The Howgills: A Hidden Gem (March 2026)

Mags managed to find an absolutely fantastic bunkhouse in the beautiful Howgills, perhaps

Yorkshire’s best kept secret, for Ibex’s March meet.

The bunkhouse

Sadly Natalia was unable to join us due to a cold though she had organised the weekend

well, including our Friday night meal out at the Fat Lamb where all 11 of us enjoyed excellent

food and company.

All bar Susan, still nursing an ankle injury, joined Jim for his walk direct from the bunkhouse

to The Calf which at 676m is the highest peak of the Howgills. We were blessed with clear

skies and sunshine. Due to previous downpours, the ford crossings originally planned were

full so we took an alternative route to ascend but it afforded us wonderful views of our

destination and the steep valley ascent we needed to follow.

Taking a break

The valley was steep but that meant we gained height quickly and the waterfall cascading

down to our left made for an exciting hike up.

Cautley Spout

After elevenses we pushed on, the ascent not so steep now. Eventually we arrived at the triangulation point atop The Calf.

The Calf summit

Jim managed to find a less steep descent down a most attractive ridge to help our knees

and we had lunch part way down out of the wind. When we reached the road, with another

1hr to go we all poured into the Cross Keys. A former temperance hostelry it now served

breakfast and afternoon tea. It worked a miracle in restoring all sorts of parts, particularly

tired legs, and the remainder of the walk felt like a pleasant stroll.

Cross Keys Temperance Inn

It wasn’t a late one after the usual high class 3 course Ibex meal. All that fresh air, exercise

and food and wine saw us off to bed at a sensible time.

Saturday dinner

But after cleaning the bunkhouse, we were all raring to go on David’s shorter but challenging

walk. Again we walked from the bunkhouse, after the chickens had a good inspection and

one in particular seemed to be checking out how Viv was putting her gaiters on. It wasn’t a

sunny day but, despite the forecasts predicting rain at midday, we got around the whole

circuit in dry weather. The ascents were very tough, straight up the side of grassy steep

slopes following an indistinct route up Grere Fell.

Steep ascent

We had amazing views from the edge of the very wide ridge at 544m before walking on a fairly flat plateau then ascending further up

to the high point of our walk, Green Bell at 605m.

Green Bell summit

The descent was good and due to the cold we decided to have our lunch back in the warm bunkhouse and change before departing for home following a great weekend.

Jim and Viv stayed on in the area for an extra night and walked up The Calf again on the

Monday but on less clear skies than we had all enjoyed as a group.

Another great Ibex weekend. Thanks to Jim and David, our walk leaders, Mags, Annie and

Viv and their sous chefs, Elizabeth and Margaret. All the drivers. And everyone for good

cheer and company.

Karen

#ibexwalkers