The Lonely Howgills

• Easy walking throughout
• Quiet and peaceful
• The highest waterfall in the land

Walking on the Howgills is like walking in the Far Eastern or Northern fells of the Lakes – a joy enhanced by the lack of people that clutter up the more popular walking areas. The hills look uninteresting as they have no rocky outcrops or dramatic summits; just long grassy ridges with long distance views over the Eden Valley into Lakeland proper. The geographical location means that they are ignored; the M6 cuts a deep pass through the Howgills but motorists rarely stop and explore its delights, preferring the more famous and dramatic lands to the west. Sedbergh itself (the ‘town’ of the Howgills) can seem grim from a distance but is not. Sedbergh calls itself the Book Town with good reason, the most fabulous range of 2nd hand book shops exist and it is definitely worth a browse. The walk itself contrasts the high plateau of the Howgills with an excellent track that follows an excellent lower fell side path above the River Rawthey. Between these 2 distinct phases to the walk is the dramatic waterfall at Cautley Spout, reputedly the highest waterfall in Britain, to be fair it is very dramatic and adds considerably to the walk. I certainly feel I now know and appreciate the appeal of this unspoilt part of the country.

Recommend: Resist the charms of the Cross Keys Temperance Inn which is at the foot of Cautley Spout. There are a number of good drinking holes in Sedbergh.

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© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL19 Howgill Fells & Upper Eden Valley
Start Point:	656920. There is plenty of parking in Sedbergh. The route up Winder is up Howgill Lane and through Lockbank Farm.
Terrain:	Excellent walking over the tops on mainly short grass, the route up Winder is steep but clear and the return via the low fellside path surprisingly good with great views.
Eating & Drinking:	There is a wide choice of eating and drinking in Sedbergh; good as well and more reasonably priced than some more commercialised places. Leave some time to browse the book shops.
Similar Walks Nearby:	The Northern Howgills Baugh Fell from the Cross Keys The Calf via Cautley Spout
Places to Stay:	Summerhill GH, Sedbergh Fellsview Cottage, Sedbergh