The best walks and hikes around Nateby

Yes, the area around Nateby is excellent for circular hikes. You can find a wide variety of loops that return you to your starting point, ranging from short, easy rambles to more demanding full-day treks across the fells. A great example of a moderate circular route is the Nine Standards Rigg and Millstones Pillar loop, which offers fantastic views from the high moorland.

Many trails in the Eden Valley are suitable for walking with dogs. However, this is sheep country, so you must keep your dog on a lead, especially during lambing season (typically spring). Always be mindful of livestock and follow local signage. The open fells and riverside paths offer great exercise, but responsible dog ownership is key.

For some of the most expansive views, head for the high fells. The ascent to Nine Standards Rigg on Hartley Fell is famous for its panoramic vistas over the Eden Valley, the North Pennines, and the distant Howgill Fells. On a clear day, the sense of openness and the far-reaching scenery are truly rewarding.

Stenkrith Park, a short distance away in Kirkby Stephen, is a popular choice for families. It features a fascinating river gorge and a well-maintained path, part of which is a unique Poetry Path with verses carved into stone. The main route is accessible and offers a wonderful, less strenuous outdoor experience for all ages.

Parking availability varies by route. Some popular trailheads, like the one for Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, have dedicated car parks. For other walks starting from villages like Nateby or Kirkby Stephen, you may need to use public on-street parking, so please park considerately. Always check the start point of your chosen route on komoot for specific parking information.

There is a fantastic selection of over 130 hiking routes to explore around Nateby. The trails cater to all abilities, with dozens of easy, moderate, and difficult options available, ensuring there's a perfect walk for everyone, from gentle riverside rambles to challenging fell-top expeditions.

The hiking around Nateby is very diverse. You'll encounter the wild, open moorland of the high fells, which can be boggy in places. In contrast, the Orton Fells offer classic limestone pavement scenery. You can also enjoy gentle, well-trodden paths along the River Eden and through pastoral valleys crisscrossed by traditional drystone walls.

Yes, Nateby is located on the route of Alfred Wainwright's famous Coast to Coast Walk. Hikers on this iconic long-distance path often pass through the area on the leg between Kirkby Stephen and Keld, typically tackling the ascent over Nine Standards Rigg.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the stunning panoramic views from the fells and the unique geological features of the landscape, such as the limestone pavements and the river gorge at Stenkrith Park. The sense of history, from ancient cairns to old railway viaducts, is another frequently mentioned highlight.

The nearby town of Kirkby Stephen is the main transport hub for the area and is served by the Settle-Carlisle Railway line. From Kirkby Stephen, you can access several trails on foot, including walks that lead to and from Nateby. For more detailed local bus and train information, it's best to check timetables in advance.

Absolutely. A walk through the Smardale Gill Nature Reserve takes you across the magnificent 14-arch Smardale Gill Viaduct, a remnant of the area's railway heritage. For a more historic feel, the Waitby Intake and Wharton Hall loop passes by the ruins of the 14th-century Wharton Hall.

The weather on the fells can change very quickly. It's essential to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as the ground can be uneven and boggy. Layering is key, so pack a waterproof jacket and trousers, even if the day starts sunny. A hat and gloves are also recommended, especially for higher elevation routes like those on the open moorland.