Howgills and Limestone Trail

The Howgills and Limestone Trail is 119.94 km long with 3,942 m of climbing, so it is firmly a multi-day route rather than a long day walk. Most hikers split a trail of this length into about 5 to 8 days, depending on pace, weather, and how much time is allowed for the steeper sections through the Howgills.

The trail starts in Ravenstonedale in Eden, Cumbria, and runs through the country around the Howgill Fells and limestone landscapes of the area. Ravenstonedale sits between Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen, which are the main nearby towns most often associated with access to this route.

The Howgills and Limestone Trail is rated medium, but the numbers show it is still a serious outing: 119.94 km in total with 3,942 m of ascent. The difficulty comes less from technical ground and more from the sustained distance, repeated climbs, and the need to manage several full days on the trail.

The route combines two very distinct Cumbrian landscapes: the rounded, steep-sided Howgill Fells and the limestone country around places such as Orton and Great Asby Scar. Hikers can expect open fell terrain, broad views toward Sedbergh, Ravenstonedale, and Kirkby Stephen, plus stretches of classic limestone pavement country.

Dogs can be taken on many rights of way and access land in this part of Cumbria, but control is essential because the route crosses open fell and grazing country with livestock. On open access land in England, dogs must be on a short lead around livestock, so the Howgills and Limestone Trail is better suited to calm, experienced trail dogs used to stiles, sheep, and long days.

Late spring to early fall is usually the most practical window for the Howgills and Limestone Trail. Longer daylight and generally drier ground make the 119.94 km route easier to manage, while winter can bring very wet fell paths, strong winds on the Howgills, and slower progress across exposed sections.