SMARDALE GILL VIADUCT WITH WHEELS
Smardale Gill Viaduct curves its way across the dramatic narrow valley of Scandal Beck about three miles west of Kirkby Stephen in south east Cumbria.
The path crosses 14 arches nearly 30m above the beck with great views over the valley.
👩🦽Disabled parking available closer to the path, the path is level from here throughout.
🅿️ School Lane
Smardale
Cumbria
CA17 4HJ
🥾 3 miles return walk to Smardale Viaduct
or Continue further to the quarry, old kilns and house ruins which is 5.5 miles return walk
NO FACILITIES ON THIS WALK, THE CLOSEST WOULD BE KIRBY STEPHEN 3 MILES UP THE ROAD WHICH HAS A PUB, RESTAURANT, TOILETS AND SHOPS.
From the car park the accessible spaces are a little closer to the main path which leads through a gate, suitable for wheelchairs or trampers.
The car park is only small maybe 3-4 cars but if its full the main car park is big and there is a accessible path from the car park but has some ascent to get to the main path.
You follow the path under the first viaduct and come to Demesne Wood, in Spring/summer its blossoms with various wild flowers.
There is benches along the route, look out for squirrals we were lucky and spotted a red one.
After 1.5 miles form the car park you come to the viaduct, now unfortunetly you cant see the viaduct unless you go off the main path, we have done this walk previously so knew the best spot, climbing over the stile my husband took the photo which is impressive.
You can turn round at the viaduct for the shorter 3 mile return walk, or continue further to see the kiln and quarry, a little further is a old house which looks like maybe a quarry workers house or old farm house. The views all round are worth going a little further.
A information board is by the lime Kiln explaining about the mine and its history. There is also a bench with amazing views to stop at. This is another good turning point or you can continue further, this section is grassy by the kiln and can get muddy but as you go further the path turns to stone again.
