Mallerstang is a quiet, rather isolated valley south of Kirkby Stephen, hemmed in on both sides by windswept moorland that rises to more than 2300ft. To the west is Wild Boar Fell; to the east are the cliffs of Mallerstang Edge. The narrow valley bottom is occupied by a few hamlets, a scattering of farmhouses, the winding B6259 road and the Settle to Carlisle Railway. You’ll also find Hell Gill and its impressive waterfall; the medieval church of St Mary’s at Outhgill; and the romantic ruins of Pendragon Castle, surrounded by the old-fashioned hay meadows that flourish beside the River Eden.
Lady Anne’s Way also passes through the valley. This 100-mile walk was inspired by the routes taken by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford from her castle in Skipton to visit the Westmorland estates she fought for in the seventeenth century.
