The best walks and hikes around Long Marton

Yes, the area is excellent for circular hikes. Many routes begin in nearby villages like Dufton. For a moderate walk with fantastic views of the surrounding fells, the Dufton Pike loop is a popular choice. It offers a rewarding climb without the commitment of a full day's trek.

For an easier outing suitable for families, consider exploring Dufton Ghyll Wood, which offers gentle and accessible woodland paths. Another option is a walk around Thacka Beck Nature Reserve in Penrith, providing a pleasant and relatively flat experience for all ages.

Most trails in the region are welcoming to dogs, but it's important to be mindful of livestock. The North Pennines is an active farming area, so you'll likely encounter sheep. Always keep your dog on a lead, especially during lambing season (spring) and when near farm animals.

The region has several impressive waterfalls. A visit to Low Force Waterfall is highly recommended; it's a beautiful series of cascades on the River Tees and is accessible via nearby walking paths. For a more dramatic sight, Aira Force is another popular waterfall set within scenic woodland trails.

The trek to Cross Fell, the highest point in the Pennines, is a serious undertaking. The loop from Dufton is a long and challenging route, best suited for experienced hikers with good navigation skills. The weather can change rapidly at this altitude, so be sure to go fully prepared.

Absolutely. For a strenuous day out with significant elevation gain, the Great Dun Fell and Knock Fell loop is an excellent choice. This demanding hike rewards you with expansive views and takes you past the distinctive radar station on Great Dun Fell.

The Eden Valley offers lovely riverside walks. The Hoff & Great Ormside loop from Appleby-in-Westmorland provides a pleasant, moderate walk along the water. You can also explore the paths along the River Eden near Lacy's Caves, which are a unique historical feature carved into the sandstone cliffs.

Dufton has a dedicated public car park which is the main starting point for popular routes like the High Cup Nick and Dufton Pike loops. It can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended to secure a space.

There is a wide variety of trails to explore, with over 100 routes mapped on komoot. These range from 46 easy walks perfect for a casual afternoon to over 15 difficult treks for seasoned hikers, ensuring there's a path for every ability.

The trails around Long Marton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the dramatic geology of the North Pennines, particularly the stunning views at High Cup Nick, and the mix of challenging fell walks and peaceful riverside paths.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find gentle, rolling hills and flat riverside paths in the Eden Valley. As you move into the North Pennines AONB, the trails become more rugged and steep, with ascents to high, exposed fells. Good hiking boots are essential for most routes.

Yes, the area is rich in history. A flat, easy walk can take you from the Neolithic Mayburgh Henge to the ruins of Brougham Castle along the River Eamont. For something more unusual, the walk to Lacy's Caves reveals a series of 18th-century chambers carved directly into the riverside cliffs.