The best walks and hikes around Cumrew

Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. Many trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. A great example is the Talkin Fell loop, which offers a rewarding circuit with fantastic views from the summit.

For a gentle and accessible outing, the Talkin Tarn Country Park is an excellent choice. It features a 1.3-mile (2.1 km) path around a glacial lake, surrounded by woodland and meadows. Another easy option is the Castle Carrock Reservoir loop, a relatively flat trail perfect for a relaxed stroll.

Dogs are welcome on most public rights of way. However, the region is part of the North Pennines National Landscape, with sensitive wildlife and grazing livestock. Keep your dog under close control at all times, and on a lead where required, especially in areas like the RSPB Geltsdale nature reserve to protect ground-nesting birds such as black grouse and hen harriers.

For some of the most expansive, far-reaching views, a hike to the summit of Talkin Fell is highly recommended. On a clear day, the panorama can stretch from the Helvellyn range and Scafell Pike all the way to the hills of Galloway in Scotland. The part-quarried limestone outcrop of Cumrew Crag also provides superb views over the Lower Eden Valley.

Hiking in Geltsdale offers a chance to experience a rugged and remote landscape. The reserve has several waymarked trails through blanket bog, heath, and grassland. The Geltsdale and Old Water loop from Castle Carrock is a popular moderate route that takes you through the heart of this important habitat for upland birds.

Parking is available at several points depending on your chosen trail. For walks into the Geltsdale reserve, there is a car park at Stagsike. For hikes starting from Castle Carrock, you can find on-street parking in the village. Always park considerately, ensuring you do not block access for local residents or farm vehicles.

The difficulty varies, offering something for most fitness levels. There are over 60 easy routes, such as gentle riverside strolls, and more than 50 moderate trails involving ascents to the fells. For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, a demanding route like the Cold Fell & Talkin Fell loop covers significant distance and elevation.

The North Pennines landscape around Cumrew is rich in wildlife. The RSPB Geltsdale reserve is a key habitat for upland birds, including the rare black grouse, hen harriers, golden plovers, and curlews. In the woodlands and near water bodies like Talkin Tarn, you might even be lucky enough to spot red squirrels.

While Cumrew itself is a small village with limited amenities, you can find pubs and cafes in nearby villages like Castle Carrock and Talkin. These offer a welcome stop for refreshments after exploring the fells. It's always a good idea to check their opening times in advance, especially outside of the main tourist season.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the magnificent, far-reaching views from the fells and the sense of peace and remoteness found within the RSPB Geltsdale nature reserve. The variety of the landscape, from open moorland to sheltered woodland, is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

The landscape is dotted with history. You can see remnants of the area's lead-mining past, and the field systems around Cumrew village are medieval in origin. In Hynam Wood, you might come across an ancient track known locally as the "monk's trod," which is believed to have connections to the nearby Lanercost Priory.

Yes, the Geltsdale & Hynam Bridge loop is a great option. At just 2.7 miles (4.3 km), it's a relatively short and easy trail that still allows you to experience the beauty of the reserve and its wildlife without committing to a long day of hiking.