Kirkby Stephen, Ravenstonedale & Smardale Gill - 12 Miles

Join us for an excellent circular walk taking in open fell, historic villages, dramatic limestone scenery, and one of Cumbria’s most impressive viaducts—plus a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past.

We begin in Kirkby Stephen, a historic market town that grew in importance as a key route between Yorkshire and Cumbria. Leaving the town, we head out across the quiet uplands of Smardale Fell. These high, windswept fells were once used for grazing and have been shaped over centuries by farming and traditional land use.

Our route leads us to the picturesque village of Ravenstonedale, an ancient settlement with roots going back to Viking times. Here we’ll visit St Oswald’s Church, parts of which date back to the 12th century. The church is dedicated to St Oswald, a 7th-century King of Northumbria, and the site has likely been a place of worship for well over 800 years. Afterwards, there’s the option to enjoy a drink at The King’s Head, a traditional country pub that has long served locals and travellers passing through the valley.

Refreshed, we leave the village and head towards Smardale Bridge before entering the dramatic Smardale Gill. This limestone gorge is not only rich in wildlife but also steeped in industrial history, having once been a route for transporting resources through the valley.

A highlight of the walk is reaching Smardale Gill Viaduct, an impressive structure built in the 1860s for the South Durham & Lancashire Union Railway. The viaduct carried trains across the gorge during the height of the railway age, linking the industrial northeast with the west coast. The line was eventually closed in the 1960s, but the viaduct remains as a striking reminder of Victorian engineering.

From the viaduct, we follow the route of the old railway line through Smardale Gill Nature Reserve. Today, this peaceful trail contrasts with its industrial past, now managed for conservation and home to a variety of wildlife and rare plants. We pass the ruins of Smardale Hall, once a grand residence, before making our way back to Kirkby Stephen.

Walk Details:
• Distance: 12 miles
• Terrain: Fell paths, grassy tracks, and good trails through the nature reserve
• Difficulty: Moderate (some steady climbs and uneven ground in places)
• Highlights: Open fell views, historic church, limestone gorge, Victorian viaduct, and railway heritage

Please bring suitable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and enough food and water for the day.