Section 3: Kirkby Stephen to Sedbergh

Section 3: Kirkby Stephen to Sedbergh “Exploring the Dales and Howgills” (16 miles, taking an estimated 1 to 3 days)

Route Progress:

1. Overall the paths in this section are in good repair because the Westmorland & Furness Way follows established routes.
2. The low route has had some surface improvement work so should, in the most part, be good to follow.

The Westmorland & Furness Way leaves Kirkby Stephen on the Coast-to-Coast route, which is

a National Trail and well maintained. The path enters the Yorkshire Dales National Park just outside Kirkby Stephen and passes some old settlements before climbing over Smardale Fell. The open heather moorland environment of the fell offers views over the surrounding countryside. Here there is an option to take an alternative (longer) route along the old railway line at Smardale Gill, which is part a nature reserve run by Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

The W&F Way leaves the Coast to Coast to join the Howgills and Limestone Trail just before Smardale Bridge to come down into Ravenstonedale, a historic village with 2 pubs and accommodation. Adjacent to the village church are the remains of an Gilbertine priory. After Ravenstonedale the route splits into two offering the choice of a high route or low route.

Low Route:

Although lower level than the ridgetop alternative this option still climbs up to 400m at Adamthwaite and offers good views back to the north over the valley to the Pennines. The path

continues along the edge of the fell land around the Wandale Hill, enjoying valley views, then rejoins the Pennine Journey at Narthwaite. Continuing along the fellside to Thursgill the route then enters Sedbergh alongside the River Rawthey

High Route:

This is a fairly long and challenging route that offers the reward of miles of quiet paths, open space and great views.

Heading west out of Ravenstonedale the path passes through an area of limestone grassland, and hay meadows. The path follows part of the Howgills and Limestone Trail along the side of the hill to the hamlet of Bowderdale before taking the Dales Highway up onto the beautiful, quiet rolling Howgill Fells.

The trail then crosses West Fell, Hazel Gill Knott, The Calf and Brant Fell, climbing over open grassy fells to 676m at The Calf before descending via Settlebeck Gill into Sedbergh. The views

on a good day are stunning, encompassing the Pennines, Yorkshire 3 peaks and the Lakeland Fells from Coniston right up to Blencathra.

Sedbergh offers a good range of accommodation, cafes and restaurants. It is also a book town, so pause for a while to enjoy the wonderful array of independent book shops or visit the Tourist Information Centre to discover more about the area.