Howgills Loop, Howgills

It never ceases to surprise how the landscapes of the UK can change character within such a short distance.

The graceful Howgill Fells, sandwiched between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, are one such example.  Where the Dales have limestone escarpments, the Howgills have rolling shoulders.  Where the Lakes have lofty crags, they offer gentle hillsides sweeping down to elegant valleys.

Another major difference - some might say a bonus - is the relative quietude of this surprisingly extensive range, where walkers can seek a slice of solitude even on the busiest bank holiday weekend.

This loop heads up The Calf, the highest summit in the area, before returning via Cautley Spout, which has a slightly obscure claim of being England's highest cascade waterfall above ground.

It then returns to the starting point in the 'book town' of Sedbergh via the route of a Pennine Journey, a long-distance path devised to pay tribute to Alfred Wainwright's orginal walk of the same name.