THE MALLERSTANG YOMP YORKSHIRE DALES CHALLENGE WALK
With Mark Reid FRGS – author of ‘The Inn Way’ & Mountain Leader
Wild Boar Fell – Mallerstang Edge – Nine Standards
37 km (23 miles) – 1,300 metres of ascent – 12 hours
The Mallerstang Yomp traces a high-level route around the hills, fells and mountains that encircle the Upper Eden Valley, known as Mallerstang, in the western Yorkshire Dales (Westmorland Dales). This long distance challenge walk starts and finishes in the lovely town of Kirkby Stephen.
THE MALLERSTANG YOMP
The Mallerstang Yomp is a 23 mile route with 1,300m of climbing that will take around 12 hours to complete. Essentially, the route follows the hills, fells and mountains that encircle the upper reaches of the Upper Eden Valley (Mallerstang), including…
1. Wild Boar Fell (708m)
2. Swarth Fell (681m)
3. Gregory Chapel (695m)
4. High Seat (709m)
5. Nine Standards (662m)
THE ROUTE
From Kirkby Stephen, we head south rising steadily up onto the broad ridge of Little Fell before reaching the magnificent summit of Wild Boar Fell, which dominates the western side of Mallerstang. We then continue south over nearby Swarth Fell before dropping down to cross the infant River Eden, at the watershed with the River Ure; the Eden flows into the Irish Sea whilst the Ure flows into the North Sea.
Another climb then ensues up alongside Hell Gill before we follow the escarpment of Mallerstang Edge to the summits of Gregory Chapel and High Seat, high on the eastern side of Mallerstang. A high-level walk now follows along Mallerstang Edge to High Pike Hill, before dropping down into the saddle of Lamps Moss. A final climb then takes us up onto the iconic Nine Standards, with its collection of huge cairns dominating the skyline.
It is a demanding walk that requires a good level of fitness and so must be approached with preparation and training, but it is also a rewarding walk that will be remembered for many years for its variety of incredible views, amazing landscapes and diverse terrain. Much of this walk follows indistinct paths across exposed, open moorland and fell; some sections are pathless across rough, open ground.
This is a true mountain challenge walk, away from the crowds.
Mark Reid knows the Yorkshire Dales like the back of his hand and will guide you around this route (whilst also sharing his knowledge of the area), so that you can forget about navigating and concentrate on enjoying the walk instead!
This guided walk is designed for solo or small groups of walkers who want to take on the Mallerstang Yomp, but don’t want to worry about route finding.
- Fully guided walk with Mark Reid (Mountain Leader)
- Experience the comaraderie of walking a challenge route with other like-minded walkers
- Discover the history, heritage, flora and fauna of the Yorkshire Dales
- Share your sense of achievement with your fellow walkers
- Small group sizes – maximum 8 people per walk
- You are GUARANTEED not to get lost on our guided walk!
OUTLINE OF THE DAY
7am: Meet at Kirkby Stephen. Weather forecast, gear check & briefing.
7:30am – 7:30pm: Fully guided walk around the Mallerstang Yomp challenge walk
7:30pm: Debrief back at Kirkby Stephen pub, then head home
NB: Finish time is approximate
