Walking

The Eden Valley is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the great outdoors. Whether you enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river, a woodland wander or getting up the hills and feeling on top of the world, we have it all on our doorstep. Here are some of our favourite places to go. 

River Eden

From the site you can take a 10 minute walk through the woods down to the river. This picturesque route is ideal for walking the dog or getting the kids out to enjoy nature at its finest. Or head to Armathwaite and follow the footpath under the bridge and along the river into Coombs Wood. There are numerous paths to take in the woods so just get exploring! Keep your eyes peeled for the sandstone carvings too!

Talkin Tarn Country Park

 Located just a couple of miles from the market town of Brampton, Talkin Tarn is a beautiful place to visit. There is a 1.3 mile path around the Tarn which is suitable for wheelchairs and is perfect for the whole family. There is also a children’s play area and a great café so you can treat yourself after your walk. Talkin Tarn also host a Parkrun event every Saturday morning at 9am so get your running trainers on and give it a go. You’ll more than likely see Wigwam Holidays Eden Valley’s very own Adam trying his best to keep up with the frontrunners!

Gelt Woods

Just 1 mile from Brampton, Gelt Woods are a lovely place for a woodland walk. The main footpath follows the fast flowing River Gelt which can be very impressive following heavy rain. Stay on the path until you reach the stunning Middle Gelt Viaduct and you can either go back the way you came or turn right up the road and then re-enter the woods at the top of the hill and complete a 4 mile loop past the sand quarry back to the car park. There are also shorter loops if you’re just after a quick walk. 

Cardunneth Pike

 If you’re after something more energetic with stunning views then Cardunneth Pike is a must. This fell on the Northern Pennines can be seen from the site with the impressive 3.5 metre high Bronze Age burial cairn clearly visible too. The quickest way to the summit is from the village of Newbiggin where there is a good track to follow all the way to the top. Once there you will be rewarded with amazing views across the Eden Valley towards the Lake District, the Solway, the Northern Pennines and the Scottish Border hills. You can then either choose to go back the way you came or walk along the ridge and descend into the village of Castle Carrock and complete a 10 mile loop back to Newbiggin following the footpath past the reservoir. Please be aware that part of this route passes across open access land on a managed Grouse moor over which dogs are not allowed unless on a public right of way. There are signs reminding walkers of this with maps indicating the relevant areas. 

Talkin Fell

One of our favourite local walks, Talkin Fell offers fantastic views from the summit. Follow the Geltsdale road past the pub in Castle Carrock until you reach a sharp right hand bend at Jockey Shield where there is some roadside parking. You’ll see the track to the fell which goes down the hill and over the River Gelt before climbing up through the woods on the other side. Once at the top you’ll be greeted by an interesting selection of stone cairns and, for the romantics amongst you, make sure you get a selfie with the heart shaped stone shelter! 

Lake District

For some longer walks head for the Lake District where you’ll be spoilt for choice with walks of various difficulty. Family favourites include Catbells and Whinlatter Forest, home of the Gruffalo Trail, kids will love searching for sculptures of the characters from the brilliant Julia Donaldson book. For more experienced walkers, popular routes include Blencathra and England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. Or, for something more extreme, tackle Helvellyn’s famous ridge, Striding Edge.