Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX climbs The Calf from Sedbergh by way of Arant Haw and Calders. It is a 12.0 km out-and-back with 759 m of ascent, following the rounded southern spine of the Howgills to the 676 m summit. The ground is mostly on clear grassy or stony tracks, but the repeated climbs add up and the broad ridges need proper navigation in cloud.
Leave Sedbergh on the fellside paths above the town and climb towards the shoulder between Winder and Arant Haw. At the marker post, take the direct path up Arant Haw rather than bypassing it on the bridleway. Continue north-east from its small summit cairn to rejoin the main route, then drop to Rowantree Grains. A steep stony pull beside the fence leads to Calders. From there, follow the broad undulating track north for roughly another kilometre to the white trig point on The Calf. Return over Calders and Arant Haw by the same line.
The Howgills look gentle, but their smooth slopes can make distances and gradients deceptive. There is little shelter once you are high, and in mist one grassy shoulder can look much like another. Carry a map and compass, note the turn back towards Sedbergh and allow for wind on the long ridge. After rain the hollows around Rowantree Grains can be wet, while the descent from Calders is steep enough to be tiring late in the day.
From Calders, the white trig point on The Calf draws you along the broad Howgill ridge.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Begin in Sedbergh and follow the signed fellside route north from town. Use designated parking and respect residents and farm access.
Pass through the fell gate and continue uphill. A stone bench gives a useful pause and a view back over Sedbergh.
Reach the broad shoulder and turn right onto the bridleway. Keep north-east rather than climbing towards Winder.
At the marker post, leave the bridleway for the steeper direct path up the long grassy slope to Arant Haw.
Pass the small summit cairn, then continue north-east on the ridge path to rejoin the bridleway near its highest point.
Drop into the broad hollow, then take the steep stony track climbing beside the fence towards Calders.
Cross Calders, then follow the broad undulating track north for just over a kilometre to The Calf's white trig point.
Reverse the route over Calders and Arant Haw. At the final shoulder, take the correct descent back into Sedbergh.
Essential Tips
The rounded hills hide a fair amount of ascent. Pace the early climb and keep food and water for the return over Calders.
In mist, the shoulder above Sedbergh is easy to miss. Note its grid reference or add a waypoint before continuing north.
The ridge is open to wind for several kilometres. Carry warm and waterproof layers even when Sedbergh is calm.
Rowantree Grains and nearby dips can be boggy after rain. Use the established track and avoid trampling wider lines through the grass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb The Calf from Sedbergh?
About 3 hours 28 minutes for the full 12.2 km route. That's based on Naismith's Rule and includes 616 m of ascent, so factor in extra time if you're stopping for breaks or photos.
Is The Calf walk suitable for beginners?
Not really — it's graded as strenuous. The Howgills look gentle but the repeated climbs add up, navigation can be tricky in mist, and there's little shelter on the exposed ridge, so you need proper hill-walking experience.
Where do I park for The Calf hike in Sedbergh?
Start from Joss Lane Car Park in Sedbergh. The route uses designated parking, so respect residents and farm access when you're heading out.