The best walks and hikes around Nateby

Yes, the area around Nateby is excellent for circular hikes. You'll find a wide variety of loops that bring you back to your starting point without retracing your steps. These range from short, gentle strolls to more demanding all-day treks across the fells, ensuring there's a circular route for every fitness level.

Many trails in the Nateby area are suitable for walking with a dog. However, as the region includes open moorland and farmland with livestock, it's essential to keep your dog under close control, and on a lead where required. Always check for local signage regarding dogs, especially during lambing and bird nesting seasons.

Certainly. The region offers numerous gentle walks perfect for a family outing. For a very accessible and flat walk, consider the Boats on the Canal – Nateby Crossing Cottage loop from Garstang. This short 4.9 km route follows the canal towpath and is ideal for all ages.

For some of the most commanding views, the trek up to Nine Standards Rigg is a regional classic. From the summit, you get expansive 360-degree panoramas across the Vale of Eden and towards the Lake District fells. The wild moorland landscape on the ascent is a key part of the experience.

The terrain is quite varied. You can expect gentle riverside paths along the River Eden, level walks on disused railway lines like the one in Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, and well-trodden field paths. For more challenging routes, you'll encounter rugged and sometimes boggy open moorland, particularly on the higher fells like those on the way to Nine Standards Rigg.

Yes, Nateby is located very close to the Pennine Way, one of the UK's most famous long-distance trails. You can easily join a section of this National Trail for a challenging day hike or as part of a multi-day adventure. The area also serves as a great base for exploring extensive sections of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Parking availability depends on your chosen route. The nearby town of Kirkby Stephen has several public car parks. For specific trails, designated parking is often available. For example, if you plan to explore the Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, there is a small car park at the start of the trail, though it can be busy.

For a relatively flat and accessible walk, the path along the old railway line through the Smardale Gill Nature Reserve is a great option. It follows the valley on a level track, passing over the impressive Smardale Gill Viaduct, making it suitable for many abilities.

The komoot community rates the hiking here highly. Reviewers frequently praise the variety of the landscape, from the peaceful riverside walks along the Eden to the wild, open feel of the high fells. The sense of tranquility and the stunning countryside views are often mentioned as major highlights.

For experienced hikers looking for a challenge, the Nicky Nook Summit – Grizedale Reservoir loop from Winmarleigh offers a substantial 16.8 km route with a good amount of ascent. It's a rewarding trek that takes you to a summit and offers great views over a reservoir.

There is a vast network of trails to explore. You can find over 150 different routes on komoot, with a good split between easy, moderate, and difficult hikes, ensuring there's something for every type of walker.

The nearby market 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 many local walks on foot. Some local bus services connect to surrounding villages, but services can be infrequent, so it's best to check timetables in advance.