Ravenstonedale Walks
There are lots of nice walks to try around the pretty Cumbrian village of Ravenstonedale. The village sits within the Yorkshire Dales National Park on the watershed between the River Lune and River Eden. There's lovely views of the Howgills, riverside paths, limestone pavements and challenging hill climbs to try in this beautiful area.
This circular walk starts in the village and heads north along the Scandal Beck to the picturesque Smardale Bridge. You continue along the beck to the impressive Smardale Gill Viaduct. The viaduct is 710 ft (220 m) long and 130 ft (40 m) high. It is surrounded by a delightful nature reserve with a variety of wildlflowers and birds to look out for.
After admiring the viaduct the route crosses the Scandal Beck before returning to the village on the opposite side of the water.
To extend your walking in the area you could head to nearby Kirkby Stephen and try a nice walk along the River Eden. You can also pick up the Pennine Journey long distance trail around here.
If you head south east from the village you can explore the lovely area around Mallerstang and enjoy a climb to Wild Boar Fell for great views over the surrounding area. Around here you can also pick up the Pennine Bridleway and further explore the Pennines on foot or by bike.
Ravenstonedale Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Ravenstonedale Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Ravenstonedale OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Ravenstonedale Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Head to the Black Swan in Ravenstonedale for some post walk refreshments. You can enjoy a meal outside in the lovely riverside garden, with resident red squirrels. There's an excellent menu and the hotel was awarded AA Pub of the year in 2012. You can find the pub at postcode CA17 4NG for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Near the village there's the interesting town of Brough to explore. Here you'll find the historic ruins of the 11th century Brough Castle and some nice trails along the Swindale Beck.
A few miles to the west there's the nearby village of Tebay where you will find riverside trails along the River Lune. The village is also known for its 16th century pub and the Tebay Motorway Services.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Howgills Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Footbridge and ford, Scandal Beck
Ravenstonedale Village, view south from St Oswald's Church
Smardale Bridge
Scandal Beck downstream of Smardale Bridge
Barn and grazing land
Smardale Gill Viaduct
Abandoned sandstone quarries
Lime kilns, Smardale