Attractions and Places To See around Asby - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Asby offer a diverse range of historical sites and natural landscapes in Cumbria. This region, situated near the Eden Valley, provides access to scenic views and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore ancient structures and enjoy outdoor activities amidst varied terrain. The area is characterized by its blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Asby
- The most popular attractions is Smardale Gill Viaduct, a bridge that was built in 1861 as part of the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway. This impressive structure blends human engineering with the dramatic landscape.
- Another must-see spot is Frank's Bridge, Kirkby Stephen, a settlement and bridge. Visitors can explore this pleasant market town at the head of the Eden Valley, which features shops, cafes, and an impressive church.
- Visitors also love Appleby-in-Westmorland, a market town with a castle and river. This town offers a selection of shops and cafes, and its Norman castle is open to the public.
- Asby is known for historical sites, bridges, and scenic viewpoints. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to natural trails.
- The attractions around Asby are appreciated by the komoot community, with 48 upvotes and 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Smardale Gill Viaduct
Highlight • Bridge
The line closed in 1962. The viaduct's restoration was completed in 1992. It is a very impressive place to be these days; the blending of human engineering with the dramatic landscape here is very striking.
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Frank's Bridge, Kirkby Stephen
Highlight • Bridge
Wainwright's Coast to Coast passes through the town from the west, whilst Lady Anne's Way comes up from the south. A statue of Lady Anne stands in front of the visitor centre.
A hike up to Nine Standards Rigg is splendid, with terrific views from the top. Meanwhile, fans of Arthurian legend might fancy an amble south into the Vale of Mallerstang and the romantic ruins of Pendragon Castle.
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Bowderdale Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Nothing technical particularly (unless you hate narrow singletrack), but this is pretty much the epitome of what mountain biking is about. Yes, you can ride it uphill from north to south, but heading downhill, south to north, is such a rewarding experience you'd be mad not to ride it this way round.
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Pendragon Castle ruins
Highlight • Castle
What we do know is that a castle was built here in the late 12th century and came into the stewardship of the Clifford family. Raids by the Scots and a couple of fires ruined the fortress during the 16th century. Lady Anne Clifford oversaw renovations during the 17th century, but the castle fell into disuse once more after her death.
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Green Bell Summit
Highlight • Summit
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Tips from the Community
Tried this descent today in poor weather on a bikes with big flat pedals. Bottom lines is we really struggled. The route is very narrow and rutted resulting in multiple pedal strikes to the point it was largely unridable. No evidence of other bikes trying it recently either. I couldn’t pedal for the 2.5 miles from the top. This is the only time a descent has taken longer than the ascent.
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Frank's Bridge at Kirkby Stephen along the Coast To Coast route.
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Green Bell [10805] 605m P48 (1985ft) (DoBIH Hill ID: 2772) [JNSA 4970] TP3475 - Green Bell 10805 The Howgills Definitive List County of Westmorland Definitive List Yorkshire Dales National Park Definitive List summit
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One of just four trig pillars in the Howgills, the remote and tranquil Green Bell is a great vantage point to view the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District Fells and Northern Pennines from a single spot
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This very impressive viaduct, built in 1861, used to be a part of the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway. It carried coal and coke across the Pennines (apparently over 1 million tons of coke per day!) The line closed in 1962. The viaduct's restoration was completed in 1992. It is a very impressive place to be these days; the blending of human engineering with the dramatic landscape here is very striking. The Viaduct can be run on, so no need to stay at the bottom - it's the best way to appreciate the awesome views of the valley, and it's a fantastic run!
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Green Bell (605m) is one of the highest summits in the northern Howgills. Probably the most obvious other hill to see from here is Randyhill Top to the south-west and Knoutsberry, immediately to the east, but it is beautiful in any direction from here, and one doesn't quite know what to pay attention the most to.
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This very impressive viaduct, built in 1861, used to be a part of the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway. It carried coal and coke across the Pennines (apparently over 1 million tons of coke per day!) The line closed in 1962. The viaduct's restoration was completed in 1992. It is a very impressive place to be these days; the blending of human engineering with the dramatic landscape here is very striking.
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Pendragon castle ruins. These are the remains of a typical Norman defensive fort in a tactical location, now free to visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Asby?
The area around Asby is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Smardale Gill Viaduct, a historic railway bridge built in 1861. Another significant historical site is the romantic Pendragon Castle ruins, steeped in Arthurian legend. The market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland also features a Norman castle open to the public.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Asby?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Both Smardale Gill Viaduct and Frank's Bridge, Kirkby Stephen are noted as family-friendly. The market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland offers shops, cafes, and a castle that can be explored by families.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Asby?
Asby is a great base for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, with options ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Beacon Hill and Asby Winderwath Common loop'. For running enthusiasts, there are trails like the 'Beacon Hill Jubilee Monument loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes like the 'Kirkby Stephen Parish Church – Rutter Force Waterfall loop'. Explore more options on the dedicated guides for hiking, running, and cycling around Asby.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints or natural trails?
For breathtaking views, visit Smardale Gill Viaduct, which offers a dramatic blend of human engineering and natural landscape. The Bowderdale Trail is an exquisite singletrack trail known for its glorious views, particularly rewarding for mountain biking.
What is special about Kirkby Stephen?
Frank's Bridge, Kirkby Stephen is located in a pleasant market town at the head of the Eden Valley. It's a popular stop for walkers on Wainwright's Coast to Coast path and Lady Anne's Way. The town features a number of shops, cafes, and an impressive church, making it a great place to explore.
Can I visit a castle near Asby?
Yes, you can visit the ruins of Pendragon Castle, a romantic historical site with ties to Arthurian legend. Additionally, the market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland is home to a Norman castle that is open to the public.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Asby?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The impressive engineering of Smardale Gill Viaduct set against a dramatic landscape is a highlight. The charming market towns like Kirkby Stephen and Appleby-in-Westmorland are also popular for their local character, shops, and cafes.
Are there any challenging trails for experienced hikers or mountain bikers?
Yes, the Bowderdale Trail is categorized as challenging and offers an exquisite singletrack experience, particularly rewarding for downhill mountain biking. For hiking, routes like the 'Nettle Hill and Great Asby Scar loop' are rated as difficult.
What is Appleby-in-Westmorland known for?
Appleby-in-Westmorland is a small market town in the Eden Valley, known for its picturesque setting, a good selection of shops and cafes, and its historic Norman castle. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding fells and is a popular stop for cyclists.
Are there any bridges of interest in the area?
Absolutely. The Smardale Gill Viaduct is a very impressive structure built in 1861, offering historical significance and stunning views. Another notable bridge is Frank's Bridge in Kirkby Stephen, part of a pleasant market town.
What is the general character of the Asby region?
The Asby region, situated near the Eden Valley, is characterized by a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. It offers diverse historical sites, impressive bridges, and scenic viewpoints, making it ideal for those who appreciate both ancient structures and outdoor exploration.
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