Car Parking and start/finish point: Smardale Gill Nature Reserve Car Park (Postcode CA17 4HF)
Meet time: from 10.30 am
Description: This is an easy-grade circular walk that takes us into the beautiful Smardale Gill Nature Reserve. The walk goes through stunning scenery and the nature reserve is home to rare wildlife, plants and is abound with history.
Route: We meet at the nature reserve car park and start walking down the disused railway trackbed that used to take the old railway from Darlington to Tebay. This path takes us through Smardale and under the first of two large viaducts that we will encounter on the walk.
We are now in a steep-sided gorge where we continue under we reach the second viaduct – Smardale Gill Viaduct – which we walk over and admire the views from each side. The path continues past disused lime kilns and cottages and more views open out towards the Howgills and valleys.
When we reach Sandy Bank top we turn and head back via a different route, down towards the river and over an old packhorse bridge. We can continue back on the opposite side of the valley or branch off and return over Smardale Fell which gives wonderful views right across to the distant Pennines.
High Point: Sandy Bank (260 m) or Smardale Fell (330 m)
Ascents: Undulating paths. If we return over Smardale Fell, uphill of about 100 m
Distance: 6-7 miles. Exact route can be decided on the day
Time: approx 4 hours
Grade: Easy. Walk is on paths or grassy slopes
Information on the nature reserve:
https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/smardale
Leader: Mark (07967 193749)
Please bring a packed lunch.
Attending: Please register your intent to join the walk using the booking form below before 5pm Friday.
Registration Form
One form entry per person please. Resubmit the form if registering additional persons.
You may also wish to consider carrying an ICE card. Available here:
Smardale Gill Viaduct which we walk across
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