(E)The start is the hamlet of Bowderdale which lies a few miles along the A685 east of Tebay (M6 Junction 38). Turn onto the lane and follow to the hamlet. There is limited parking (grid ref. NY677046) just over the bridge on the right hand side. Please note there is a sign requesting you not to park beyond a certain point. Please respect this request. After parking walk west up the lane to reach a signed bridleway on your left. Follow this rough track soon getting great views ahead into the mouth of Bowderdale. The ridge used for the return lies to the right of the valley. The track continues past through two gates and continues in open country with a wall on your left. Follow this wall and where it curves left leave the track (grid ref. NY669035) and follow the path which starts to descend. It is likely that you will see few people and you will have this beautiful place to yourself.
(1)Little description is required and all you need to do is follow the clear path up Bowderdale. After the initial descent, the path levels out before gently climbing into the hills. Ahead the view is dominated by the steep slopes of Yarlside. Reaching an indistinct path junction at grid reference SD678988, the climb starts in earnest. Don't worry if you miss this junction as it is quite indistinct but lies almost alongside the summit of Yarlside.
(2)From this point the path climbs more steeply across the fellside. Height is soon gained and the view improves dramatically with Whernside and Baugh Fell amongst the many summits that come into view towards the southeast. The ascent starts to ease and you reach small tarn (grid ref. SD671974). Take note as this is the key to the descent route. It will have become apparent by this stage the complex network of ridges and valleys that make up the Howgills and should the cloud come down this small tarn provides an essential landmark in what can be a featureless landscape.
(3)To reach the summit of the Calf, continue on the main path as it turns southwest to reach the trig point. The view is good with a grand panorama of hills through 360 degrees although the flattish nature of the summit area does detract a little from the view. Having enjoyed the summit, return to the small tarn noted on the outward route. Bear half left off the main path used for the ascent and follow a broad grassy track. Do check you are on the right ridge before committing yourself to the descent. The track descends quite steeply for a short section with the onward ridge laid out before you. You also have a superb view ranging from the Lakeland Fells to the left through Cross Fell to the high ground east of Kirkby Stephen to your right. The first un-named summit has a spot height of 556 metres and this is quickly followed by an easy ascent of Hazelgill Knott.
(4)Down to another col, and then along the undulating ridge of West Fell. Where there is a choice of tracks then use the one to the right. In poor weather another check of your position needs to be made on the summit of West Fell where there is a danger of following the wrong track heading northwest over Langdale Knott. The final descent starts here and trends generally in a northerly direction. The track leads you back to the wall where you started the valley section of the route. All that remains is to retrace your steps back to the start.(E)
