Nettle Hill and Smardale Gill Viaduct loop from Crosby Garrett

The trail typically starts from Crosby Garrett. You'll find parking available in the village, which serves as a convenient starting point for this loop.

The terrain is quite varied, offering a mix of experiences. You'll walk across wide open moorland, quiet roads, and sections of a disused railway line. Expect some easy walking on grassy tracks, but also rougher, potentially puddly areas, and stony uphill paths, especially on the ascent to Nettle Hill. The section across the Smardale Gill Viaduct is smooth and hard-surfaced.

This moderate hike usually takes around 4.5 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the sights along the way.

You'll encounter several notable features, including the impressive Smardale Gill Viaduct, the historic Smardale Lime Kilns, and the Nettle Hill Cairn and Trig Point with its expansive views. The trail also follows a disused railway line, offering glimpses into the area's industrial past.

The area is rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, kestrels, sparrow hawks, wood warblers, nuthatches, pied flycatchers, redstarts, and buzzards. The woodlands also teem with wildflowers and butterflies during warmer months.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike this loop. The trail passes through Smardale Gill National Nature Reserve, but access is generally free and open to the public.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as parts of the route pass through a National Nature Reserve and agricultural land, it's essential to keep dogs on a leash, especially near livestock and to protect local wildlife.

Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the wildflowers and abundant wildlife. Autumn offers beautiful colours. Be aware that during wet weather, a ford crossing on the route can be high, and some sections may become very muddy, so prepare accordingly if hiking in wetter seasons.

Yes, the ascent to Nettle Hill involves a decent bit of uphill walking. There's also a ford crossing that can be high and challenging during periods of heavy rain. Some sections, particularly on the moorland, can be rough and puddly, so appropriate waterproof footwear is recommended.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with other paths. Approximately 29% of the trail follows the Coast to Coast Walk (Shap to Richmond), and smaller portions coincide with the Smardale Gill Viaduct path and Newclose Lane.

Crosby Garrett is a small village, so facilities are limited directly at the trailhead. For cafes or pubs, you might need to venture a short distance to nearby towns like Kirkby Stephen, which offers more options for refreshments after your hike.