The best walks and hikes around Ormside

Yes, the area around Ormside is generally dog-friendly. The region offers many walks through open countryside and along public footpaths where dogs are welcome. However, you will be walking through farmland with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead and under control, especially during lambing season. Always follow the Countryside Code.

Definitely. The Eden Valley is great for families. For a gentle and scenic walk, consider the Warcop Old Bridge – Haregate Bridge loop from Warcop. It's a relatively flat 4.1-mile (6.6 km) route that follows the River Eden, making it an enjoyable outing for walkers of all ages.

Yes, the most notable waterfall in the immediate area is Rutter Force. It's a picturesque waterfall on the Hoff Beck and a highlight of several local walks. You can see it on the Hoff Beck Footbridge – Rutter Force Waterfall loop from Hoff, which is an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) circular trail.

The area is rich in history. On your walks, you can spot landmarks like the 11th-century St. James's Church in Great Ormside and the nearby Ormside Hall, which includes a 14th-century pele tower. The impressive ten-arched Ormside Viaduct, part of the Settle to Carlisle Railway, is another key feature of the landscape.

The best way to access the trails is by car. Parking is often limited to small lay-bys or designated spots near villages like Hoff or Warcop. For example, there is very limited parking near Rutter Force. A good alternative is to park in the larger town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, which has more facilities and is on the Settle to Carlisle railway line, and start your hikes from there.

Yes, while the immediate valley is gentle, the surrounding fells offer more strenuous options. For a longer, more demanding day out, the Gaythorne Hall and Bridge End Farm loop from Great Asby is a moderate 8.7-mile (14.1 km) hike with over 200 meters of elevation gain. For a true challenge, you can head towards the North Pennines to tackle the iconic High Cup Nick.

The hiking around Ormside is characterized by the gentle, rolling landscape of the Eden Valley. You'll encounter a mix of riverside paths along the River Eden and Hoff Beck, walks across open farmland on well-defined public footpaths, and quiet country lanes connecting traditional sandstone villages. The ground is mostly grass and earth paths, which can be muddy after rain.

There is a wide variety of routes to choose from. You can explore over 170 trails around Ormside, ranging from short, easy strolls to more demanding moderate hikes. This network of paths allows you to easily combine or shorten routes to fit your plans.

The routes around Ormside are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the tranquility of the Eden Valley, the beautiful riverside scenery, and the well-maintained footpaths. The mix of gentle walks and rolling hills provides a quieter alternative to the busier trails in the nearby Lake District.

Many walks are centered around the small villages in the area, but not all have pubs. Your best option is to plan a circular route that starts or finishes in the nearby market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland. It has several pubs and cafes, making it a perfect place to relax after exploring the countryside between Appleby and Ormside.

Yes, for those interested in prehistoric sites, the St Peter's Church, Great Asby – Gamelands Stone Circle loop from Asby is an excellent choice. This 9.4-mile (15.1 km) moderate hike takes you through the countryside to the impressive Gamelands Stone Circle, one of the largest in Cumbria.