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Sour Howes and Sallows

Sour Howes and Sallows are little known outside of Wainwright collectors, being neither directly on the way to anywhere, nor shapely or distinctive enough to attract attention. Nevertheless Wainwright included them in his Far Eastern Fells book. It is when on the summits that you understand why. Situated between Troutbeck and Kentmere, Sour Howes is the summit of Applethwaite Common, and Sallows that of Kentmere Park. To the north is the ancient packhorse road of the Garburn Pass. The views from these two summits amply reward the walkers effort. To the west across Troutbeck, is Wansfell Pike. North is the Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick ridge, and to the north-east is Kentmere Pike, which if one is very keen makes up the Kentmere Round. On the way back when you can see far into the Troutbeck valley The Tongue can be seen way below you.

This walk starts near Church Bridge which is on the main A592 just below Troutbeck. Climbing up to the Garburn track we cross it via a couple of ladder stiles and take to the slopes of Sour Howes. The views back to the valley really open out into a splendid vista. Before the fell can be reached another stile must be crossed and a path wending its way between grassy hummocks followed to the summit. There seem to be three likely contenders for the summit of the fell, separating them would require very accurate measurements. Wainwright's summit is easily spotted, the end of a small ridge it stands proud despite the lack of a decent cairn. Just a few stones mark the spot. Onward to Sallows is an easy stroll, another stile and a small climb to a barely marked summit. Again just a few stones indicate the achievement.

An informal parking area is located just down the minor road into Troutbeck from Church Bridge with space for approximately 6 cars.