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The Lune Valley and Howgills

40 scenic fell, river and woodland walks

By Dennis Kelsall, Jan Kelsall

Guidebook to 40 walks, from 3 to 11 miles, exploring the Lune Valley and Howgill Fells, some of the most unspoilt countryside in north west England. Set mainly within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the AONBs of Bowland and Arnside and Silverdale, the walking is hugely rewarding, near the centres of Sedbergh, Kendal and Lancaster.

Seasons

come spring and early summer, the woodlands, meadows and hedgerows are at their most colourful, and you'll likely get the best weather too. As summer fades, autumnal hues paint another magical time. Crisp winter days can open wonderful distant views, but the weather can sometimes create challenging conditions, even for experienced walkers.

Centres

useful facilities exist at the few small towns and larger villages covered by the area, the main centres being Tebay, Sedbergh, Dent, Kirkby Lonsdale and Lancaster.

Difficulty

the lowland walks are generally without difficulty, but venture onto the higher moors and hills of the Howgill Fells and Bowland fringe, and competent navigation skills and stamina become necessary, particularly in winter. Good footwear, wind and waterproofs underlie basic equipment requirements. Non of the routes demand climbing skills, although some steep gradients may be involved.

Must See

the Howgill Fells are the main area of high ground covered within the book, the highest point of which is The Calf at 672m. Several of the other summits are also included such as Randygill Top, Green Bell and Docker Knott, with walks routed through the long valleys and along the broad ridges that are such a dominant feature of the area. Other satisfying heights include neighbouring Borrowdale, Middleton Fell and Clougha Pike. Elsewhere, the focus is on the River Lune and its immediate tributaries, exploring its changing character as it winds to the sea.
ISBN
9781852849160
Availability
Published
Published
6 Nov 2017
Reprinted
2 Nov 2021
Edition
Second
Pages
208
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.20cm
Weight
240g
Overview

This guidebook offers a wide range of walks from the source of the river Lune in the Howgill Fells to Glasson Dock, just below Lancaster. The 40 day walks range between 3 and 11 miles in length and are all illustrated with extracts of 1:50,000 OS mapping.

The walks start in the north of the region and follow the River Lune southwards to the sea, with bases including Orton, Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Lancaster. They explore the infinitely varied landscape as the river Lune flows between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks and the Forest of Bowland and Arnside and Silverdale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Also included is an outline of a 60-mile, 6-day route walking the River Lune from end to end, with lots of background information about the area's history, geology and also all the local facilities to help you plan your trip. There are magnificent views from the empty hilltops, delightful natural woodlands full of wildlife, stunning secluded side valleys and open moorland vistas to be explored in Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire.

Table of Contents
Maps
Updates
Reviews
Downloads
Dennis Kelsall Cicerone author KELSAL

Dennis Kelsall

Dennis and Jan Kelsall have long held a passion for countryside and hill walking. Since their first Cicerone title was published in 1995, they have written, contributed and illustrated over 50 guides to some of Britain’s most popular walking areas and have become regular contributors to various outdoor magazines. Their enjoyment of the countryside extends far beyond a love of fresh air, open spaces and scenery. Over the years Dennis and Jan have developed a wider interest in the environment, its geology and wildlife, as well as an enthusiasm for delving into local history, which so often provides clues to interpreting the landscape.

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Jan Kelsall Cicerone author Kelsall J

Jan Kelsall

Dennis and Jan Kelsall have long held a passion for countryside and hill walking. Since their first Cicerone title was published in 1995, they have written around 35 guides to some of Britain’s most popular walking areas and have become regular contributors to various outdoor magazines. Their enjoyment of the countryside extends far beyond a love of fresh air, open spaces and scenery. Over the years Dennis and Jan have developed a wider interest in the environment, its geology and wildlife, as well as an enthusiasm for delving into local history, which so often provides clues to interpreting the landscape.

View author profile