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

Overview

Sour Howes: An Overview

Sour Howes is a remarkable Marilyn nestled within the stunning landscape of the Lake District. Standing at 589 meters, it offers enough elevation to feel as though you’re on top of the world, without the need for an oxygen tank!

Geology

The fascinating geology of Sour Howes, with its rugged slate and sandstone, tells tales of a time long past. These rocks weren't just thrown together; they have a story as ancient as the hills themselves, shaped by the relentless forces of nature.

Access and Parking

Getting to Sour Howes is as easy as pie—just not the custard-filled kind! The nearest parking spot is at NY424034 on the A592, conveniently located for eager hikers. Just make sure you beat the rush, as this little car park can fill up quicker than a kettle boiling!

Routes

One of the most popular routes is the Sour Howes Circular Walk. This route takes you on an 8 km journey through lush landscapes, making it a moderate trek that can be enjoyed across various skill levels. Allow about 3 hours to complete this round trip and soak in the scenic beauty along the way.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by a humble cairn that serves as a perfect photo backdrop, while the trig point stands proudly as a mark of achievement. It’s the ideal spot to sit down, have a nibble, and soak in the expansive views.

Terrain and Hazards

While the terrain is primarily grassy, there are rocky sections to navigate. Be prepared for a bit of a bog near the base—wear your trusty waterproof boots! And don't forget, the weather can change faster than you can say 'raincoat,' so be vigilant about conditions.

Views

The panoramic views at the peak are simply breathtaking. Expect to see Ullswater glistening like a gem and the majestic Helvellyn looming in the background. The best time to enjoy these vistas is in spring or early summer when the landscape is truly alive.

Nearby Summits

For those wishing to extend their hiking adventures, nearby summits like Little Howes (522 m) and Thornthwaite Crag (770 m) beckon, promising further exploration in this beautiful region.

Final Thoughts

Sour Howes may not be the highest peak in the Lake District, but its charm and accessibility make it a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. So pack your bag, charge your camera, and prepare to fall in love with this stunning corner of the UK.

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

View route

Coniston to Tarn Hows: Monk Coniston Gardens and Woodland Circuit

8.1 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

View route

Bow Fell from Langdale

View route

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

Sour Howes location map

Grid reference: NY427032

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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