Howgill Fells, Sedbergh

What do you get when you cross a mountain range with a whale?

In the case of the Howgills, rounded, green-backed hills that look more like something surfacing from the sea than a typical Cumbrian fell.

Tucked between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, they’re one of the north of England’s best-kept walking secrets — and if you’ve never heard of them, that’s rather the point.

At a glance

Location: Between Kendal and Penrith, just east of the M6, in Sedbergh, Cumbria
Highest point: The Calf, just over 2,200 feet
Terrain: Smooth granite whalebacks — grassy, largely treeless, with few walls or fences
Good for: All abilities, from family strolls to full day hikes
Nearby town: Sedbergh, England’s official Book Town
Highlights: Cautley Spout (England’s highest above-ground waterfall), Roman history, dark skies, rich mining heritage

The Howgill Fells are a beautiful range of hills in Sedbergh, Cumbria, located between the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Lake District.

Just east of the M6, north of Kendal and south of Penrith, these hills are formed of granite and utterly unlike the limestone pavement that dominates so much of the surrounding landscape.

Their rounded, humpbacked shape sets them apart from their neighbours at a glance, and they’re a popular destination for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views and a variety of routes to suit all abilities.

With their special combination of open heather moors, peatlands and dales, a dramatic landscape, a rich mining and industrial heritage, Roman history, distinctive flora and fauna, and some of the darkest skies in England, the Howgills tick every box.

They are a popular destination for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a variety of walks to suit all abilities.

A range for everyone

The Howgill Fells are a relatively small range, with the highest point, The Calf, reaching just over 2,200 feet.

This makes them ideal for walkers of every level, from complete beginners to experienced mountaineers.

There are also plenty of shorter walks available, making the Howgill Fells a great choice for a day out with family or friends.

Winder and The Calf

One of the most popular walks in the Howgill Fells is the Winder and The Calf route.

It starts in the town of Sedbergh and climbs to the top of Winder Fell, before continuing on to The Calf, the highest point in the range.

The walk rewards you with stunning views across the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, and the Pennines.

Cautley Spout

Another firm favourite is the walk to Cautley Spout, England’s highest waterfall above ground. It sits in a beautiful, dramatic valley, and the walk there is one of the most scenic in the region.

England’s Book Town

At the foot of the fells sits Sedbergh, officially England’s Book Town — a title far less trumpeted than Hay-on-Wye‘s, but well earned, with a run of secondhand bookshops along its main street.

It makes an excellent base for a day of hill walking followed by a good pub lunch.

The Howgill Fells in Sedbergh are a beautiful, unspoiled treasure in the north of England.

These big green whalebacks seem to have little rock, few walls and fences, and far fewer people than you’ll find in the nearby Lake District mountains.

Whatever your ability level, the Howgills have something to offer — stunning scenery, a great variety of walks, and abundant wildlife make them perfect for a day out or a longer break.

If you are looking for a dog-friendly holiday cottage with easy access to the Howgill Fells and Sedbergh ring 07785944194 or enquire here.