Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve situated on the western bank of the upper reaches of the River Irthing, forming a natural boundary between Cumbria and Northumberland. The reserve is characterized by its exceptionally diverse upland meadows, which cover nearly half of its area, alongside significant woodlands and riverine habitats. This varied terrain, including alluvial plains and a partially wooded glacial moraine, provides a rich environment for several sports like hiking, jogging, gravel biking, touring cycling,…
57
Routes
4.7
(173)
Average rating
1442
People visited

4.7
(48)
318
hikers
24.5km
06:45
420m
420m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(9)
62
hikers
5.88km
01:35
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
53
hikers
34.6km
09:29
550m
550m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(11)
35
hikers
3.43km
00:55
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
runners
34.7km
04:06
550m
550m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

14
runners
24.6km
02:57
420m
420m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
5.88km
00:42
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
15.2km
01:49
210m
210m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(4)
22
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
8
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
10
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
13
riders
54.4km
03:32
630m
630m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.5
(2)
7
riders
18.3km
01:24
230m
230m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
7
riders
62.8km
04:17
760m
760m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
3
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
54.8km
03:58
660m
660m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
26.1km
01:38
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
5
riders
8.02km
00:46
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
60.6km
05:50
730m
730m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
18.4km
01:42
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve offers opportunities for Hiking, Jogging, Gravel biking, and Touring cycling. The reserve features diverse landscapes, including upland meadows and woodlands, suitable for various fitness levels. More information can be found in guides such as Hiking in Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve and Cycling in Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve.
Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve is known for its diverse upland meadows, which contain over 185 recorded plant species, including globeflower and rare small white orchids. The reserve is situated on the western bank of the River Irthing and includes significant woodlands. Its terrain features both alluvial plains and a partially wooded glacial moraine.
Yes, Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve offers trails suitable for beginners. Paths like the Walltown Quarry loop, approximately 2.1 miles (3.4 km), are suitable for all fitness levels. For more options, consult the Easy hikes in Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve guide.
Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve provides family-friendly hiking options, including easier paths through its diverse habitats. These routes are designed to be accessible for various ages and abilities. Specific routes can be found in the Family-friendly hikes in Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve guide.
Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve accommodates visitors with dogs on its trails. It is generally recommended to keep dogs under control, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock. Information on suitable routes is available in the Dog-friendly hikes in Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve guide.
Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve offers opportunities for both gravel biking and touring cycling. The varied terrain includes forest tracks and scenic country roads. Guides like Gravel biking in Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve and Traffic-free bike rides in Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve provide route suggestions.
The summer months are ideal for observing the diverse wildflowers in Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve. During this period, the species-rich upland meadows display a wide array of plants, including globeflower, marsh hawks-beard, and various orchids.
Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 15,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes in the reserve have an average rating of 4.64 out of 5 stars, based on over 2,000 ratings.
Yes, Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve provides suitable terrain for running. The reserve's network of paths through woodlands and along the River Irthing can be used for jogging. Detailed routes are available in the Running Trails in Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve guide.
Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve is located near sections of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby routes include the Hadrian's Wall – Birdoswald Roman Fort loop, approximately 8.1 miles (13.1 km), and the Aesica Roman Fort loop from Haltwhistle, about 3.8 miles (6.0 km).
Official information about Gowk Bank National Nature Reserve, which is part of Cumbria's National Nature Reserves, can be found on the GOV.UK website. The local ranger's phone number for the reserve is 01768 779633.

