Howgill Fells, Upland range in Cumbria, England
Howgill Fells is an upland range in Cumbria, sitting between the towns of Sedbergh, Kirkby Stephen, and Tebay, with gently rounded summits and open, grassy slopes. The highest point, The Calf, stands at 676 meters, and the open terrain allows wide views across the surrounding countryside.
The name comes from Norse settlers who combined 'haugr', meaning hill, with 'gil', meaning narrow valley, which points to medieval Nordic settlement in northern England. That naming has stayed in place ever since and still reflects how the landscape was first read by those early communities.
Sheep farmers have worked these open slopes for generations, and the effects of that work are easy to spot in the worn paths and grazing patterns across the hills. Walking through the area gives a direct sense of how farming life has shaped this landscape over time.
Sedbergh is the most convenient base for exploring the hills, with parking available and trail starts clearly marked from the town. The open slopes can change quickly in bad weather, so sturdy footwear and layers are a good idea before heading out.
Cautley Spout, on the southern side, is one of England's tallest waterfalls, dropping around 180 meters down the hillside and visible from far across the moorland. Despite being easy to spot from a distance, many visitors pass through the area without ever walking over to see it up close.
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