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Smardale Gill Nature Reserve

Smardale Gill is a national nature reserve in the upper Eden valley, reached by a short drive from Garsdale over the A684 and across the dale to Newbiggin. The reserve follows Smardale Beck along a steep-sided wooded gorge, and the main path along the old viaduct - the Smardale Viaduct, restored by the Northern Viaduct Trust - gives fine vantage points for spotting sparrowhawks, buzzards and treecreepers among the woodland birds. The reserve also holds a population of red squirrels in the coniferous sections along the gorge. The viaduct itself was part of the now-disused Stainmore Railway, which crossed the Pennines from Tebay to Darlington until the line closed in the 1960s. A relaxed half-day walk, easier than the fells, and quieter than most of the household-name Dales beauty spots.

The Smardale Beck Walk

This walk follows a disused railway line through a secluded gorge in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, crossing the Smardale Gill Viaduct - built in 1861, rising almost 30 metres on 14 stone arches above Smardale Beck. The route is along the old trackbed, so it is level and well-graded, making it a good option for a steady walk without much climbing. The walk starts from the parking area at Smardale and follows the old line to the viaduct, then continues along the beck before returning. It is about 30 minutes' drive from Garsdale, and the nearest town is Kirkby Stephen, which has pubs, cafes and shops. The Market Square in Kirkby Lonsdale is a different Kirkby - closer to Garsdale - but Smardale is worth the drive.

  • Start point: Smardale Gill car park
  • Distance: 7 miles/11.3km, around 4 hours, moderate
  • Parking: Smardale NNR car park
  • Route description: Countryfile - Smardale Gill walk
Smardale Gill Viaduct above Smardale Beck

Stay Near Smardale Gill National Nature Reserve

We have three holiday cottages in Garsdale you can use as a base for visiting Smardale Gill National Nature Reserve.

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