We are the Penrith Ramblers. We open the way for everyone to enjoy the pleasures of walking in our wonderful area.
Joanne H.
This walk starts from the Smardale Gill Nature Reserve car park. We take the route behind Smardale Hall towards Smardale Fell, which climbs gently with views across to the Howgills and as far as Wild Boar Fell. Following a clear route we descend, with views back towards Smardale Gill Viaduct, to cross Scandal Beck at a pretty stone bridge. We briefly follow a farm track before taking a path on our right, up Sandy Bank and into open access land. At Begin Hill we follow the line of a wall to Bents Hill as we continue our ascent to the twin summits of Nettle Hill at 382m, one is marked with a trig point. From here there are panoramic views, if the weather is kind.
We descend the hill heading towards the village of Crosby Garrett. We pass under the railway line and into the village looking out for a footpath on our right, which takes us across fields to join Scandal Beck and onto a lane that returns us to Smardale Nature Reserve car park.
The most well known feature on this walk is the Smardale Gill Viaduct, however, this area is rich in archaeological sites with several settlements from the Iron Age period above the Smardale Gill Nature Reserve.
Other historic points of interest include Smardale Bridge: An 18th-century packhorse bridge which crosses Scandal Beck where an ancient county road once ran.
Smardale Hall, a fortified tower house originally built in the 14th century.
Penrith Rugby Club car park
Smarldale Gill Nature Reserve Car Park
