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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.

A bridleway into Bowderdale leaves left from the lane, 200m west of the bridge at Bowderdale Foot. Follow the track through a couple of gates to the corner of a conifer plantation. It then curves across rough pasture, gaining height to a final gate in the far corner. Carry on beside a gently rising wall at the edge of the open fell, with the mouth of the long valley drawing you forwards.