Smardale Gill Viaduct and Nature Reserve
Cumbria
Smardale Gill is a National Nature Reserve cared for by Cumbria Wildlife Trust along a disused stretch of the Stainmore railway, which once carried trains between Tebay and Darlington and closed in 1962. Dogs must stay on a lead throughout the reserve, but the flat old trackbed makes for easy, level walking all the way to the viaduct. The line runs down a steep wooded valley above Scandal Beck, and its limestone cuttings and grassy banks are among only two places in England for the Scotch argus butterfly, alongside rock-rose, bloody crane's-bill and orchids in summer. The highlight is Smardale Gill Viaduct, built in 1861 to a design by Sir Thomas Bouch: 14 stone arches standing 90 feet above the beck, saved from demolition and restored by the Northern Viaduct Trust in 1992. This 4.8km out and back walk follows the old trackbed from the reserve car park near Smardale to the viaduct and back, past old lime kilns, on a firm, almost level surface with only around 40 metres of climbing.
This is a dog friendly walk but a lead-only one. Cumbria Wildlife Trust asks for dogs to be on a lead throughout the reserve, and cattle graze the reserve at times, with sheep in the surrounding fields. The even railway path suits older dogs and short legs, and there is some shade in the wooded sections. The beck is mostly well below the line, so bring water for your dog. The free car park is small, with no toilets or cafe, and Kirkby Stephen has the nearest facilities.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 25 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Woodland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; toilets, cafes and pubs in Kirkby Stephen.
- Parking
- Small free Cumbria Wildlife Trust car park at the reserve near Smardale, off the A685.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Smardale Gill Viaduct and Nature Reserve, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old Sorting Office
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,021 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in CumbriaFrequently Asked Questions
Is Smardale Gill Viaduct and Nature Reserve dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Smardale Gill, though it's a lead-only reserve throughout. It's a great choice for dogs who enjoy a steady, flat walk — the old railway trackbed is firm and almost level, with around 4.8km to cover out and back to the viaduct. The wooded sections offer some shade, and the route suits older dogs and smaller breeds well.
Can dogs be off lead at Smardale Gill Viaduct and Nature Reserve?
No — Cumbria Wildlife Trust asks that dogs remain on a lead for the entire walk through the reserve. This is partly because cattle graze the reserve at times and sheep are found in the surrounding fields, so it's a firm rule rather than just a guideline. If your dog is a keen off-lead explorer, it's worth bearing this in mind before you visit.
What should I know before visiting Smardale Gill Viaduct and Nature Reserve with my dog?
The free car park at the reserve is small, and there are no toilets, cafes or other facilities on site, so come prepared. The beck runs well below the old railway line for much of the route, so it's a good idea to bring water for your dog rather than relying on access to the stream. Kirkby Stephen is the nearest town if you need to stock up beforehand or want to find a cafe or pub after your walk.
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