The best walks and hikes around Soulby

Yes, the area around Soulby is excellent for circular hikes. You'll find a wide variety of loops that bring you back to your starting point without retracing your steps. These range from gentle valley strolls to more demanding fell walks in the Howgills or nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park. Many routes are designed to take in key landmarks like historic viaducts and riverside paths.

The Eden Valley offers many gentle walks perfect for families. Look for routes along the River Eden, particularly around the well-known Frank's Bridge in Kirkby Stephen, which is a lovely spot for a picnic. Another great option is Stenkrith Park, where a dramatic river gorge provides an exciting but manageable walk for children. For more ideas, the Visit Upper Eden website has a dedicated section for children's activities.

Most trails in the countryside around Soulby are welcoming to dogs. However, you will be walking through farmland with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead, especially during lambing season (typically spring). Some nature reserves, like Smardale Gill, also require dogs to be kept on leads to protect wildlife. Always look for local signage for specific rules.

The region is rich with natural and historical sites. The Smardale Gill Viaduct is a magnificent Victorian structure within a nature reserve. Wharton Hall offers a glimpse into the area's history with its 15th-century ruins. For a unique cultural experience, you can follow the Poetry Path, which features stones inscribed with poems about the life of a hill farmer.

The nearest town with good public transport links is Kirkby Stephen, which is on the famous Settle-Carlisle railway line. Many walks can be started directly from the town. Local bus services connect Kirkby Stephen to other villages in the Eden Valley, but services can be infrequent, so it's best to check timetables in advance. Kirkby Stephen's status as a 'Walkers are Welcome' town means it's well-equipped for visitors arriving without a car.

There is a designated car park for the reserve located at Smardale. You can find it by searching for Smardale Gill Nature Reserve Parking (postcode CA17 4HF). Be aware that it is at the end of a very narrow single-track lane with limited passing places, so driving requires caution.

The terrain is quite varied. You can expect gentle, well-trodden paths along the River Eden and through the Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, which follows an old railway line. For more of a challenge, the routes heading into the Howgill Fells or the Yorkshire Dales National Park involve steeper ascents on open, grassy hills with panoramic views. Footwear with good grip is recommended for all but the easiest valley walks.

Yes, the area is a great base for challenging hikes. You can tackle ascents to local peaks like Wild Boar Fell or Nine Standards Rigg. For a full day on the fells, the Nettle Hill and Great Asby Scar loop from Crosby Garrett is a demanding 23.5 km route that takes you into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The region is also crossed by long-distance paths like Wainwright's Coast to Coast trail, offering options for multi-day treks.

There are over 150 hiking routes to explore in the Soulby area. The selection is well-balanced, with over 50 easy trails for relaxed days out, around 80 moderate routes for the average hiker, and a handful of difficult trails for those seeking a serious challenge on the fells.

The trails around Soulby are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning scenery of the Eden Valley, the mix of gentle riverside paths and challenging fell walks, and the impressive historical features like the Smardale Gill Viaduct.

A great option is the Nettle Hill and Smardale Gill Viaduct loop from Crosby Garrett. This 16 km circular route offers a good mix of scenery, including views from Nettle Hill and a walk through the Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, giving you a fantastic taste of the National Park's landscape.