NY4203 : Grassy knolls on Sour Howes

Sour Howes

483m Elevation
35m Prominence
England Country
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NY4203 : Grassy knolls on Sour Howes

Trevor Littlewood Photo source

Explore routes near Sour Howes

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Sour Howes Circular Walk

A pleasant circular route starting from the car park at the foot of the mountain, weaving through lush woodlands and open pastures before making the ascent.

8 km ~3 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill Wainwright Birkett Synge

Elevation

483m

1,585 ft

Prominence

35m

Coordinates

54.4212, -2.8836

NY427032

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL7N

At the Summit

The summit features a modest cairn and a trig point, the latter of which is perfect for a cheeky selfie with dramatic views in the background.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky sections the terrain can be a bit boggy near the bottom so waterproof boots are recommended.

Sour Howes is primarily composed of Lower Palaeozoic slates and sandstones which have withstood the test of time, perhaps thanks to a good skincare routine. These rocks provide a varied terrain, with some crags offering dramatic views.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy stunning views of both Ullswater and the surrounding fells, including a magnificent sight of Helvellyn in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Sour' is thought to be derived from the Old Norse word for ‘sour’ referring possibly to the landscape or to an old local joke about its weather!

Historical Significance

Sour Howes, being part of the Lake District National Park, holds cultural significance linked to the English romantic movement and has inspired many poets and writers.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at NY424034 on the A592, which is ideal for starting your hike. Arrive early during weekends, as it fills up quickly.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in the village of Watermillock, a short walk from the car park. Regular services run from Penrith.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the mountain. However, the village of Watermillock offers a few quaint cafes where hikers can refresh after their trek.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for slippery sections, particularly after rain, and be mindful of sudden changes in weather as they can impact visibility and walking conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Sour Howes?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Sour Howes through the maps

Are there other walkers around Sour Howes?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Sour Howes search or of course create your own walk for Sour Howes

Can I organise a walk to Sour Howes?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Sour Howes.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Sour Howes?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Sour Howes here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY427032

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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