Crook, Arant Haw, Nab, Winder

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 7.9km loop is a quintessential Lakeland-border fell run, packing a serious punch with 685m of vertical gain. Starting from the charming town of Sedbergh, you'll immediately tackle the sharp ascent up Crook before traversing the iconic, "sleeping elephant" silhouettes of the Howgill Fells. The terrain is characterized by short, springy turf and well-trodden grassy ridges, making for fast running on the flats—if you have the lungs for the climbs. Reaching the summits of Arant Haw and the final, airy peak of Winder, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most expansive views in Northern England, looking out across the Lune Valley toward the Lake District fells in the west and the Yorkshire Dales to the east.

Sedbergh often claims the title of England’s "Book Town," but for runners, it is the gateway to the Howgill Fells—a unique geological formation described by Alfred Wainwright as looking like a "herd of sleeping elephants." Unlike the rocky crags of the central Lakes, the Howgills offer smooth, rolling lines and deep, hidden valleys like Cautley Spout. This specific route follows the tradition of classic fell races in the area, where navigating the velvet-like slopes requires a keen eye for the best line. After your descent from Winder, make sure to visit one of the local pubs or cafes in the historic market town; they are accustomed to seeing mud-splattered runners seeking post-run sustenance.