Sour Howes

Sour Howes

Sour Howes is a 483 m Wainwright in the Lake District’s Far Eastern Fells. Its grassy summit is a cluster of small hummocks, with the highest point at NY 42765 03217. The probable Wainwright top lies a little east-south-east, so summit collectors should check both.

Valley views

The climb above Troutbeck opens out towards Windermere, with Dubbs Reservoir below and Wansfell across the valley. Farther north, Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick give the skyline a sharper edge. This is a walk to enjoy slowly: stop on the rising ground before the summit to look back over the valley.

A circuit with Sallows

An approximately 8.7 km circuit starts near Church Bridge. Take the adjacent footbridge, cross the A592 carefully and climb past The Howe. Use the ladder stiles to cross Garburn Road onto Applethwaite Common, then follow the path through knolls to Sour Howes. Continue north beside the wall, crossing the stile to climb Sallows.

Descend north towards Garburn Pass, bearing right near the bottom to the stone stile at the wall corner. Turn left along Garburn Road, keeping right at the forks on the descent to The Howe. Cross the A592 to its pavement, return over the footbridge and finish at Church Bridge. Carry a detailed map for the faint paths and junctions.

Rock beneath the grass

A sandstone ridge near the summit belongs to the Birk Riggs Formation. Its harder rock stands above the softer surrounding shale, helping explain the small ridges among the grassy humps. Down towards Garburn Road, the old Applethwaite Quarry worked the Brathay Formation for roofing slate. The Troutbeck valley also follows a geological fault, adding another layer to the landscape seen from the fell.

Getting to the start

Troutbeck, near Windermere, is the local starting point. Parking around Green Gate and Church Bridge is limited. Leave gateways and passing places clear, and choose another lawful space if the roadside areas are full.

The 508 serves Troutbeck Church in the summer timetable, but its winter 2026/27 route ends at Patterdale and does not reach this start. Check the timetable for your walking date and the last return before travelling.

Year-round 555 and 599 buses stop at Troutbeck Bridge. Plan a separate walking approach from there and allow extra time in both directions.

For refreshments afterwards, the Old Post Office Tea Room is in Troutbeck village, away from the fell path. Check its opening hours before making it part of the day.

Conditions and preparation

Pack for the fells: take food, water, waterproofs, warm layers and a map and compass you can use. Low cloud can make a modest fell feel very different, and wet or icy ground changes the walk’s difficulty. Allow enough daylight for the descent and turn back if conditions exceed your experience.