Walton Moss National Nature Reserve
Walton Moss National Nature Reserve
The best hikes from bus stations in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve
4.4
(491)
1,434
hikers
45
hikes
Hiking in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve offers access to one of Britain's most pristine peatland bogs, a rare and threatened habitat in Western Europe. The landscape is characterized by lowland raised bog features, alongside elements of an upland blanket bog. Hikers will encounter a wetland environment with specialized flora, including *Sphagnum* moss species, heather, and occasional birch trees. The terrain provides diverse trails, from easily accessible paths to more challenging routes, all within a unique ecological setting.
Best bus station hiking trails in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve
- The most popular bus station hiking route is Wellbeck Snack Shed – The Sally Inn loop from Irthington, an easy 2.7 miles (4.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 8 minutes to complete. This route offers a gentle exploration of the reserve's unique wetland environment.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Sandysike Bunkhouse & Campsite – Lanercost Priory loop from Irthington, a difficult 12.3 miles (19.8 km) path. This longer route traverses varied terrain, including sections of the bog landscape and surrounding areas.
- Local hikers also love the Hiking loop from Irthington, a 4.8 miles (7.8 km) trail leading through the diverse peatland and heathland, often completed in about 2 hours 3 minutes.
- Hiking in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve is defined by its pristine peatland bogs, wetland habitats, and heathland, offering a network of routes for various ability levels.
- The routes in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 1000 hikers have used komoot to explore Walton Moss National Nature Reserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
6
hikers
7.79km
02:03
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
6
hikers
4.34km
01:08
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(4)
28
hikers
20.2km
05:20
190m
190m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
17
hikers
11.0km
02:57
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(178)
3
hikers
3.82km
01:02
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is a great snack shed, and the local owners were incredibly friendly. The lady of the house made us soup, which was served with a bread roll. This was very welcome on a wet, windy day, and we had a very nice conversation with her too. The place has some seats, overhead cover, and a shed full of snacks, microwave meals, and drinks, all neatly boxed and priced.
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The Moot Hall is the historic heart of Brampton. This octagonal jewel in downtown Brampton is not only a feast for the eyes, it's also steeped in history. Built in 1817 by the 5th Earl of Carlisle, it replaced a 1648 building used by Cromwell's troops to hold prisoners. Today, it houses a tourist information center and serves as a meeting place for the local council. Don't miss the iron blocks attached to the pavement next to the hall – a rare and evocative reminder of Brampton's past.
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This modest yet impressive statue of Emperor Hadrian stands in the center of Brampton, a city closely linked to the history of the famous Hadrian's Wall. Hadrian commissioned the construction of this wall in 122 AD to protect the northern border of the Roman Empire. The statue commemorates his influence and the Roman presence in the region.
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The name "Talkin" comes from the Celtic word for "brow of a hill." Talkin Tarn is a 65-acre glacial lake.
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The tearooms serve a variety of hot and cold food and also have a takeaway service. English Lakes ice cream is also available.
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The tearooms offer beautiful views over the tarn and towards the Pennine hills. There is an upstairs area with sofas for enjoying the view, especially on rainy days.
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St. Martin's Church in Brampton, Cumbria, is a Grade I listed building.It was built between 1874 and 1878 to replace an earlier church in the town centre.
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The Shoulder of Mutton is located on Front Street in the town and has been used as a watering hole by generations of locals and tourists for hundreds of years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station hiking trails are available in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve?
There are nearly 50 hiking routes accessible from bus stations in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve. These trails cater to various fitness levels, with 20 easy, 24 moderate, and 3 difficult options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on bus station hikes in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve?
The terrain primarily features pristine peatland bogs, a rare and significant lowland raised bog habitat. Hikers will encounter specialized flora like various Sphagnum moss species, bog rosemary, and cranberry. Due to the wetland environment, trails can be wet, so suitable footwear like wellies is recommended.
Are there any easy, family-friendly bus station hikes in the area?
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for families. A good option is the Wellbeck Snack Shed – The Sally Inn loop from Irthington, which offers a pleasant, less demanding walk through the natural landscape.
What wildlife might I see while hiking from bus stations in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve?
Walton Moss is rich in wildlife. You might spot various bird species, including woodpeckers, waterfowl, and warblers, with rare birds of prey like merlins or peregrine falcons in winter. The reserve is also home to small mammals, curlews, redshanks, snipe, and the nationally significant large heath butterfly.
What is the best time of year to hike in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve?
The reserve is suitable for outdoor activities year-round, with mild temperatures and occasional rainfall. Each season offers a different experience, from lush greenery in spring to potentially snow-covered trails in winter. Always be prepared for wet conditions due to the boggy landscape.
Are dogs allowed on the bus station hiking trails in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve?
While dogs are generally welcome in many outdoor areas, specific policies for nature reserves can vary to protect sensitive wildlife. It's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with ground-nesting birds or vulnerable habitats. Please respect local signage regarding dog access.
Are there any longer or more challenging bus station hikes available?
For those seeking a more demanding experience, the Sandysike Bunkhouse & Campsite – Lanercost Priory loop from Irthington is a difficult route requiring good fitness. Another moderate option is the Brampton Motte – Talkin Tarn Lake loop from Brampton.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the bus station trails in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 480 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility, the unique natural beauty of the peatland landscape, and the diverse plant and animal life encountered on the trails.
Are there any circular bus station routes in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve?
Yes, many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point, which is convenient when using public transport. Examples include the Hiking loop from Irthington and the Moot Hall, Brampton – Hadrian Statue loop from Brampton.
What should I wear for hiking in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve?
Given the nature of the peatland bog, it's crucial to wear suitable footwear, such as waterproof hiking boots or wellies, to navigate potentially wet and peaty conditions. Layered clothing is also advisable due to the mild temperatures and occasional rainfall.
Is mobile phone reception reliable on the trails?
It's important to note that mobile phone reception can be limited in parts of Walton Moss National Nature Reserve. It's always a good idea to download your route offline before you go and inform someone of your plans.
Most popular routes in Walton Moss National Nature Reserve
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