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Barbon Beck Barbondale

9.32 miles (15 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This lovely valley in the Cumbrian section of the Yorkshire Dales is a great place for a peaceful, waterside walk. It can also be made into a challenging circular walk by climbing Castle Knott Hill and Calf Top Hill.
The circular walk starts from the village of Barbon which is located just a few miles north east of Kirkby Lonsdale. The Barbon Beck runs through the village to the River Lune, about one mile to the west. After leaving the village you climb to Eskhome Pike, Castle Knott Hill and Calf Top Hill. It's a challenging climb with Calf Top Hill reaching a height of 609m (2000 ft). From the high points there are splendid views of the surrounding fells and countryside.
The route then descends from Calf Top to Hanging Clint and Rowel Gill. Here you pick up the much easier path along the beck through Barbondale. On the way you'll pass a series of pretty waterfalls and a woodland section at Barbon Manor.
For an easier walk you can just take the southern section of the path along the Beck which is very flat.
To extend your walking in the area you could head to Kirkby Lonsdale, pick up the Lune Valley Ramble and enjoy another waterside walk along the River Lune.
You could also follow the Limestone Link to Hutton Roof Crags and Farleton Fell where you will find some of the finest limestone pavement in the country.

Postcode

LA6 2LJ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Barbon Beck Barbondale OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Barbon Beck Barbondale Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Back in Barbon village there's the Barbon Inn for post walk refreshments. The 17th century former coaching inn serves high quality dishes and provides accommodation too. There's an attractive garden area which is popular with walkers and cyclists looking for a peaceful spot to relax in. You can find them at postcode LA6 2LJ.
Another option is to head into nearby Kirkby Lonsdale and visit the Snooty Fox. The classic old pub dates from the 17th century and has an excellent menu. There's also a nice beer garden to relax in on warmer days. You can find it in the attractive market town on Main Street with a postcode of LA6 2AH for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The beck and fells make for a fine walk for fit dogs. The Barbon Inn mentioned above is also very dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The village is not far from the coastal town of Carnforth where you could enjoy an easy waterside stroll on the Carnforth Canal Walk.
Just to the north is Sedbergh where there's the River Dee - Dentdale Walk and the Sedbergh Circular Walk to try around the town.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cumbria Walks page.

Photos

Hodge Bridge, Barbon - geograph.org.uk - 1809681

Hodge Bridge, Barbon

A track in Barbondale - geograph.org.uk - 1817787

A track in Barbondale

The Barbon Beck - geograph.org.uk - 963082

The Barbon Beck

Ford across Barbon Beck - geograph.org.uk - 1817790

Ford across Barbon Beck

Castle Knott - geograph.org.uk - 131453

Castle Knott

Wall on Calf Top - geograph.org.uk - 1909887

Wall on Calf Top

Barkin Top - geograph.org.uk - 131438

Barkin Top. Part of the ridge along the edge of Middleton Fell which formed the old Westmorland-Yorkshire border, now the Yorkshire Dales National Park boundary.

Barbon in Cumbria - geograph.org.uk - 1655193

A lovely pair of cottages in the village of Barbon in Cumbria.

Elevation Profile

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Barbon Beck Barbondale.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Barbon Beck Barbondale.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)