Cumbria: Smardale Gill (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR102

A day walking through this beautiful landscape in search of a diversity of species including birds, butterflies, mammals and orchids.

We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 1-844-433-9473.

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Tour Itinerary and Reports

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Lucy Cameron

Operations Consultant

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Carbon Footprint

5.3kg CO2e

What does this mean?

Highlights

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

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.

Reviews

C.D, West Yorkshire, Aug 25, Aug 2025

Nick was incredibly knowledgeable and shared his experience with us in a friendly and encouraging way. We thoroughly enjoyed our day. It was amazing to find such a wide variety of insects and flora over the course of a few hours. Particular highlights were finding the Scotch Argus, literally 100 Red Admirals and the Spotted Flycatcher which we’d never seen before. Thanks again to Naturetrek for a fantastic day.

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Day Trip Location

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!