Sedbergh makes an excellent base to tackle the challenge, in fact there is nowhere better. 5 of the Dales 30 mountains are situated in the Howgills, perfectly accessible from Sedbergh itself. The Howgills offer some of the best (and quietest) walking in England, the wide grassy ridges and views over both the Lakes and Dales are a genuine pleasure for the walker.
However, having knocked off these 5, it is easy to climb more from Sedbergh within a 15 minute drive. Baugh Fell is accessed from the Cross Keys Inn, Dent is the base for the best walk up Whernside (the highest of the Dales 30) whilst the 4 summits in Mallerstang and another 4 near Hawes are less than a 30 minute drive away.
Climb the ‘Dales 30’ at any time of the year, repeat them on different routes, they are not overly difficult and there are not many but they offer a great challenge.
Jonathan Smith has written a fine book on the Dales 30, he has climbed them all from all directions and written about them with suitable enthusiasm. Photographs and maps help complete the book.
To buy the book visit Where2walk where there is also plenty more information on the Dales 30 as well as a complete listing.
River Rawthey at Cautley
Looking south from Yarlside
Start of Fell Head
Baugh Fell summitClick on the images to see full size versions.
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