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Mallerstang circular from Nateby

Cumbria Walk

County/Area - Cumbria - Eden Valley Mallerstang

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.0 miles / 11.4 km    Ascent - 400 feet / 121 metres

Time - 3 hours 50 minutes    Grade - easy/mod

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL19Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 98Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 98Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Mallerstang circular
Click image to visit gallery of 12 images.

Mallerstang is a wide valley containing the upper stretches of the River Eden and runs south from Kirkby Stephen. The valley is flanked by Mallerstang edge to the east and Wild Boar Fell to the West, both rising to over two thousand feet. The valley floor is criss-crossed by stone walls with farms and hamlets dotted across the landscape. In addition there are a number of historic buildings that will be passed during the walk.

The start is the village of Nateby (grid ref. NY774067) where limited on street parking is available. Please remember to be considerate to villagers when parking. From the centre of the village follow the B6270 to the edge of the village. On the right (grid ref. NY776067) is a signed footpath, which you follow south initially along a sunken path before crossing a field down to the B6259 road which runs the length of Mallerstang. Turn left along this road and take the footpath on your left which leads across fields towards Great Bell.

The footpath is generally well signed although after passing Thringill Farm on your right do ensure you cross the footbridge at grid ref. NY778058. After the footbridge keep Thringill Beck to your left. The path emerges onto the northern flanks of Great Bell (grid ref. NY780054). The path divides with the left hand fork leading to the summit of Great Bell which could be included in this walk. However this route bears right at the junction with the path contouring across the western flanks of Great Bell to descend back towards the B6259.

During this descent look ahead and locate the intake wall to the east of Dalefoot Farm. This route continues along this wall with the wall on your right towards Carr House. The onward route is waymarked although navigation by Carr House is not that obvious. However persevere and you will cross a wide meadow before bearing right down a narrow field to a gate at Southwaite Farm (grid ref. NY785035). Go through the gate and follow the farm drive down to the B6259. Turn left along the road and take the first footpath on your right across fields towards Moorriggs. The path continues along the back of this isolated house and down a feint path back to the road (grid ref. NY783028).

Cross the road and continue on another footpath to Castlethwaite. Do not go down the first driveway on your right but continue down a rough path and through a gate to reach another cluster of cottages. Turn right down this driveway to the road (grid ref. NY782025). Turn right along the road. On your left are the remains of Pendragon Castle. Please note public access is not possible to this site. Turn left down the narrow tarmac lane and follow this downhill, round a sharp left hand bend, uphill for a short way and then through a sharp right hand bend. At the cattle grid leave the road bearing right along a clear track (grid ref. NY779029).

Follow this track with the River Eden on your right past Birkett Bottom and on towards Croop House. Just before reaching the latter, take the signed footpath on the right (grid ref. NY772046) leading to Wharton. The route is clear initially passing derelict Lammerside Castle before crossing fields to reach Mire Close Bridge (grid ref. NY771056). Continue with the river on your right along a concrete track to Wharton Hall. The OS map shows the public right of way following a loop around the hall to the west. This leads to a junction of paths at grid ref. NY770064). Turn right here and descend to a bridge across the Eden. Once across the bridge bear left and follow the river to the next field boundary. Here there is a choice of three routes back into Nateby. Choose whichever is the most convenient for your parked car.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1388 Kirkby Stephen & Hartley Circulareasy/mod5.0 miles
Walk 2538 Nateby & Waitby Common from Kirkby Stephen easy/mod6.2 miles
Walk 1386 Hartley Birkett & Nine Standards Riggeasy/mod4.5 miles
Walk 3573 Wild Boar Fell from Pendragon Castlemoderate8.3 miles
Walk 1383 Pendragon Castleeasy2.3 miles
Walk 1341 Nine Standards Riggmoderate6.0 miles
Walk 1389 Fell End Cloudseasy3.0 miles
Walk 1342 Randygill Top from Weasdalemoderate6.0 miles
Walk 1160 Wild Boar Fell & Swarth Fellmoderate7.0 miles
Walk 1616 Bowderdale and the Calfmoderate10.0 miles

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