Great Days Out in The Cumbrian corner of the Yorkshire Dales

While part of the Yorkshire Dales falling inside the Cumbria boundary sounds a little confusing, we’re not complaining – and neither will you when you pay this magnificent corner of our county a visit!

Here’s some inspiration to get you started in the Cumbrian corner of The Yorkshire Dales:

The little book town of Sedbergh is among the crowing glories here – reachable by a lovely drive through countryside which just keeps on rolling. Nestled snugly in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, there’s an extensive selection of new and second hand bookshops to be immersed in here.

A real step back in time courtesy of its cobbled streets and architecture, Sedbergh’s range of shops, cafés, pubs and bistros serving locally sourced produce is complemented by the stunning backdrop of the Howgill Fells. Our top tip is to stop off at The Black Bull for an authentic Howgills feast! Alternatively, try the nearby Three Hares Cafe, run by the same team.

The Howgill Fells consists of a cluster of irresistible hills, helping Sedbergh’s surroundings blend seamlessly with those of the nearby small towns of Kirkby Stephen and Tebay.

Among The Howgills’ crown jewels is Cautley Spout, which is one of the the highest waterfalls in England, tumbling down an impressive 180 metres. You can read more about it in our special waterfalls blog, before using it as a starting point to explore even more of The Yorkshire Dales or Lake District National Parks by foot or on a mountain bike trail – the only difficult decision is which one to choose first!.

As one of Sedbergh’s most popular attractions, the Victorian Farfield Mill tells the story of the local wool trade and is home to artists’ studios and every-changing contemporary art and craft exhibitions curated by the Mill's exhibition staff or invited artists.

Running through part of Cumbria’s slice of  the Yorkshire Dales is the world famous Settle to Carlisle Railway – widely recognized as one of the most scenic railways in the UK. Stretching more than 70 miles in total, this beautiful railway route carries passengers across more than 20 viaducts and bridges, and boasts no fewer than 14 different tunnels!

The icing on the cake for this route through the North Pennines, Eden Valley and Yorkshire Dales: The mighty Ribblehead viaduct and Settle station itself – both of which provide photographers with the perfect opportunity to take a photo worthy of being framed.

Along the route is the beautiful Garsdale valley – a stunning sight which runs along the south-eastern edge of the Howgill Fells on the western side of the Pennines.

For an adventure even further off the beaten-track, follow the “Coal Road” from Garsdale to Dent. Upon arrival in the lovely village in the Dentdale valley, fall in love with its cobbled streets and quaint cottages. While this narrow route is suitable for cars, we recommend taking a walk or for those who enjoy a challenge – bring your bikes.

Elsewhere, sitting close to the very edge of the Yorkshire Dales is the village of Orton, complete with its very own walkers’ paradise – the Orton Fells. Orton makes for an ideal place to stop for a break as you approach the Eden Valley. You can read more about how to make the most of Eden, by reading our top picks blog. 

The town of Kirkby Lonsdale is also on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales boundary, cited in the picturesque valley of the River Lune. Like Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale boasts a wide range of quaint shops surrounded by stunning 17th and 18th century buildings. The eagle-eyed visitor may even notice visual similarities with the recent Robert Downey Jnr movie, Doctor Dolittle. Now, we wonder why that could be…?

Finally, take a look at Killington Lake – the closest of Cumbria’s lakes to the edge of The Yorkshire Dales. Easily accessible thanks to its proximity to the M6, this small lake is a firm favorite with water sport enthusiasts thanks to its opportunities for dinghy sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. This manmade lake is also a popular fishing spot and a nature reserve on its western side also makes it an ideal location for our inner birdwatcher.