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View of Smardale Gill Viaduct with Scandal Beck in the foreground, looking NNE towards the Pennines, September 2003
Overview
Smardale Gill is a National Nature Reserve, 40 hectares in size, located near the small town of Kirby Stephen, Cumbria and is managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and was developed along the disused track of the old Tebay to Darlington Railway. The walking trail crosses the magnificent Smardale Gill Viaduct.
Birds
Notable Species
Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Raven, White-throated Dipper, Garden Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Grey Wagtail
Rarities
"to do"
Check-list
eBird Bar Chart of species seen at Smardale Gill
Birds you can see here include:
"to do"
Other Wildlife
Red squirrels are making a comeback here. Roe deer are occasionally seen. The Scotch Argus, a butterfly not normally seen this far south, is found at Smardale Gill and also Arnside Knott in south Cumbria.
Site Information
History and Use
The Cumbria Wildlife Trust first purchased land at Smardale Gill in 1978. This was followed by more acquisitions and the Trust finally bought the disused railway line from British Rail in 1991. The Tebay to Darlington railway line had been closed since 1962 and the viaduct, built in 1861 and owned by the Northern Viaduct Trust, fell into disrepair. Repairs were completed by 1992 and the site finally became a National Nature Reserve in 1997.
Areas of Interest
- Smardale Gill Viaduct ~ Common Ravens are often seen here and have nested under the arches of the viaduct
- Derelict railway cottage ~ House Martins and Barn Swallows nest here. Barn Owls may also nest inside the cottage
- Smardale Bridge on Scandal Beck ~ White Wagtails, Grey Wagtails, Northern Wheatear, Mallard and Grey Heron are commonly seen here
Access and Facilities
- Map reference: NY 727 070
- 3.5 miles (6km) of level walking along the old railway track route, with ramps at both the Smardale Hall and Newbiggin ends, where there is parking
- Path connects with several other public footpaths, including the Coast to Coast Walk
- Dogs are only allowed if on a leash/lead
- Open at all times
- No entrance charge
- No toilet facilities
Contact Details
Reserve Manager: Andrew Walter
- Tel: 01539 816300
- Email: [email protected]
Scotch Argus butterfly, a specialty of the reserve - Cumbria is its most southerly point in the British Isles, August 2013
