Smardale nature reserve directions

Smardale Nature Reserve can be accessed from two entrances by car:

By car:

To Smardale car park: from the A685 between Ravenstonedale and Kirkby Stephen, take the Smardale turning (unsigned) 200m west of the A683 junction. Cross over the railway after 1.6km/1 mile and turn left at the T-junction. Continue for 1km/0.6 miles then bear right over the disused railway and turn immediately right. The car park is 200m on your right.

Map reference: OS Explorer map OL19.  Smardale car park grid reference:  NY 742 083; nearest postcode: CA17 4HG;what3words ///crispier.quench.snack

GPS co-ords: 54.468634, -2.403946  Please note that this route follows narrow lanes with limited passing places.

View on Google Map 

Alternative route by car:

To Newbiggin-on-Lune parking area: from the A685 at Newbiggin-on-Lune take the Kelleth/Great Asby turning then take the immediate left for Kelleth and park on the roadside. Walk back the way you came and join the road signposted Great Asby and turn left up the nearby lane. Walk uphill and turn right into the drive for Brownber House, past the Lodge. The nature reserve entrance is just along this drive on the right. The distance from the parking area to the entrance is 250m. (Grid reference: NY 704 054) There is limited roadside parking at grid reference: NY 757 085 for access to Waitby Greenriggs.

Map reference: OS Explorer map OL19.  Newbiggin-on-Lune parking area grid reference: NY 703 053; nearest postcode: CA17 4NY; what3words ///snowy.textiles.umbrella

On foot follow the road sign posted to Great Asby, then turn right down the private road to Brownber. The nature reserve entrance is approximately another 150 metres ahead.
54.442395, -2.4592236 View on Google Map

By bicycle:

The nature reserve is 2.3km/3 miles from National Route 70 Walney to Wear (W2W).

By public transport:

There is a limited bus service from Kendal, Sedbergh, and Brough to Kirby Stephen. The nearest train station is Kirkby Stephen West on the Settle to Carlisle line.