Peregrinating the North West and Beyond 