Westmorland Dales essentials

The Westmorland Dales is an undiscovered area of rolling fells and limestone pavement with pretty villages dotting the landscape. There is the remote Mallerstang valley with Wild Boar Fell dominating the skyline and the atmospheric ruins of Pendragon Castle  at its heart. Or visit the National Nature Reserve on Great Asby Fell with its huge expanse of limestone pavement and fantastic views taking in the Lake District and North Pennines as well as the Howgills. Nearby you can take a walk over the stunning Smardale viaduct which is the site of another National Nature Reserve.

This is an area that has long been an important trading route and now the modern day version – long distance walking and cycle routes – converge here. There is Wainwright’s coast to coast walk, the Lady Anne’s Way and the Lakes and Dales Loop to name just three.