Great Asby Scar Walk

The payoff builds slowly. Field paths and lanes come first, and the open limestone and the summit come in the second half, with views to the Howgills, the Lake District and the North Pennines.

• From the small off-road parking area beside the B6260, walk north briefly, then take the clear track east.
• Grassy paths and a gate lead downhill to Knott Lane.
• Cross walled fields toward Acres and Sunbiggin, then follow lanes and a rising walled track into open country.
• Cross the limestone country past Castle Folds and on to The Knott at 412 m.
• Follow the wall and bridleway west and northwest through gates and tracks back to the B6260 access.

Moderate rather than hard, but more demanding than a simple hill walk. Footing is mixed: grass, field paths, tracks, lanes, gates and stiles, plus long stretches of open limestone. The pavement, with its clints and grikes, is awkward underfoot and slippery when wet, so keep to defined paths across it. Cave openings and sinkholes are real hazards, and the high ground is open and exposed with little shelter.

Route finding across the open upland is part of the challenge. Walls, gates and bridleways are the main handrails, and a map and compass or GPS plus the ability to use them are sensible. Poor visibility makes the crossing between Castle Folds and The Knott harder to judge.

Great Asby Scar is high ground between Orton and Great Asby, protected as a National Nature Reserve for its limestone pavement and plant life. Castle Folds is a Romano-British fortified settlement set within the pavement, and The Knott gives the high point at 412 m.

Dogs are allowed on public rights of way but should be on a lead or under close control, especially near livestock, and on a short lead from March to July for ground-nesting birds. Bear in mind that pavement fissures, caves and sinkholes are dangerous for dogs. There are no formal facilities at the roadside trailhead. You can also start on foot from Orton for the fuller approach, or park beside the Orton to Appleby road for a head start.

The Orton Scar Walk is a shorter loop of about 4 miles with limestone pavement, a beacon and a stone circle. It is a separate, easier option rather than part of this route.