Arant Haw, Calders The Calf

This is a demanding 11.3 km out-and-back route from Sedbergh, packing 641 metres of climbing into the Howgill Fells. The ascent starts almost immediately from the edge of town, so there’s no gentle warm-up. Expect a mix of stony tracks and grassy trods underfoot. Trail shoes with good grip are necessary, as the surface is technical and can be slick and boggy after rain, particularly on the steep sections. The initial climb is a real grind, so pace it accordingly.

The first major objective is the summit of Arant Haw. From there, the gradient eases as you follow the broad, undulating ridge north to Calders and then on to The Calf, the highest point of the run and your turnaround marker. This section along the tops allows for more continuous running, with open views across the fells towards the Yorkshire Dales when visibility is good. The exposed nature of the ridge means you should be prepared for wind.

The return is a mirror of the outbound leg, though the route back contours around the side of Arant Haw rather than going back over its summit. The long, steep descent requires just as much concentration as the climb, especially on tired legs. This is a serious hill run that tests your conditioning, not a casual trail jog; plan for the effort and the potential for rapid weather changes on the fell tops.