View of the Smardale Viaduct – Smardale Bridge loop from Kirkby Stephen

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

View of the Smardale Viaduct – Smardale Bridge loop from Kirkby Stephen

Hard

riders

View of the Smardale Viaduct – Smardale Bridge loop from Kirkby Stephen

02:41

32.0km

680m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: November 7, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 24.7 km for 103 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

6.33 km

Smardale Fell

Highlight • Summit

It's a comfortable run over Smardale Fell (the general area up here is all Smardale Fell) - grassy, quite gentle uphill and typically easy underfoot. You will get more quiet …

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7.43 km

View of the Smardale Viaduct

Highlight • Viewpoint

You won't usually see many people, even on a public holiday in the sunshine. Just a marvellous spot with a very technical climb - just watch out for the hawthorn trees!

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7.63 km

Smardale Bridge

Highlight • Natural Monument

A beautiful and Grade-II listed stone bridge over Scandal Beck. The track running over it is almost completely grassy, adding to its charm. Worth stopping here for a bit of peace and calm.

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7.84 km

Smardale Bridge to Friar's Bottom Farm Path

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

This green track links Smardale Bridge and Friar Bottom Lane, where Friar's Bottom Farm is to the west. It's a very beautiful and green stretch, with views. Newbiggin-on-Lune is down …

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10.6 km

Bike Path Beside A685, Yorkshire Dales National Park

Highlight • Cycleway

Another great way to stay off the A685

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24.7 km

Pendragon Castle ruins

Highlight • Castle

This romantic ruin, set amongst the Vale of Mallerstang’s scenic beauty, has a rich history and many associated legends. Said to have once been the fortress of Uther Pendragon of …

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27.7 km

Ruins of Lammerside Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

These are the ruins of a 12th century building, which was subsequently rebuilt in the 14th century as a Pele tower (a small fortified tower) to protect against Scots raiders. …

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30.0 km

Wharton Hall

Highlight • Historical Site

This was a fortified house, built around 1415 by the Wharton family. The family extended the property in the mid-16th century. A deer park was established, requiring the relocation of …

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32.0 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types