Walks ending at Ravenstonedale 20th July 2024
Whereas the Sedbergh end of the Howgill Fells is popular, the northern part near Ravenstonedale is at least as good but not so well known. We are unlikely to see many people there, except at 'The Calf'. These fells are quite unique. They are often featureless; no crags, stone walls or farms. The small rounded grassy summits are beautiful and there is a sense of loneliness and remoteness. You are glad that the leaders know where they are!
We have deliberately chosen this venue because next Saturday will be the busiest of the year in the Dales and Lake District. Beautiful Ravenstonedale and Smardale will take us away from the crowds.
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The A walk will be led by Andy. It is approximately 12 ½ miles and 2600 feet.
We begin at Wath, and are soon on a good grassy track for 5 miles taking us on a steady climb of 1600 ft to 'The Calf', highest point and centre of the Howgills. We then descend into Bowderdale Beck, and take a steep 800 ft climb to Randygill Top, and then on to Green Bell. From there, we descend gradually to Knoutberry, Wyegarth Gill and into Ravenstonedale.
The B walk will be led by Mary B. It is approximately 8 ½ – 9 miles and 1600 feet.
This is a walk in three parts. We begin at Wath, ascending 1500 feet to Randygill Top. All except the last 300 feet is a gradual ascent over 3 ½ miles, much of it on easy grassy paths. The second part is our gradual descent to the farm road at Banks via Knott (90 ft ascent). Much of this is farm and sheep tracks. The third part is across fields to Paradise (a tarn) and into Ravenstonedale. If the weather is wet, we may skip Knott and this last part of the walk.
The C walk will be led by Tony. It is approximately 6 ½ miles and 650 feet.
Our walk starts at Newbiggin on Lune. A short road walk takes us to Brownber and then north on field paths to the edge of Crosby Garrett Fell turning east along the edge of the fell to Bents Farm and then down to Brownber. We pick up the Dismantled Railway and onward to the Smardale Viaduct. After crossing the viaduct, we take a permissive path to Smardale Bridge. Turning south we continue on field paths to Ravonstonedale. With great views looking back to the Viaduct and forward to the Howgills.