The best walks and hikes around Staveley

Staveley offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 230 routes recorded on komoot. These range from easy riverside strolls to more challenging fell ascents, ensuring options for all fitness levels.

Yes, Staveley is excellent for family-friendly walks. There are over 130 easy routes, many of which follow gentle riverside paths or explore ancient woodlands. A great option is the Bird Hide – Staveley Nature Reserve loop from Staveley, which is an easy 4.8 km trail perfect for a leisurely outing.

The terrain around Staveley is quite diverse. You'll find gentle riverside paths along the River Kent and River Gowan, ancient woodlands like Craggy Wood Nature Reserve, and more rugged ascents up fells such as Hugill Fell and Reston Scar. Some routes also feature picturesque tarns like Potter Tarn and Gurnal Dubs Tarn.

Many of Staveley's trails are circular, offering varied scenery without retracing your steps. For example, the Staveley Nature Reserve – Bird Hide loop from Staveley is a moderate 9.9 km circular route through the nature reserve.

Staveley's trails offer views of diverse natural features including the meandering River Kent and River Gowan, ancient woodlands, and picturesque tarns like Potter Tarn and Gurnal Dubs Tarn. You can also explore nearby attractions such as the historic Aldwark Bridge or the intriguing The Devil's Arrows.

The hiking trails in Staveley are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.5 stars from nearly 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied landscapes, from tranquil riverside paths to rewarding fell views, and the well-maintained routes.

Yes, for experienced hikers, Staveley offers more demanding routes, particularly in the Kentmere fells. While our guide lists 5 difficult routes, the wider area includes challenging options like the Kentmere Round (or Kentmere Horseshoe), which covers around 22km and ascends several Wainwrights, providing extensive views.

Staveley village itself is well-equipped with amenities, including independent shops, cafes, and pubs. Many local walks, especially those starting and ending in the village, can easily be combined with a stop for refreshments. The Bird Hide loop from Staveley is a shorter option that keeps you close to village amenities.

Staveley is a well-connected village, and public transport options are available to reach the area. For specific trailheads, local bus services often connect to surrounding villages and points of interest. It's advisable to check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information on routes and stops that serve your chosen starting point.

While popular routes can see more foot traffic, Staveley's extensive network of over 230 trails means it's possible to find quieter paths. Exploring the ancient woodlands or some of the less-frequented fells like Hugill Fell and Reston Scar, especially during off-peak times, can offer a more secluded experience.

Staveley offers enjoyable hiking year-round, but each season has its charm. Spring brings wildflowers and fresh greenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. Autumn showcases stunning fall foliage, and winter, though colder, can offer crisp, clear views, especially on lower-level routes. Always check weather conditions before heading out, particularly for fell walks.