The vast limestone pavement of Great Asby Scar is like the surface of another planet. However, one look west – towards the mountainous ridgeline of Lakeland's Far Eastern Fells and the green of the Shap Fells – and you know you're in Cumbria. This unique landscape is a designated nature reserve and home to various rare species of ferns. It makes for an intriguing place to roam.

Dominiek Van Dooren

June 26, 2022

Hiking

Great Asby Scar is an upland area between the villages of Orton and Great Asby, famous for the 'limestone' which is scattered throughout. Bare pieces of rock left behind after the last ice age. Limestone is slightly soluble in rainwater, leading to a pattern of blocks known as "clints" separated by cracks known as "grikes." The combination of expansive limestone and heathland forms an environment where you can experience nature higher up. All elements present for a nice walk.

Translated by

•

Andy

May 16, 2025

Hiking

This limestone area is worth a visit.Could be slippy if wet.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Nearby routes

Best routes near Great Asby Scar Limestone Pavement

5.0

(2)

hikers

1. Sunbiggin Tarn, Great Asby Scar & Beacon Hill Monument loop from Orton — Yorkshire Dales National Park

16.1km

04:25

270m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

2. Nettle Hill and Great Asby Scar loop from Crosby Garrett — Yorkshire Dales National Park

23.5km

06:38

490m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

5.0

(2)

hikers

3. Knott Trig Point – Gamelands Stone Circle loop from Raisbeck

13.6km

03:51

300m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 350 m

Weather

Today

Monday 23 March

8°C

1°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Asby, Eden, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Beacon Hill Jubilee Monument

Orton Scar Lime Kiln

Cautley Spout Waterfall

Wicker Street Limestone Pavement

Stone Bridge in Orton

Calders Summit

River Lune Valley Route

Smardale Gill National Nature Reserve

St Helen's Well and Great Asby Church

Sedbergh Town Centre

View from Winder Summit

View of the Smardale Viaduct

Great Asby Scar Limestone Pavement

1. Sunbiggin Tarn, Great Asby Scar & Beacon Hill Monument loop from Orton — Yorkshire Dales National Park

2. Nettle Hill and Great Asby Scar loop from Crosby Garrett — Yorkshire Dales National Park

3. Knott Trig Point – Gamelands Stone Circle loop from Raisbeck

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️