Canisfamiliaris

Starting point: Cross Keys Hotel (SD 698969) Finish: Thwaite (SD 634951) Distance: 9 miles Ascent: 2600' Date: Wednesday 11th August 2010

A walk that traverses the Howgill fells from east to west. The walk visits a tremendous waterfall - Cautley Spout, before climbing up to the highest point of the Howgills, The Calf, with a descent over Fell Head to finish with a riverside walk along the Dales Way to Thwaite. This is a linear walk and requires two vehicles, one at each location.

Route: From The Cross Keys Hotel, cross the River Rawthey by a footbridge and walk up the valley towards Cautley Spout seen clearly ahead. A pitched path leads up to the head of the falls. Cross Swere Gill and continue uphill alongside Red Gill Beck, bearing left up Force Gill Beck to emerge on to the ridge south of The Calf. Turn north along a well-made path to The Calf. From here, head northwest, then north along the ridge to the prominent cairn on Fell Head. Walk southwest downhill towards Whin's End, to find a path by a large clump of rushes. Head east, initially and round the head of the valley to pass through Beck House before joining Howgill Lane. Turn south , then west after 100 metres along a footpath, through Riddings and emerge on to a lane. Turn downhill and just before the Crook of Lune Bridge, head south along the Dales Way to the finishing point at Thwaite.

cross keys hotel

The Cross Keys - starting point for the walk.
Over a doorway is carved this inscription,
'Great things are done when men and mountains meet
These are not done by jostling in the street.'
William Blake

cautley spout