The best walks and hikes around Mallerstang

Yes, while Mallerstang is known for its high fells, there are gentler options. For a pleasant and accessible walk, consider visiting Stenkrith Park near Kirkby Stephen. It offers well-maintained paths along the River Eden, with some sections suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The area features interesting rock formations known as the Devil's Mustard Mill.

Dogs are generally welcome on public rights of way in Mallerstang. However, the area is active farmland with grazing sheep, and some fells are home to ground-nesting birds, especially between April and July. It is crucial to keep your dog on a lead at all times to protect livestock and wildlife. Always be prepared to encounter stiles which may not have dog gates.

For a route steeped in history, the Lammerside Castle and Wharton Hall loop from Pendragon Castle is an excellent choice. This moderate walk connects the romantic ruins of Pendragon Castle with the 14th-century Lammerside Castle, offering a journey through the valley's turbulent past.

Yes, the River Eden and its tributaries create some beautiful waterfalls. The High Seat and Hellgill Force loop is a fantastic moderate hike that takes you to Hellgill Force, the highest waterfall on the River Eden. After periods of rain, you'll also see many temporary waterfalls cascading down the fellsides throughout the valley.

The most scenic way to arrive is via the Settle-Carlisle Railway, which runs directly through the Mallerstang valley. You can alight at Kirkby Stephen station, which is the main gateway to the area. From there, local footpaths can be used to access many of the popular walking routes. Bus services to Kirkby Stephen are also available, but may be less frequent.

Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers the best conditions, with longer daylight hours and a higher chance of clear weather for enjoying the panoramic views from the fells. Spring brings wildflowers and nesting birds, while the autumn colours on the fellsides can be spectacular. Always be prepared for changeable weather, as Mallerstang's high, exposed terrain can be challenging year-round.

While Mallerstang itself is very remote with few amenities, the nearby market town of Kirkby Stephen offers several traditional pubs and cafes. It's a short drive from the valley and serves as the main hub for walkers looking for refreshments and a meal after a day on the fells.

The komoot community rates hikes in Mallerstang very highly. Reviewers frequently praise the sense of wildness and solitude, even on popular fells like Wild Boar Fell. The dramatic scenery of the U-shaped valley, the rich history of its castles, and the well-defined paths along the River Eden are all commonly cited as major highlights.

Absolutely. While many hikers start from the Nateby side, a great alternative is the Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter – View of the Vale of Eden loop from Cotterdale. This route offers a different perspective, approaching the fell from the south and providing a quieter, more remote-feeling ascent to the expansive summit plateau.

Mallerstang offers a mix of terrain. You'll find gentle, grassy paths along the River Eden in the valley bottom, but the majority of routes are moderate, involving significant climbs onto the fells. Expect boggy sections, especially after rain, and steep, sometimes pathless, terrain on the ascents to summits like Wild Boar Fell and High Seat. There are no officially graded 'difficult' trails, but a good level of fitness and navigation skill is required for the fell walks.

Parking in Mallerstang is limited and consists mainly of small, informal lay-bys along the B6259 road. These can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. For a more structured starting point, you could use parking in the nearby town of Kirkby Stephen. Alternatively, Smardale Gill Nature Reserve has a car park, though visitors note the access lane is very narrow.

The 'Watercut' sculpture by Mary Bourne marks the source of the River Eden. It is located on the high moorland between Wild Boar Fell and Hugh Seat. To include it in a walk, you would typically plan a route that traverses this high ground, often as part of a longer fell walk starting from the head of the valley near the Aisgill Viaduct.