Smardale Gill Viaduct from Smardale
A level walk along an old railway through a Cumbria Wildlife Trust reserve to the tall stone viaduct over Scandal Beck.
- Distance
- 4.8 km
- 3.0 miles
- Ascent
- 34 m
- High point 233 m
- Time
- 1 hour
- Walking time, no stops
- Grade
- Easy
- There and back
Take this walk with you
Google Maps does not know most fell paths, so use it to get to the start, then follow the GPX in an app like OS Maps, Komoot or AllTrails. To see the line in Google Maps, open Google My Maps, create a map, choose Import and pick the KML file. It then appears in the Google Maps app under Saved, Maps.
Weather on this walk
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Smardale Gill is a deep, quiet valley west of Kirkby Stephen, and the old railway that once ran through it is now a Cumbria Wildlife Trust nature reserve. The trackbed makes an easy, gently graded path along the side of the gill, with the valley sides rising above and Scandal Beck below.
The goal is Smardale Gill Viaduct, which carries the old line across the beck. On the way you pass benches set along the route and, beyond the viaduct, the remains of lime kilns. It is a walk for slowing down, with benches along the way and no need to hurry.
Because the path is level and well surfaced, it suits families, older walkers and anyone who wants big scenery without climbing. Turn round at the viaduct, or carry on along the reserve if you want a longer day.
The route
- 1
Onto the old railway
From the reserve car park at Smardale, join the old railway line and follow it south-west into the gill.
- 2
Along the gill
Stay on the trackbed as it runs along the valley side above Scandal Beck. Benches are placed at intervals along the way.
- 3
Smardale Gill Viaduct
Continue to the viaduct and walk out over it for the views up and down the gill. The lime kilns lie a little further on if you want to extend the walk.
- 4
Back the same way
Retrace your steps along the railway path to the car park.
Questions people ask
How far is it to Smardale Gill Viaduct?
Cumbria Wildlife Trust gives the walk from Smardale car park to the viaduct and back as 4.8 km (3 miles).
Is Smardale Gill suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
The Trust says the path has an accessible surface for wheelchairs and pushchairs from the car park, with ramps at both ends of the section to Newbiggin-on-Lune.
Can I take my dog to Smardale Gill?
Yes, on a lead. Cattle graze the reserve at times.
Where do you park for Smardale Gill?
Use the reserve car park at Smardale, which has a bike rack. There is also limited roadside parking at Newbiggin-on-Lune.
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