Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Running north from Smardale Bridge, the valley of Smardale is very attractive, and
little known outside the immediate locality. The former railway has left a few scars and
disused buildings, but its great viaduct is a wonder to behold. The flanks of the old
railway line are renowned for a wide variety of wild flowers, including many not widely
seen, and if your interest lies here, a short detour, using the low stile just after the
railway bridge mentioned earlier, will bring ample reward.
At a number of sites near Smardale Bridge the maps mention 'Pillow Mounds'. Closer
inspection reveals that these are not natural formations, and are known locally as 'Gi-
ants' Graves', though their true origin is uncertain. Various notions have been advanced
about them, including one which suggests that they were rabbit warrens constructed by
the monks who farmed this area - medieval rabbits, it seems, were feeble creatures,
unable to dig their own burrows - but the truth awaits some enterprising archaeologist
with a trowel. The mounds are best seen while descending towards the derelict railway
building.
Cross Smardale Bridge, beyond which the onward path awaits, climbing
easily along a broad, enclosed track to a gate. Rising easily, never far
from the wall, the path arrives at a gate and ladder-stile before setting off,
this time in parallel with a long and unusually thin enclosure, to cross the
northern flanks of Smardale Fell before descending to a signpost. Just a
little further on the accompanying wall bears left. Here keep forward from
the signpost, and cross the northern slope of Smardale Edge, following a
bridleway to a gate and stile at a minor road, leading left to Waitby.
Smardale and Smardale bridge
Crossing Smardale Fell
On the springy turfed descent to the minor road there are fine views
ahead of the high moorland Pennines of tomorrow, sweeping round from
the now prominent Nine Standards Rigg to the haven of the Vale of Eden,
framed between Mallerstang Edge and Wild Boar Fell. Closer to foot, the
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