Crook via one of the best paths in the Howgill Fells.

Start. Sedbergh.

Route. Sedbergh - Main Street - Joss Lane - Hill - Settlebeck Gill - Soolbank - Crook - Green Mea - Lockbank Farm - Howgill Lane - Sedbergh.

Notes. Crook rising above the market town of Sedbergh, one of a cluster of tops in the south-west corner of the Howgill Fells, it’s not high just over 1500ft but the views are stunning. Sitting on the summit you find room to breathe, time to think and, as the title promises, one of the best paths in these rolling uplands will guide you there. But that’s not all the second best path will guide us down, how’s that for value for money.

I left Sedbergh the tarmac of Joss Lane under foot, Joss Lane terminated at a field gate, a stoney track then guided me passed Hill to a small gate allowing access to a path ascending in the company of Settlebeck Gill. Once above the final intake wall I descended into the beck bottom, then clambered out up the opposite bank, I then climbed in the company of the intake wall to access the best path in the Howgill Fells.

This path traverses the slopes of Soolbank, clinging to the 1100ft contour, it’s narrow with steep slopes above and below, not the sort of place you’d want to put a foot wrong, there’s no danger but you don’t half get an adrenalin buzz. As the path swung around the hill Ashbeck Gill tilted into view, once it was below me a faint path ascended in the company of a couple of old drainage channels, these drain the wet lands above, or used to, I let them guide me almost to the summit of Crook, where I sat down to soak up the views and drank coffee.

Refreshed I headed north over the wet lands the two channels drained, narrow green trod’s guided me towards then across the head of Settlebeck Gill depositing me on the coll at Green Mea. A number of paths descend from here, my chosen route traversed the slopes of Winder, a lovely path, the second best path in the Howgill Fells, it slowly descends south before swinging west, with every step I surrendered height. On reaching a path junction above Lockbank Farm I turned left, I should have carried straight on, this short length of path was steep, it deposited me at the entrance to Lockbank Farm, after wandering through the farm yard I stepped onto Howgill Lane for the short walk back into Sedbergh.

view route map.

home.

Viewing the Soolbank slopes of Crook over Settlebeck Gill.

Above the intake wall looking to the Frostrow Fells with Whernside and Crag Hill kissed by cloud.

The massive bulk of Baugh Fell seen from the final intake wall (fence).

Deep cut Settlebeck Gill.

Traversing the steep slopes of Soolbank looking back towards Sedbergh.

Stunning views over the Rawthey valley, to the left Aye Gill Pike dropping to the Frostrow Fells, the right Middleton Fell and filling the gap Whernside and Crag Hill.

On the slopes of Soolbank looking over the green fields of the Rawthey valley to the Middleton Fells.

Sickers Fell as seen over Ashbeck Gill.

Stopped to soak up views over Ashbeck Gill to Baugh Fell.

Not as well known as Settlebeck Gill, Ashbeck Gill just as spectacular.

Viewing Winder from the twin tops of Crook.

Taking a breather on the summit of Crook, looking to Sickers Fell and Knott with the flat top of Wild Boar Fell on the far horizon.

The prospect south taking in the somewhat boggy Frostrow Fells with Whernside and Crag Hill behind.

It may be christened Crook but it won't leave you feeling cheated, the walloping hulk of Baugh Fell seen from Crook.

Views over Sickers Fell and Knott to Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell.

Near the head of Settlebeck Gill looking back over a blanket of wild moorland to Crook.

Under a dark cloud Middleton Fell.

Across an overcast horizon Whernside under cloud, the flat top of Crag Hill and dark bulk of Middleton Fell, on view from the coll at Green Mea.

Welcome to the second best path in the Howgill Fells, high above Settlebeck Gill clinging to the steep slopes of Winder, another gem.

Crook above Settlebeck Gill.

A birds eye view across the Lune valley.

Above Lockbank Farm looking down on Sedbergh backed by the Frostrow Fells and the hills above Dentdale.

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