Set in the rugged borderlands between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, Augill Castle is not just a place to stay – it’s a portal to some of the most beautiful and lesser-known walks in England. From gentle riverside rambles to windswept moorland adventures, our location in the Eden Valley offers a rich and varied landscape for walkers of all abilities.
Here are six of our favourite routes that start just a short drive from the castle, each offering a glimpse into the poetic, dramatic, and timeless character of this corner of Cumbria.
The Poet’s Walk, Kirkby Stephen
Distance from Augill Castle: 10 minutes’ drive
Length: Approx. 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: Around 1.5 hours
A walk with soul and scenery in equal measure, the Poet’s Walk in Kirkby Stephen is a circular route that blends natural beauty with literary charm. Beginning in the market square of this historic town, the route leads you along the River Eden, through woodlands and past picturesque bridges and stiles.
The path is named for the poetry plaques you’ll find along the way – verses from Wordsworth and local writers that speak of nature, solitude, and the passing of time. It’s a route that’s particularly magical in the early morning or golden hour, when the Eden sparkles and the air feels thick with inspiration.
Expect sheep-dotted meadows, views of Nine Standards Rigg in the distance, and plenty of peaceful spots to stop and reflect. It’s a gentle, grounding walk – ideal for unwinding after a hearty castle breakfast or before a glass of red by the fire.
Tan Hill & the Pennine Way
Distance from Augill Castle: 30 minutes’ drive
Length: Variable – a good circular is 8–10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Time: 4–5 hours (or more, depending on your chosen route)
If it’s dramatic wilderness you’re after, this walk delivers. Starting from Keld in Swaledale or Bowes near Barnard Castle, you’ll join the Pennine Way – Britain’s first National Trail – and follow it over the high moorlands to Tan Hill, home to the famous Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in Britain.
The walk is wild, windswept and exhilarating. Think wide skies, peat bogs, ancient dry-stone walls and curlew calls in the distance. It’s a place that feels like the edge of the world – but in the best way.
At Tan Hill Inn, walkers are always welcome for a well-earned pint or a warming bowl of stew by the fire. On a clear day, the views stretch across to the Lakeland fells, while on a misty one, there’s a certain gothic beauty to the moors that suits lovers of Brontë and bleak drama alike.
Smardale Gill Nature Reserve
Distance from Augill Castle: 10 minutes’ drive
Length: Approx. 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Around 2 hours
This gentle, linear walk along a disused railway line is perfect for families, photographers, and wildlife lovers. The route winds through the Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, crossing dramatic viaducts and skimming limestone cliffs rich in wildflowers and butterflies during the summer months.
It’s a haven of quiet beauty, with the old railway bridges and wooded gorges lending a romantic, forgotten-world charm. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, roe deer, and flocks of finches darting through the canopy. It’s accessible and peaceful – ideal for a slow afternoon stroll.
Nine Standards Rigg
Distance from Augill Castle: 15 minutes’ drive
Length: Approx. 8 miles (there and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3–4 hours
One of the most iconic landmarks near Kirkby Stephen, the Nine Standards are mysterious stone cairns perched on the ridge above the town. Their origin is unclear – some say boundary markers, others suggest ancient sentinels – but their silhouette against the sky is unforgettable.
The route begins just outside Kirkby Stephen and climbs steadily through open moorland, rewarding walkers with panoramic views over the Eden Valley and beyond. It’s a walk that feels steeped in history, solitude and story. On a clear day, you can see across to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Howgill Fells all at once.
High Cup Nick (The Grand Canyon of the North)
Distance from Augill Castle: 30 minutes’ drive (start from Dufton)
Length: Approx. 8 miles (there and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
Dramatic and otherworldly, High Cup Nick is a geological marvel – a vast U-shaped valley carved by glacial ice. It’s often described as “England’s Grand Canyon,” and the effect as you round the final bend and the view opens up is nothing short of breathtaking.
Start the walk from the pretty village of Dufton and follow the Pennine Way to the top. The path is straightforward but remote, so be sure to take supplies. This is a walk that rewards in silence and scale – unforgettable, majestic, and surprisingly under-walked.
Mallerstang Edge & Wild Boar Fell
Distance from Augill Castle: 20 minutes’ drive
Length: Approx. 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Time: 3–4 hours
For those craving open skies and raw natural beauty, the circular walk taking in Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge is one of the region’s most exhilarating. Named for the wild boar that once roamed these lands, the fell rises sharply above the Eden Valley and rewards the effort with views that seem to stretch forever.
The path leads through a landscape of myth and melancholy, past the ruins of Pendragon Castle – said to have links to Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur – and into an untamed sweep of upland where few people tread. This is walking at its most atmospheric.
More Walks, More Wonders
Of course, these are just a few highlights in a region overflowing with footpaths, fell routes, and riverside rambles. From secret waterfalls to stony ridgelines, there’s no shortage of hikes to explore right from our doorstep.
If you’re staying at the castle and fancy a tailored walking itinerary – whether it’s for a short stroll or a full day out – just ask. We’ve maps to lend, packed lunches to prepare, and plenty of local knowledge to share.
Your Castle, Your Escape
After a day of exploration, there’s no finer reward than returning to roaring fires, a glass of something local, and a castle built for comfort. Whether you’re walking for fresh air, fitness, or just a moment of calm, Augill Castle is your perfect base for adventure.
Whether you’re planning big house getaways for the whole family summer gathering or just a weekend away, contact us on 017683 41937, email at [email protected] or head to our website.
