The Howgill Hewitts

[Broggy1]

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I love the Howgills. Quiet compared to the Lakes, some steep ascents mixed with great open fell walking, relatively close to home and with lot's of options.

My last couple of visits here have been pea soup days so I thought I was due a visit on a nice day and a day off on the Thursday over Easter gave me that opportunity.

I don't think I'd done the 5 principal (7 if you follow the Nuttall rules) summits alltogether in the same walk before so opted for that.

A glorious day with overnight snow giving way to warm temperatures in the light winds. Some really tricky descents in the conditions though.

From the Cross Keys the Ben End direct way up Yarlside is a steep start to the day - mind you Yarlside is steep from any direction.

Cautley Crag

Yarlside's Southern Top ahead

Randygill Top and the North Pennines behind from Yarlside - stunningly clear

The Dales Peaks from Yarlside

Looking back to the steep descent off Yarlide. I've been down this way (and up) numerous times and it's a real tough one - particularly in slippy conditions today. A real "take your time" job

Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell from Kensgriff

Another steep pull and I'm on Randygill Top looking back to the main Howgill group

Descending to Bowderdale - an ATV track helping with this descent

Looking back at Randygill Top from Bowderdale

I followed the main bridleway through Bowderdale pretty much to the top of The Calf

The ridge to Fell Head which I'd do as an out and back. Not obvious here but there's a signficant drop between Bush Howe and Breaks Head to tackle.

Lakeland Skyline from Fell Head

On the summit of Bush Howe with The Calf ahead

The Calf Trig Point looking at the motorway path to Calders

Arant How and Winder from Bram Rigg Top

Calders - frosty conditions making way for glorious sunshine now

The route back was over Great Dummacks and along the edge of Cautley Crag

Valley back to the Cross Keys

A steep, stepped descent alongside Cautley Spout needs much care in any conditions really

Cautley Spout looking impressive after yesterdays rain

[malky_c]

Looks nice, and very timely as well - I was planning to do something a bit like this tomorrow .

Don't think the weather will be as good but at least the waterfall should look impressive.

[Broggy1]

Looks nice, and very timely as well - I was planning to do something a bit like this tomorrow .

Don't think the weather will be as good but at least the waterfall should look impressive.

It's a great area Malky - you'll love it and the waterfall always looks great.

[Alteknacker]

I walked these by a slightly different route at the end of November last year, and was very pleasantly surprised at their unique character, so it was good to be reminded of a most enjoyable day, and glad you had a great day for the round. Some really nice pics here.

As usual, a pretty speedy traverse!!

[Broggy1]

I walked these by a slightly different route at the end of November last year, and was very pleasantly surprised at their unique character, so it was good to be reminded of a most enjoyable day, and glad you had a great day for the round. Some really nice pics here.

As usual, a pretty speedy traverse!!

Thanks AK

Yep saw your report and would concede that it's probably a better route as it takes in the excellent Arant Haw approach and avoids the out and back to Fell Head from my route. They are a really nice range of hills.

[trailmasher]

Nice one Broggy 1, great walk and photos I just love the Howgills and as you point out they are so quiet and with no obstacles apart from the steep climbs one can really get on with it
I did a similar route to you a couple of years ago and the there and back from Fell Head was a bit of a bummer but at least the views are amazing

[johnkaysleftleg]

Superb day for it, I've never done all five together and it's something I'm thinking about having a crack at this year some time. Great report and pics.