The best walks and hikes around Orton

Yes, the area around Orton is excellent for circular hikes. The landscape of rolling fells and open moorland is crisscrossed with paths, making loop routes very common. A great example is the Maidwell Church loop from Draughton, which offers a varied journey through the countryside.

There are plenty of gentle walks suitable for the whole family. The terrain often includes well-defined paths and reservoir loops that are less strenuous. For a short and pleasant outing, consider the Sailing on Cransley Reservoir loop from Thorpe Malsor, which is a relatively flat and manageable walk.

Most trails in the Orton Fells are suitable for dogs, but it's important to be mindful of the local environment. You'll be walking through farmland with livestock and areas of sensitive wildlife, such as ground-nesting birds on the moors. Always keep your dog under close control, and on a lead where required by signage or when near farm animals.

Yes, several routes can be planned to start, finish, or pass by a traditional pub. For a walk that combines scenic paths with a rewarding pub stop, you could try The Three Farthings Pub – Cransley Motte loop from Loddington. The village of Orton itself also has welcoming inns perfect for post-hike refreshment.

For many walks, parking is available within the village of Orton itself, which serves as an excellent starting point. For specific destinations like Orton Scar or Great Asby Scar, there are often small, informal parking areas and lay-bys along the minor roads. It's best to arrive early, especially on weekends, and always park considerately without blocking gates or access.

Reaching Orton by public transport can be challenging as it's a rural village. The nearest major train station is in Penrith, from which you would typically need to take a taxi or a limited local bus service. It's recommended to check the latest bus timetables for Cumbria in advance, as services can be infrequent.

The landscape is classic Westmorland Dales, part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Expect wide-open moorland, rolling fells, and distinctive limestone pavement, especially around Great Asby Scar. The area is less crowded than the nearby Lake District, offering a strong sense of solitude and wildness. You'll also encounter historical features like ancient stone circles and old drove roads.

Absolutely. Many trails incorporate the rich history of the area. The Gamelands Stone Circle, a notable Neolithic monument, is a popular feature on several local walks. You can easily plan a circular route from Orton village that takes in this fascinating historical landmark as well as the scenic views from Orton Scar.

The hiking routes around Orton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of over 4.5 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the sense of peace and quiet, the stunning limestone landscapes, and the well-preserved historical features scattered across the fells.

You'll find a wide variety of options, with over 170 hiking routes to explore in the Orton area. These range from short, easy walks perfect for a casual afternoon to more challenging full-day hikes across the fells, ensuring there's a trail for every ability level.

Yes, while the area is known for its fells, there are several flatter options. The Riverbank Path loop from Harrington provides a pleasant, moderate walk with minimal elevation gain, following a gentle path along the river.

Hiking is possible year-round, but late spring and summer offer the best conditions. During this time, the weather is generally milder, the days are longer, and the unique wildflowers on the limestone pavement are in bloom. Autumn provides beautiful colours, but be prepared for more unpredictable weather. Winter hiking can be rewarding but requires experience and proper gear for cold and potentially snowy conditions on the fells.