Walking the
Westmorland Dales

The Westmorland Dales form the north-west corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. A beautiful, distinctive and relatively little-known part of east Cumbria, rich in geological heritage. This exposed, largely treeless landscape offers expansive panoramas across surrounding uplands. Tranquil and remote, with few intrusive elements, it remains a hidden corner of Cumbria, offering wonderful opportunities for walking exploration and discovery.

MAPS AND GUIDES

Each of our cottages includes Ordnance Survey (OS) maps and local guides, with a range of walks to help you explore the landscape at a your own pace - some of our favourites are shared below.

The Westmorland Dales are open, quiet and wonderfully easy to lose yourself in, so we recommend carrying a map, especially when heading into open access countryside away from villages. If you don’t already use a map app, OS Maps often offers a free trial and can be a helpful companion during your stay. Where possible, we’ve included OS links so you can preview routes and download them before you set out.

If you’re new to walking, we hope this is the start of something you’ll really enjoy. Taking a little time to prepare means you can relax and fully connect with the landscape. Conditions here can change quickly, even in lower-level areas, so it’s worth being properly equipped. You can find clear, practical guidance from Mountain Rescue England and Wales here.

WALKS FROM THE DOOR

Paradise Tarn

30 mins ~ 1 mile

A quick half an hour round walk - a great introduction to the landscape with far reaching views to Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge. You'll often find the fell ponies here on the common. Can be muddy - so bring your boots!

Paradise Tarn at sunset on Boxing day 2025.jpg

OS Map link

Ravenstonedale Village

1 hr 30 mins ~ 3 miles

We've designed this walk to introduce you to the village via the fields where you'll need to pass through some 'squeezes' - once there you'll find the playground, tennis courts, Scar Gallery, the golf course and of course, both pubs!

OS Map link

Ash Fell Edge

2hrs 30 mins ~ 5.5 miles

Ash Fell Edge is one of the most quietly striking landscapes in the Westmorland Dales - a place that feels both open and wild, shaped by limestone, weather, and time. Well worth the effort for the views, this route will bring you home past The Black Swan.

OS Map link

Green Bell

4 hrs ~ 7.7 miles

Our iconic fell, rising above The Green. A perfect place to hear curlew, skylarks, golden plover and even the occasional ring ouzel - Green Bell really is paradise for nature lovers and the views are superb taking in the Lakes, Dales, Pennines and Scottish south coast.

OS Map link

Cautley Spout

6 hrs ~ 11.3 miles

An undulating hike that will take you most of the day. Stop at The Cross Keys Temperance Inn for lunch (but do check their hours) or take a picnic. This superb waterfall can also be reached more easily by parking at the lay-by next to the Inn.

OS Map link

Wild Boar Fell

4 hrs 45 mins ~ 9 miles

A there and back walk to Wild Boar Fell. Stunning views that though your feet tread the same route, will be very different on the way back. Take a picnic, but you can also make a diversion to The Fat Lamb, another of our local pubs.

OS Map link

Smardale Gill

3hrs 30 mins ~ 7 miles

A longer low level walk which meanders past Paradise, the village and along Scandal Beck to Smardale Viaduct, one of a number - feats of engineering on disused railways lines, many having been transformed into vital havens for wildlife

OS Map link

Scandal Beck

2hrs 20 mins ~ 5 miles

An interesting route to Scandal Beck - you'll pass a skew bridge, working farms and cross St Oswald's churchyard - look for the Gilbertine ruins and enjoy this low level circular walk around our beautiful village.

OS Map link

Local Area

Cautley Spout (short)

1hr 30 mins ~ 2.5 miles

Couple this walk with a visit to The Cross Keys Temperance Inn, or visit early morning/evening and park in the layby. This easy stroll invites you to make a gentle ascent up the valley where you'll be rewarded with a fantastic view - we think its all the better when the clouds have rolled in - it adds to the drama!

OS Map link

Lyvennet Valley

3 hr 30 mins ~ 6.5 miles

A beautiful valley walk for those who love a little history alongside their ramblings. You will pass Robin Hood's Grave and travel an old roman road whilst taking in the sights and sounds of this peaceful place. This walk has an accompanying leaflet found here produced by The Yorkshire Dales National Park.

OS Map link

Orton Village Circular

2hrs 15 mins ~ 4.6 miles

Why not couple this walk to Kennedy's Chocolate factory! Orton is a picture perfect village surrounded by fabulous limestone geology, a real treat for nature lovers and geographers. Parking is outside the chocolate factory where you will also find public loos and a bus shelter with community library. There is a Yorkshire Dales Leaflet for this walk found here.

OS Map link

Nine Standards Rigg

6 hrs ~ 10 miles

This challenging walk will take you most of the day but reward you with spectacular views. Park in Kirkby Stephen and you will have your choice of well deserved refreshments on your return. Parking is fee and public loos are near the church - which is worth stopping by itself. Treat yourself to a picnic from our bakery on the high street.