From The Calf the bridleway actually goes down Bowderdale beck valley.

Is the track along the ridge to Hazelgill Knott & West Fell a better option ?

It’s a vague quadbike track along the ridge, slightly boggy in a few places, zero technicality. It would be fine as a way up to the Calf but the BW down Bowderdale is a better descent.

I’ll be on a fatty so bogs is not an issue, but a bit of tech is always welcomed.

I have walked the valley a good few years ago, but struggling to remember how it looked from a riding point of view

i did it a few years ago in crap weather, it was dreadfull.
wet soggy grass, undefined descent over tussocks. proper rubbish.

A few pics

As Ton says not much in the way of techy stuff except the bit where one of our group found to have an otb moment!!

now that looks like a grand day out

MadBillMcMad – Member
now that looks like a grand day out

Sure is, done it a few times, real feat of endurance rather than a techy ride. 😆

bowderdale is a far better option imho.

got a pass out Monday. debating between Howgills & a Slaidurn/Trough of Bowland loop

Bowderdale it’ll be for the Howgills ride