Waitby is a region nestled within Cumbria's picturesque Eden Valley, characterized by its rolling farmland, distinctive limestone formations, and disused railway lines. This landscape provides a varied setting for outdoor pursuits. The area's natural features, including the rising heathland of Smardale Fell, offer diverse terrain for several sports like hiking, road cycling, jogging, touring cycling, and more.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Waitby offers a range of routes across its varied landscape. The region features…
96
Routes
4.7
(83)
Average rating
1444
People visited

4.7
(3)
14
hikers
7.26km
01:54
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
8
hikers
16.3km
04:34
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.6
(17)
106
hikers
4.95km
01:20
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

45
runners
9.74km
01:01
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

21
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

22
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
86
riders
71.3km
03:59
1,300m
1,300m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
60
riders
96.7km
04:58
1,470m
1,470m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.7
(3)
54
riders
44.2km
02:31
790m
790m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

47
riders
92.6km
04:42
1,420m
1,420m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.0
(2)
24
riders
37.0km
02:43
530m
530m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
8
riders
25.3km
02:01
500m
500m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
3
riders
67.2km
05:36
1,380m
1,380m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
2
riders
43.0km
03:15
620m
620m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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5.0
(2)
35
riders
54.6km
03:33
650m
650m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
25
riders
43.4km
03:03
800m
800m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
22
riders
69.9km
04:36
930m
930m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

17
riders
96.6km
06:30
1,490m
1,490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Waitby offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Road cycling, Jogging, Touring cycling, and Mountain biking. The region features 26 routes across these sports, with an average rating of 4.58 out of 5 stars from more than 1,000 ratings.
Popular hiking routes include the Smardale Gill Viaduct – Smardale Bridge loop, an easy 4.6-mile (7.4 km) trail, and the moderate 7.6-mile (12.2 km) Smardale Lime Kilns – Smardale Gill Viaduct loop. These trails often combine natural beauty with industrial heritage. Find more options in the Hiking around Waitby guide.
Yes, Waitby offers several easy hiking trails suitable for beginners. These routes often follow disused railway lines, providing relatively flat and accessible paths. Explore options in the Easy hikes around Waitby guide.
Waitby features family-friendly routes, particularly those along former railway lines which offer gentle gradients and accessible terrain. These paths are suitable for walks with children. Consult the Family-friendly hikes around Waitby guide for specific recommendations.
Waitby provides opportunities for Road cycling, Touring cycling, and Mountain biking. The region's quiet country lanes and disused railway lines offer diverse terrain for cyclists. Discover routes in guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Waitby and Cycling around Waitby.
Yes, disused railway lines in areas like Waitby Greenriggs and Smardale Gill have been converted into off-road paths suitable for traffic-free cycling. These routes offer a safe and scenic environment for bike rides. Refer to the Traffic-free bike rides around Waitby guide for more information.
Waitby is home to Waitby Greenriggs Nature Reserve, known for its diverse flora including over 200 grass varieties and numerous orchid species. Adjacent Smardale Gill Nature Reserve features the historic Smardale Gill Viaduct and unique plants like bloody cranesbill. Smardale Fell offers heathland at elevations between 300 and 400 meters.
Waitby Greenriggs Nature Reserve is a habitat for various wildlife, including rabbits, hares, frogs, tawny owls, and buzzards. During summer, up to 20 species of butterflies can be observed, and Smardale Gill is one of only two sites in England for the Scotch argus butterfly.
Waitby offers several routes suitable for jogging and running, often utilizing the region's disused railway lines which provide relatively flat and scenic paths. These trails are ideal for a varied running experience. Find suitable options in the Running Trails around Waitby guide.
The period from May to July is particularly good for observing the rich floral diversity, including numerous orchid species, at Waitby Greenriggs Nature Reserve. Summer months are also ideal for butterfly spotting, with up to 20 species present.
Routes in Waitby have an average rating of 4.58 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on more than 1,000 individual ratings from users who have explored the region's 26 available routes.

