Cautley Spout

THE HOWGILL FELLS, CUMBRIA TRAIL PHOTOGRAPHER TOM BAILEY EXPLAINS HOW TO GET CLOSE TO ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING FEATURES IN THE HOWGILL FELLS.

WALK IT

Park in one of the lay-bys just north-east of the Cross Keys Temperance Hotel (there is a bus stop) – it’s free but there aren’t many spaces. Take the footbridge just to the north of the parking area, crossing the river Rawthey. Look out for the small brown and white bird that is the dipper, as you cross and walk alongside the river. Follow the westerly path to the imposing Cautley Crag, taking a north-west path when you reach the Cautley Holme Beck confluence. Follow this upstream. This is the river responsible for Cautley Spout. For 1.5km the going is relatively easy. You should be on the northern bank of the river. Ignore the path that comes from Bowderdale Head and stay with the line of Cautley Holme Beck, although you will by now be a little further away from it. It’s just after the junction in the paths that the ground steepens, and it’s a short but relentless climb. The path closes back in on the river as you get to the area seen in the photo. There are one or two obvious places to get that little bit closer for a good look, and this is obviously where caution needs to be taken. This is the best spot, as from further up it doesn’t look as impressive.