The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Sedbergh

For those new to hiking or looking for a family-friendly option, Winder is an excellent choice. It offers easy access directly from Sedbergh and provides superb views of the Lakeland fells and Yorkshire Dales as you ascend. Its smooth, sculpted flanks make it a dramatic yet approachable peak. Another good option is The Helm, which, despite its modest height, offers tremendous views towards the Lake District and Howgill Fells, and is home to native ponies.

For truly extensive panoramic views, The Calf, the highest point in the Howgill Fells, is highly recommended. From its green, flat-topped summit, you can see a twenty-mile skyline of the Lakeland peaks, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and many surrounding Howgill Fells. Another peak known for exceptional views is Wild Boar Fell, which offers stunning vistas over the Howgill Fells and the settlements of Newbiggin-on-Lune and Ravenstonedale.

Yes, for experienced trekkers, the ascent to Whernside Summit, the highest of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks, offers a rewarding challenge. While it has a steadier incline than some, the way down can be steep, especially in wet weather. The sense of achievement from its summit, with views extending over the Yorkshire Dales and even distant sights of Blackpool Tower, is significant. The route to The Calf Summit (Howgill Fells), especially if combined with the Cautley Spout waterfall, also presents a challenging and scenic day out.

The Howgill Fells themselves are a unique natural feature, often described as a 'herd of sleeping elephants' due to their rounded, grassy slopes. When ascending The Calf, you can pass the impressive 650-foot Cautley Spout waterfall, England's highest above-ground waterfall. The fells are also appreciated for their unspoiled nature and lack of crags, offering a distinct landscape compared to other mountain regions.

The Howgill Fells and surrounding peaks are generally accessible throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and often clearer views, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter hiking is possible for experienced individuals, though conditions can be challenging with snow and ice.

Yes, many routes combine peaks. For example, walks from Sedbergh often include both Winder and Arant Haw, providing superb views and generally quiet paths. The Dales High Way also crosses the Howgills from north to south, passing directly over The Calf Summit (Howgill Fells), offering a longer, multi-peak experience.

Beyond hiking, the area around Sedbergh offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops that take in Cautley Spout & The Calf or Arant Haw & Winder. There are also cycling routes, such as the 'Kirkby Lonsdale & Dentdale loop' or the 'River Lune loop'. For mountain biking enthusiasts, trails like 'The Howgill Fells and Bowderdale loop' provide exciting options. You can explore more routes on the Running Trails around Sedbergh, Cycling around Sedbergh, and MTB Trails around Sedbergh guide pages.

Visitors frequently praise the unspoiled nature and tranquility of the Howgill Fells, noting the fewer crowds compared to the nearby Lake District. The rewarding panoramic views from summits like Whernside Summit and The Calf Summit (Howgill Fells) are a major draw. Many appreciate the distinct character of the rounded, grassy fells, which offer excellent walking opportunities for various abilities.

The Howgill Fells, in general, are known for being less crowded than the more famous Lake District mountains, offering a sense of tranquility. Peaks like Arant Haw, often combined with Winder, provide excellent walking with superb views on less frequented trails. Even higher peaks like Great Shunner Fell, while significant, are noted for their accessible yet rewarding nature and can offer a quieter experience.

The peaks around Sedbergh vary in elevation. Whernside Summit stands at 736 meters (2,415 feet), making it the highest of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks. Great Shunner Fell Summit is the third highest in the Yorkshire Dales at 716 meters. Wild Boar Fell reaches 708 meters (2,323 feet), and The Calf Summit (Howgill Fells) is 676 meters (2,218 feet), marking the highest point in the Howgill Fells. Even smaller peaks like The Helm, at 185 meters (607 feet), offer rewarding views.