A big Wild Boar Fell Walk, offers a dramatic day out above the Mallerstang valley — waterfalls, ridges, cairns, and huge horizons.

Walk Summary

This is a 16 km / 9.9 mile high‑level circuit exploring both sides of the spectacular Mallerstang valley. Expect a mix of waterfalls, old packhorse bridges, airy ridgelines, a dramatic plateau dotted with tall cairns, and sweeping views across the Yorkshire Dales and the Eden Valley. It’s a proper adventure — long, rewarding, and packed with variety.

Key Stops

A) Cotegill Bridge (Start)

B) Hellgill Force

C) Hell Gill Bridge / Pennine Bridleway

D) Thrang Bridge

E) Hazelgill Farm & Railway Tunnel

F) High Dolphinsty

G) Wild Boar Fell Plateau & Cairns

H) Swarth Fell Pike → Descent to Aisgill Moor Cottages

Places to Stay Nearby

Route Breakdown

1) Cotegill Bridge → Aisgill Moor Cottages → Hellgill Force

Park near Cotegill Bridge on the B6259 — a quiet, scenic stretch of road running through the heart of Mallerstang. Head south along the road for around half a mile until you reach Aisgill Moor Cottages, a distinctive white-painted cluster that becomes your landmark later in the walk.

Turn left onto the signed path for Hellgill Force. The waterfall plunges into a deep, circular pool — a dramatic start to the day and one of the hidden gems of the valley.

2) Hellgill Force → Hell Gill Bridge → Pennine Bridleway

Continue east, following Hell Gill Beck upstream. The path climbs gradually for just over half a mile until you reach Hell Gill Bridge, a narrow crossing where you join the Pennine Bridleway.

Turn left onto the old track known as Old Road. This section is a joy — a high, airy traverse with the entire Mallerstang valley opening up to your left. The River Eden, the railway, and the B6259 run in parallel far below.

3) Old Road → B6259 Crossing → Thrang Bridge

After roughly 2.5 miles, the bridleway descends towards the road. Cross the B6259 and follow the path down to Thrang Bridge, a beautiful old packhorse bridge spanning the River Eden. It’s a perfect breather spot — quiet, historic, and framed by the valley walls.

4) Thrang Bridge → Hazelgill Farm → Railway Tunnel

Turn left after the bridge and follow the field path north for just under half a mile to Hazelgill Farm. Pass through the farmyard and continue on the track leading to the railway tunnel. Walk through the tunnel and prepare for the climb ahead.

5) Railway Tunnel → High Dolphinsty

Begin the steady one‑mile ascent westwards up the fellside. The views expand with every step, and by the time you reach High Dolphinsty, you’re standing on one of the great natural balconies of the Dales.

Turn left to follow the ridge south towards The Nab.

6) The Nab → Wild Boar Fell Plateau & Cairns

From The Nab, continue south‑east and climb onto the vast, flat summit plateau of Wild Boar Fell. The trig point and shelter sit on the western edge, but the real magic lies across the plateau.

Walk east to the line of tall cairns perched above Yoadcomb Scar and High White Scar. These towering stone stacks mark one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Yorkshire Dales — a sweeping panorama across Mallerstang and beyond.

7) Wild Boar Fell → Swarth Fell Tarn → Swarth Fell Pike

Head south‑west across the plateau and descend towards Swarth Fell Tarn, a quiet, windswept pool nestled between the two fells. Continue the climb up onto Swarth Fell, following the ridge for around a mile until you reach the cairns on Swarth Fell Pike.

This whole section feels wild, remote, and wonderfully exposed.

8) Swarth Fell Pike → Aisgill Moor Cottages → Cotegill Bridge

From Swarth Fell Pike, a faint but clear grassy path drops eastwards towards Aisgill Moor Cottages — visible ahead on clear days. Follow the descent all the way to the cottages, turn left onto the B6259, and walk the short stretch north back to Cotegill Bridge.

A big, brilliant loop complete.

Pick a place to Rest Up

Walk Details

Distance: 16 km (approx. 9.9 miles) Duration: 5–6 hours Difficulty: Hard — long, exposed, and remote Terrain: Fell paths, grassy ridges, old tracks, steep ascents/descents Start/Finish: Cotegill Bridge, B6259 Facilities: None on route — bring everything you need Dog-Friendly: Only for experienced fell dogs; steep drops + livestock

Tips for the Best Day Out

• Choose a clear day — the ridge and cairns deserve big views
• Take layers — the plateau is exposed and windy
• Carry plenty of water — no reliable sources on the tops
• Navigation matters — paths are faint in places
• Start early — this is a long, rewarding day on the fells

Walk Summary

This Wild Boar Fell circuit is one of the great upland adventures of the Yorkshire Dales — a long, varied, and deeply satisfying loop that combines waterfalls, historic bridges, airy ridges, dramatic cairns, and huge open skies. If you want a proper day out with a real sense of journey, this is it.

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