Читать книгу The Lune Valley and Howgills. 40 scenic fell, river and woodland walks онлайн

43 страница из 44

Turn right through the village, passing the attractive 17th-century Kelleth Old Hall. Until 1978 it remained in the hands of a single family, the Whiteheads, who had been associated with George Fox, the founder of the Quaker Movement.

Kelleth Old Hall

At the far end of the village, fork right through a gate along a track signed to Wath. Passing through a couple of gates at the end, keep ahead and continue across the fields towards a tall barn. It was built into the slope of the hill so that its upper hayloft could be more easily filled to feed cattle, which were over-wintered in the stalls below. Having passed above a wood bear left, gaining height to a stile in the next wall. Keep going above Potlands Farm, eventually leaving the fields at Wath. Walk out through the farmyard to the lane and go right, crossing the Lune to return to the start.

WALK 4

Bowderdale and The Calf

Start Bowderdale (NY 678 046) Distance 11 miles (17.7km) Time 5½hr Terrain Valley paths and upland grass trods Height gain 605m (1985ft) Maps Explorer OL19 – Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley Refreshments Nearest facilities at Tebay Toilets None Parking Laneside parking near bridge at Bowderdale Foot Note The route is not recommended for inexperienced walkers in poor visibility, when map and compass are essential.

Viewed from Sedbergh, the routes onto The Calf appear uncompromisingly steep, but approached from the north, gentle ridges and extended valleys suggest a less demanding path to the highest top of the Howgills. Long and straight, delving into the heart of the hills, Bowderdale is a wonderfully secluded place, where often you will have only fell ponies and the odd buzzard soaring overhead for company. The return over Hazelgill Knott gives dramatic glimpses into the upper reaches of Langdale, revealing the secretive folded beauty of the valley heads. If you are only to do one walk in the Howgills, this should be it.