The Calf from the Cross Keys

This is an out-and-back run, so you’ll do all the climbing in the first half. The 556 metres of ascent start almost immediately from the layby near the Cross Keys pub. The entire route is off-road on grassy fells, so trail shoes with good grip are non-negotiable, particularly with the likelihood of boggy ground underfoot after rain. The path is steep in places but it's a consistent uphill grind until you reach the high point of the Howgill Fells.

The terrain is open and exposed the whole way, so you'll feel the weather whatever it's doing. Your objective is the trig point marking the summit of The Calf, which is the turnaround for the route. On a clear day, the visibility from here extends over towards the Lake District fells and the Yorkshire Dales. This is a proper fell outing, so expect rugged ground and be prepared for changing conditions on the tops, even if it’s calm at the start.

Once you turn at the trig point, the second half is pure descent. You retrace your steps back down the same grassy slopes. While it's all downhill, the ground is uneven and can be slippery, so you'll need to watch your footing, especially on the faster sections. Given the exposed nature of the fells, be sure of your navigation if the cloud comes down, as paths can become less distinct away from the main track. The run finishes back at the layby.