SD6697 : The summit of The Calf with Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar in foreground

The Calf

677m Elevation
383m Prominence
England Country
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SD6697 : The summit of The Calf with Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar in foreground

Roger Templeman Photo source

Overview

The Calf

Overview

Located in the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, The Calf stands proudly at 633 meters. As a Marilyn, it offers enthusiasts a delightful day out with captivating views and a variety of routes to the summit.

Geology

The landscape is characterized by limestone formations, which create steep cliffs and gentle valleys. The area hosts fascinating karst features, making it a wonder for geology aficionados.

Routes

There are various routes to The Calf, each offering unique perspectives of the landscape:

  • Sedburgh to The Calf: This 7.5 km trek can be enjoyed in about 3.5 hours.
  • Bowderdale to The Calf: A shorter but equally rewarding 6 km route, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Both routes maintain a moderate difficulty level, ideal for those who want a good stretch without the drama of scaling peaks!

Summit Features

The summit sports a brass plate along with a cairn, providing a perfect backdrop for that victory photo! And trust me, no one wants to miss their moment of glory at the top.

Terrain

Expect a blend of grassy paths interspersed with rocky outcrops, especially as you draw near to the summit. A sturdy pair of boots is recommended for this little adventure!

Views

The panoramic views are simply spectacular, especially in spring or autumn. As you stand at the top, you’ll have a clear sight of the nearby Lakeland fells, breathtaking Morecambe Bay, and maybe even the Isle of Man on a particularly clear day. It’s a sight to make anyone stop in their tracks and reflect.

Hazards

As enchanting as The Calf is, don’t let its charm fool you. Weather can be an unpredictable beast, changing faster than a cat on a hot tin roof. Plus, be cautious on slippery stones and steep paths, especially when wet. Bring your common sense along – it’s the best hiking companion!

Nearby Summits

If you're still buzzing with energy after conquering The Calf, consider tackling the nearby peaks of Winder (474 m) and Arant Haw (602 m). They make worthy companions on your hiking journey.

Access

You can pile your car into one of Sedbergh’s public parking spaces, or catch a bus from Kendal - the choice is yours! This beautiful market town will be your base for the day.

Facilities

Once you've worked up an appetite, Sedbergh’s cafes and pubs have got you covered. Whether you fancy a pint or a slice of cake, there’s something that’ll tickle your fancy.

History

The name 'The Calf' has roots in Old Norse, drawing connections back to young cows which likely grazed the countryside long ago. The mountain remains a beloved spot for local history and culture.

Now lace up those boots and get out there!

Explore routes near The Calf

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

Sizergh: Park End Moss and Brigsteer Park Wood Circuit

4.6 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Ingleton Waterfalls Walk

6.8 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Windermere west shore: Ash Landing to Wray and back

13.9 km ~4h 30m Moderate

View route

Pen-y-ghent from Horton in Ribblesdale

10.1 km ~3h 50m Hard

View route

Route planning notes

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

Sedbergh Circular via Cautley Spout

Starting from Sedbergh, this popular route heads towards the dramatic Cautley Spout, one of England's highest waterfalls, before climbing steeply onto the ridge leading to The Calf. The return path loops back along Bram Rigg Top and Winder, offering breathtaking views of the Howgills and the surrounding Dales.

14 km ~5 hours Moderate

Cautley Spout and The Calf Direct Ascent

This shorter but steeper route begins at the Cross Keys Temperance Inn. It follows the path up to Cautley Spout before ascending directly to The Calf. This route is a good option for those seeking a challenging climb with rewarding panoramic views.

8 km ~3.5 hours Challenging

The Calf from Bowderdale

A quieter route that starts in Bowderdale. This approach follows the scenic Bowderdale Beck valley before ascending gradually to the summit of The Calf. It's ideal for walkers looking for a peaceful and less busy trail.

12 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

The Calf via Winder

Starting in Sedbergh, this route ascends Winder first, offering a steady climb with beautiful views over the town and the Lune Valley. It then continues along the ridge to Arant Haw and Bram Rigg Top before reaching The Calf. The return path retraces the ridge for a scenic descent.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate

Howgill Fells Traverse to The Calf

This longer and more challenging route traverses the Howgill Fells, starting in Ravenstonedale. It takes in several peaks, including Green Bell and Randygill Top, before reaching The Calf. This route is a fantastic option for experienced hillwalkers looking for a full day adventure.

20 km ~7 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Nuttall

Elevation

677m

2,220 ft

Prominence

383m

Coordinates

54.3678, -2.5134

SD667970

OS Map

98

Explorer: OL19S

At the Summit

The summit features a brass plate marking the top, alongside a small stone cairn. On a clear day, the views are simply breathtaking – and you can even spot the distant peaks of the Lake District.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops becoming steeper as you approach the summit.

The Calf is primarily composed of limestone, which forms dramatic cliffs and rolling hills typical of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The area is also rich in karst features, including caves and sinkholes.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see the lake district peaks, Morecambe Bay, and even the Isle of Man on the horizon!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The Calf is thought to derive its name from the Old Norse 'kalfr', meaning 'young cow', possibly referring to the animal's presence in the area.

Historical Significance

The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and is significant in local folklore and recreation.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available in Sedbergh, including at the Sedbergh School and various public car parks (charges may apply).

Public Transport

Regular bus services from Kendal and surrounding areas operate to Sedbergh.

Nearby Facilities

Sedbergh has several cafes, pubs, and shops, including public toilets available near the town centre.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Care should be taken with unpredictable weather, which can change rapidly. Slippery stones and steep sections can add to the challenge, especially after rain.

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 The Calf?

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

Are there other walkers around The Calf?

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 The Calf search or of course create your own walk for The Calf

Can I organise a walk to The Calf?

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 The Calf.

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 The Calf?

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 The Calf 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

The Calf location map

Grid reference: SD667970

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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