Bowderdale Head

Landscape Feature in Westmorland Eden

England

Bowderdale Head

Summit area of Randygill Top A cairn marks the highest point of Randygill Top; Green Bell to the north-east lies beyond. — Summit area of Randygill Top Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Bowderdale Head is a stunning landscape feature located in the district of Westmorland, in the county of Cumbria, England. Situated within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it is a remote and rugged area of natural beauty.

At an elevation of approximately 600 meters (1,970 feet), Bowderdale Head is nestled in the upper reaches of the Bowderdale Valley. The landscape is characterized by its dramatic and steep slopes, with rocky outcrops and crags dominating the skyline. The head of the valley is flanked by imposing fells, such as the iconic Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell.

The terrain of Bowderdale Head is wild and untamed, primarily consisting of open moorland and heather-clad hillsides. It is intersected by several streams and becks, which converge to form the picturesque Bowderdale Beck that meanders its way down the valley. These watercourses, along with the surrounding verdant vegetation, add to the area's natural charm and provide a habitat for various wildlife species.

Bowderdale Head is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Its remote location ensures a sense of tranquility and seclusion, making it an ideal destination for hikers, walkers, and photographers seeking solitude in the breathtaking surroundings. The area offers numerous walking routes, including the scenic Bowderdale Horseshoe, which circumnavigates the valley and provides panoramic views across the Dales.

In conclusion, Bowderdale Head is a captivating landscape feature in Westmorland, showcasing the beauty and ruggedness of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With its steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and unspoiled moorland, it offers an idyllic escape for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.

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Bowderdale Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.37764/-2.4894629 or Grid Reference SD6898. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Summit area of Randygill Top

A cairn marks the highest point of Randygill Top; Green Bell to the north-east lies beyond.

Trevor Littlewood

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark above Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1355.9 feet above old datum. Some gardening was necessary to reveal it, but the covering of moss had prevented any weathering.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

Boulder bearing an OS cut bench mark above Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1557.8 feet above old datum. A close-up of the bench mark is shown in SD6797 : OS Bench Mark.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark above Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1557.8 feet above old datum. The angle of the sun, and the weathering of the rock, makes this bench mark very hard to image. See SD6797 : OS Bench Mark for a wider view.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark above Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1613.7 feet above old datum. A close-up is shown in SD6797 : OS Bench Mark.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

Close-up of the OS cut bench mark above Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells shown in SD6797 : OS Bench Mark. 1613.7 feet above old datum.

Phil Johnstone

'Standing stone'

The 1895, 1910 and 1920 6" OS maps mark a 'Standing Stone' here, although it is not in the Gothic typeface used to indicate an antiquity. All that remains is a few rocks on a small mound. An OS bench mark is also shown a few metres to the north-west - see SD6797 : OS Bench Mark.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark near The Calf in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 2194.2 feet above old datum. This is coincident with the 'standing stone' seen in SD6797 : 'Standing stone', but old maps show the bench mark a few metres to the northwest. The rock bearing the bench mark was face-down, so has presumably been moved to make this small pile. What has happened to the standing stone is a mystery.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark above Bowderdale Head in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1581.8 feet above old datum. A close-up is shown in SD6797 : OS Bench Mark.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

Close-up of the OS cut bench mark above Bowderdale Head in the Howgill Fells shown in SD6797 : OS Bench Mark. 1581.8 feet above old datum. The survey point is a cross rather than the usual ‘dimple’. Some cleaning was necessary.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark above Bowderdale Head in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1467.4 feet above old datum. The survey point is a cross rather than the usual ‘dimple’, but quite faint.

Phil Johnstone