Aller Blue
The Aller Blue is a 45 km fell-running round in the Howgill Fells of Cumbria — visiting the main summits of this compact and underappreciated upland between the M6 and the Yorkshire Dales.
Route description only — GPX file coming soon.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Aller Blue
The Howgill Fells rise between Sedbergh and the M6 — a compact group of rounded, grassy hills with a character all their own. Unlike the gritstone Dark Peak or the limestone Dales, the Howgills are old red sandstone, giving them a smooth, dome-like profile and excellent running surfaces. The Aller Blue circuit takes in the main summits — The Calf (676 m), Calders, Bram Rigg Top — in a satisfying circuit from Sedbergh.
At 45 km with around 2,000 m of ascent, it is a good half-day challenge for fell runners. The Howgills are quieter than most comparable fell groups and the paths less worn.
The route
From Sedbergh: ascend to The Calf (676 m) via Winder Hill. Circuit of the main Howgill ridges — Bram Rigg Top, Great Dummacks, White Fell. Descent via Cautley Spout (impressive waterfall on the eastern face) or the Langdale Beck. Return to Sedbergh.
Getting there & logistics
Base: Sedbergh. Bus from Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale. M6 accessible at Junction 37.
Best time: Year-round. The Howgills drain quickly — good winter running.
Safety
The Howgill plateau is open moorland with limited paths and poor mobile signal. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Cave Rescue Organisation covers this area. Pre-register SMS 999.
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