Top 15 Natural Monuments around Ousby
Best natural monuments around Ousby are found in the scenic Eden Valley, featuring diverse geological formations and expansive views. The region is characterized by its elevated fells and valleys, providing a range of natural landmarks. These natural features offer opportunities for exploration and observation of the landscape. Ousby's surroundings present a variety of natural attractions for visitors.
Best natural monuments around Ousby
- The most popular natural monument is Cross Fell Summit, a natural monument and summit that is the…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Cross Fell Summit
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Ashgill Force
Highlight • Gorge
By the way, you can access it from both the …
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Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle
Highlight • Historical Site
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Dufton Pike
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Lacy's Caves
Highlight • Structure
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Tips from the Community
The highest mountain in England outside of the Lake district, fantastic views if you can catch it on a clear day.
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Dufton Pike is a super nice hill and a UK designated P100, a hill with a 100 metres of prominence. The views from the top looking up towards Backstone Edge is super nice. It is a nice short, sharp pull to get to the top, but well worth it. The top has an unmarked summit.
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This is a beautiful waterfall, easily accessible from the bridge above it, where there is some roadside parking. It does get busy, however, especially with gorge walking groups. Otherwise, you can walk up from Garrigill in about half an hour. The falls are in a great setting, with the bridge arching over the waterfall itself. It makes for a great photo stop or rest stop. You can also walk behind the waterfall. Please be careful in the area, as it is slippery underfoot, and avoid after prolonged rain for obvious reasons.
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A beautiful hill to hike and a glorious summit to have a break on. It has a wide plateaued top with a number of impressive stone cairns, as well as a trig point and a great dry stone cross shelter. I hiked the Kirkland loop, and this was a particularly nice loop to do. There is not that much of a view from the summit itself because it is so big and flat, but the views to and from it are really nice, in particular over towards Little Dun Fell.
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This beautiful waterfall provides a picturesque view when seen from below, as it is located just beneath the B6277 bridge. By the way, you can access it from both the village of Garrigill and directly from the bridge, with the former offering the most scenic and attractive route. Apart from the main waterfall, you may also spot some smaller cascades around.
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This peak, with an altitude of 481 metres (1,578 ft), is considered a Marilyn, which are hills with a prominence greater than 150 metres. The easiest way to reach it is from the village of Dufton.
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This beautiful waterfall provides a picturesque view when seen from below, as it is located just beneath the B6277 bridge. By the way, you can access it from both the village of Garrigill and directly from the bridge, with the former offering the most scenic and attractive route. Apart from the main waterfall, you may also spot some smaller cascades around.
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Coming from Dufton, you have to cover a few hundred meters in altitude in just a few kilometers to get to this point. However, the climb is quite manageable and less strenuous than it might seem at first glance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore around Ousby?
Ousby is rich in diverse natural features. You can explore the highest point in the Pennines, Cross Fell Summit, offering expansive views. Another notable feature is Ashgill Force, a beautiful waterfall with picturesque views, especially from below. The area also features other summits like Dufton Pike and Little Dun Fell.
Are there any historical natural monuments near Ousby?
Yes, the area features Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle. This is the second largest stone circle in England, dating back to the Bronze Age, offering a glimpse into ancient history amidst a natural setting.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Ousby?
The best time to visit depends on your activity. For expansive views from Cross Fell Summit, clear days are ideal, especially outside of harsh winter conditions when dense fog and strong winds are common. Spring and summer generally offer more predictable weather for hiking and enjoying waterfalls like Ashgill Force.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or walks near Ousby?
Yes, Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle is considered family-friendly. Additionally, Ashgill Force is also suitable for families, with access from the village of Garrigill offering a scenic route. Dufton Pike is another family-friendly summit.
What kind of hiking trails can I find near Ousby's natural monuments?
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. For instance, the ascent to Cross Fell Summit from Dufton involves a significant altitude gain but is generally manageable. The area around Ashgill Force offers scenic walks, particularly from Garrigill. For more options, you can explore various routes listed in the Hiking around Ousby guide.
Are there any dog-friendly natural monuments or trails in the Ousby area?
Many natural areas around Ousby are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control. Dufton Pike is noted as dog-friendly. Always ensure to follow local regulations and keep dogs on leads, especially near livestock or protected wildlife areas.
Where can I find parking for natural monuments near Ousby?
For Ashgill Force, there is roadside parking available near the B6277 bridge. Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle also has a free car park nearby. For other trails and summits, parking may be available in nearby villages like Dufton or at designated trailheads.
What should I wear when visiting natural monuments like Cross Fell Summit?
When visiting higher elevations like Cross Fell Summit, be prepared for changeable weather. Even on clear days, it can be windy and cold. Layers of clothing, waterproof and windproof outer shells, sturdy hiking boots, and navigation tools are highly recommended. The summit is known for harsh winter weather, including dense fog and strong winds.
What other outdoor activities can I do near Ousby's natural monuments?
Beyond hiking, the Ousby area offers opportunities for mountain biking and road cycling. You can find various routes in the MTB Trails around Ousby and Road Cycling Routes around Ousby guides.
Are there any hidden gem natural monuments around Ousby?
While not a 'hidden gem' in the traditional sense, Little Dun Fell is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Cross Fell and Great Dun Fell. However, it offers super nice, raw, and barren views, particularly across to Cross Fell and Great Dun Fell, making it a rewarding visit for those seeking a quieter experience.
Can I access natural monuments near Ousby using public transport?
While some villages like Garrigill (for Ashgill Force) may have limited public transport, access to many natural monuments, especially summits like Cross Fell Summit, often requires personal transport or a combination of public transport and longer walks. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for specific routes and plan accordingly.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Ousby?
Visitors frequently praise the expansive panoramic views from Cross Fell Summit, stretching across the Lake District and both coasts on a clear day. The picturesque beauty of Ashgill Force and the historical significance of Long Meg and Her Daughters Stone Circle are also highly appreciated.
Most popular attractions around Ousby
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