The best walks and hikes around Melmerby

Melmerby offers a diverse range of hiking trails, primarily through the scenic Eden Valley. You'll find routes along the meandering River Eden, paths leading to ancient historical sites like stone circles, and trails winding through rolling agricultural land and open countryside. The area provides options from easy strolls to more moderate excursions.

Yes, Melmerby is well-suited for easy hikes. Out of approximately 77 routes in the area, 28 are classified as easy. An excellent example is the Long Meg and Her Daughters loop from Glassonby, which is an easy 3.8-mile (6.1 km) path offering views of the notable stone circle.

Many of the trails around Melmerby are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For instance, the Lacy's Caves – River Eden at Force Mill Weir loop from Glassonby is a popular moderate circular hike exploring unique caves and riverside scenery.

Yes, the Melmerby area is home to several natural attractions. You can find the impressive Ashgill Force waterfall nearby. Additionally, the area features significant natural monuments like the Cross Fell Summit and Little Dun Fell.

The region is rich in history. A prominent landmark is the Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle, an ancient monument that can be visited on several routes. You can also explore the unique Lacy's Caves, which are carved into the sandstone cliffs along the River Eden.

The best time to hike around Melmerby is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and the countryside is in full bloom or displaying autumn colours. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

While many routes are easy to moderate, there are some more challenging options available. Out of the 77 routes, 8 are classified as difficult. These often involve higher elevations, such as those found around the nearby Pennine fells, offering more strenuous climbs and expansive views.

The trails in Melmerby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful riverside scenery, the historical interest of sites like the stone circles and Lacy's Caves, and the well-maintained paths through the picturesque Eden Valley.

Yes, the Melmerby area, particularly towards the higher ground, offers several excellent viewpoints. Highlights such as Hartside Summit Descent and Hartside Descent to Alston provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding fells and valleys. The Garrigill to Nenthead Road Climb and Views also offers scenic outlooks.

Hike durations vary depending on the route's length and difficulty. For example, an easy 3.8-mile (6.1 km) path like the Long Meg and Her Daughters loop from Glassonby might take around 1 hour 55 minutes. A moderate 5.6-mile (9.1 km) trail, such as the Lacy's Caves – River Eden at Force Mill Weir loop from Glassonby, typically takes about 2 hours 28 minutes.

Absolutely. The River Eden at Force Mill Weir – Lacy's Caves loop from Hunsonby is an excellent choice. This easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) trail leads you through beautiful riverside scenery and past the intriguing Lacy's Caves, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical interest.