Where The Lakes Meets The Dales

Did you know that part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is actually in Cumbria?

What’s more, this lush patchwork of green valleys and high heather moorland dotted with traditional villages boasts some of the best cycling and walking trails in all of England. The area is home to the idyllic market towns of Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Kirkby Stephen and Sedbergh. You’ll also find the charming villages of Dent and Casterton. Set amongst green hills in the magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park, but also close to the rugged eastern fells of the Lake District, this is a walker’s paradise.

The Medieval market town of Kendal is a great place to start your journey from the Lakes to the Dales. Take in the epic views from the ruins of Kendal Castle; sample the food scene in quirky bistros and local bars; and take in the vibrant theatre, music, art and events at The Brewery Arts Centre.

Then head east into the Dales. Finding the perfect place to reflect and recharge your senses isn’t hard in this unspoilt corner of Cumbria.

Hunt down Cautley Spout - England's highest waterfall above ground – or tackle Cumbria’s newest mountain, Calf Top (which was only officially designated in 2016).  Cyclists can join the Lakes & Dales Loop and get off the beaten track on two wheels.

The historic market town of Sedbergh sits at the foot of the Howgill Fells, with hidden layers of Norman, Viking and Saxon heritage. Officially designated as ‘England’s Book Town’, it’s a centre for independent book shops as well a haven for locally sourced food and drink. For a true field to fork dining experience, the Black Bull is not to be missed.

For arts and crafts both old and new, Farfield Mill is the place to be. Set over four floors of a restored Victorian woollen mill, this unique heritage centre is home to artists’ studios, galleries, workshops, and demonstrations.

Visit Kirkby Lonsdale for a fantastic selection of cosy, atmospheric pubs and eateries; and quirky independent shops bursting with handmade crafts and gifts. After some serious retail therapy, head to the famous ‘Ruskin’s View’ – so named after poet and artist John Ruskin, who declared it to be ‘one of the loveliest views in England’.

If you’re still looking for some moments of unspoilt tranquillity, head to Cumbria’s secluded Dentdale Valley. Dent train station is England’s highest mainline station and sits on the spectacular Settle to Carlisle railway line.