Leaving Garsdale Head and its small halt on the Settle to Carlisle Railway we strike north across fields and tracks heading for Grizedale Common. From here we start the long ascent to Swarth Fell Pike before a short descent and ascent to Wild Boar Fell from where we have great views across the remote fells that constitute the region.
Next we head for The Nab and Little Fell descending past Lammerside Castle and Wharton Hall into Kirkby Stephen.
10.5 miles / 17 km with 1475 ft / 450 m Total Ascent
Two steep-sided, craggy ridges flank the upper Eden Valley: Wild Boar Fell to the west and the dramatic gritstone escarpment of Mallerstang Edge to the east. Today’s ‘B+’ walk will traverse the latter, so if you want to meet the Wild Boars, the ‘A’ walk is the one for you.
Starting from Shaw Paddock a couple of miles beyond the Moorcock Inn at Garsdale Head, we follow a rough track to Hell Gill Bridge, crossing the infant River Ure twice on the way. Hell Gill Beck is a tributary of the River Eden, so we also cross the main watershed of Great Britain. Leaving Hell Gill, we begin the long but gradual climb along High Rigg to Hangingstone Scar and the insignificant grassy mound known as Archy Styrigg or Gregory Chapel. Just who these two characters were has been the subject of much speculation, Dr Bente Kanin-Vakmester of the Wyre Piddle gymnasium concluding they were contemporaries of Bog Myrtle, the infamous 11th century Yorkshire herbalist from Heckmondwike, who argued so long over the origins of cotton grass they eventually turned to stone. Unfortunately, the truth is now most likely lost in the mists of time.
Heading north, we soon reach High Seat (709m/2,327ft), the highest point on the walk with splendid views over much of Cumbria on a clear day. It’s then along Mallerstang Edge to High Pike Hill, another insignificant mound and from where our trackless descent into the Eden Valley begins. Passing Foul Gutter we come to Stank Hill (who came up with these names?) and then Great Bell and the Hunger Hills. From Nateby, the Pennine Bridleway national trail takes us to Kirkby Stephen and sanity, finally crossing the River Eden at Frank’s Bridge..
9½ Miles / 15.3km with 800ft / 244m Total Ascent
Under Breeching it was supposed to be closed but was saved by the then transport minister Michael Portillo.
We then head down Tommy road to reach Pendragon castle.
Now we cross the river and head to the village of Southwaite. Here we follow a path which takes us past Carr House and on to Scotch well and up the fell to Ridding House and then down Thringill Beck into Nateby and eventually Kirby Stephen (Possibly via Stenkrith park).
5 Miles / 8 km with 400ft / 122m Total Ascent
Kirkby Stephen is s Market town, it got it’s name Market town after King Edward lll granted the first market charter in1353 and had two Annual fairs, bustling with buyers and sellers.
The walk starts at Frank’s Bridge, we cross the river and head for Nateby. We cross the A6259 and make our way to Warton Hall, returning via Half-Penny House and Croglam, then onto Greenriggs before heading back to Kirkby Stephen for refreshments, Hope you enjoy the walk.
