Smardale Gill, South Cumbria (Day Trip)

Summary

Join our Naturetrek tour leader as we walk along Smardale Gill, a beautiful landscape where industry, heritage and nature merge perfectly. This nature reserve, managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, is designated a SSSI due to the diversity of rare species that can be found here. Stunning scenery with woodland, river and limestone grassland provides habitats for birds such as Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Dipper, Red Squirrel, Greater Butterfly Orchid and butterflies (in particular Northern Brown Argus in July and Scotch Argus in August).

Smardale retains its beauty and character in autumn, with Red Squirrels actively searching for food as they prepare for winter. Migrating Fieldfares and Redwings arrive to feed on berries adding to resident birds such as Raven, Peregrine, Tree Sparrow and Siskin.

During our walk we will follow the old rail line as we take in the habitats that make Smardale special. We will also walk on hillside paths in search of some of the specialities of the reserve. You can expect to walk approximately 8 miles with plenty of stopping places.

• A good variety of birds including Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Cuckoo, Dipper, Tree Sparrow, Tree Pipit and Raven are possible
• Red Squirrels are another possibility here
• Various species of butterfly depending on timing
• Possible orchids include Greater Butterfly, Chalk Fragrant, Frog, Northern Marsh