WHAT TO DO

Cycling near Orton

The area around Orton is popular with cyclists with a miriad of uncrowded narrow country lanes undulating through superb Cumbrian scenery. Using an OS map it is easy to plan circular routes to suit your wishes on roads that meander through open fells and moorland taking in small villages and hamlets on the way. A little further away to the east is the Eden Valley and to the west is the Lake District National Park. These areas provide magical cycling environments for road cyclists and mountain bikers alike. Travelling distances to the venues listed below are approximate.

Cycle routes in Cumbria offers a wide choice of circular tours from the Eden Valley to the Lake District.

Mountain Biking on the Howgills (8 miles) 

There are established mountain biking routes on the Howgills and additional opportunities in the surrounding countryside. The terrain on the Howgills is well illustrated in this youtube video.

Stonetrail (10 miles) 

Stonetrail Holidays, at Fell End, Ravenstonedale, provides mountain bike hire and guided trips on pre-planned routes for all abilities. Half day and full day outings with refreshments are available.

Bird Watching near Orton

There are many song birds and waders like curlew, redshank and lapwing that nest around the parish. The west end of tarn pasture always has Skylarks in summer. You can also hear snipe drumming when the conditions are right at tarn pasture and other places. Although bird numbers have decreased in recent years considerable numbers are still in evidence.

As is the case elsewhere in the country there are several factors that may contribute to a decline in bird populations such as an increase in the number of people using the area for leisure activities. Early silageing and ground nesting birds do not go together and the removal of hawthorns and other trees on the verges reduces habitat and take away nesting sites and winter shelter. Where walls are replaced with wire fencing there is a similar loss of protection from the cold in winter. BuTarn Pasture at Ortonards and kestrels can be seen in the vicinity of Orton but again numbers have reduced in recent years. Merlin, peregrine falcons and short eared owls (bog owls) were more in evidence some years ago.

Sunbiggin Tarn (4 miles) 

Sunbiggin Tarn, situated in open moorland, is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is recognised for its variety of wildlife and plantlife and is a popular place for bird watchers. There used to be a big gull colony nesting there in the past. These days some seem to come each spring and then go away again. There are water fowl on the tarn most of the time but they don’t appear to nest these days. However at various times throughout the year it is possible to observe a wide variety of resident and migrating birds. Sightings can include Coot, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Pintail, Pochard, Shelduck, Snipe, Teal, Tufted Duck, Water Rail, Wigeon.

 

Lowther Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre (14 miles)

For a day out bird watching with a difference the Lowther Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre allows visitors to get close to a range of birds of prey including over 150 falcons, hawks, eagles, buTarn Pasture at Ortonards and owls from the UK and oversees.

Tennis near Orton

There is no tennis court in Orton but visitors have an opportuniy to play tennis on several courts in the vicinity. Travel distances to the tennis courts listed below are only approximate.

Tebay (2 miles)

There is a tennis court at Tebay where visitors can usually just turn up and play.

Ravenstonedale (8 miles) 

There is a tennis court in the village managed by Ravenstonedale Tennis Club. Visitors are welcome for which there is a modest charge of £2 per person per session (2009), payable at the Black Swan Hotel in the village.

Kirkby Stephen (12 miles) 

The grammar school at Kirkby Stephen has recreation facilities that are open to the public. This includes 2 tennis courts.

Walking near Orton

Orton is at the hub of a network of footpaths and bridleways which allow a variety of round walks of any length. The open countryside surrounding Orton is limestone with sheep bitten grass which truly offers a wealth of opportunities for walkers. Orton Scar and Great Asby Scar are close to the village while the Howgills, famously documented by Wainwright, are just a few miles away. The mountain walks of the Lake District are an easy and picturesque drive away as are the Yorkshire Dales.

Orton Scar and Great Asby Scar (1 mile) 

A path from the village leads directly to the summit of Orton Scar but if you prefer a less energetic walk you can start from the quarry on the B6260. From here you can walk alongside the wall to the monument on the summit. This is an easy walk on open access land. From the summit of Orton Scar you can see the trig point on Great Asby Scar a mile or so away. This is another pleasant walk.

Orton Scar and Great Asby Scar are characterised by large outcrops of limestone pavements set amid sheep-grazed grass. These weathered outcrops are not only amazingly picturesque but are also home to a miriad of plants that inhabit the deep crevices. The scenery is truly dramatic.

Howgills (7 miles) 

The Howgill Fells are just a short distance away from Orton. Described by Alfred Wainwright as “often likened to a huddle of squatting elephants” the Howgills are more undulating than the bulk of the Lake District mountains and they are also less crowded. They therefore offer walkers brilliant walking opportunities with the possibility of isolation. There are approximately 40 summits of which several are over 2,000 feet.

Smardale Nature Reserve (8 miles) 

Smardale is a beautiful secluded valley that offers a variety of easy circular walks amid beautiful undulating scenery. Walkers can start either from Ravenstonedale or from Newbiggin-on-Lune and return to either village. More details on Walking in Smardale.

Yomp Mountain Challenge (11 miles) 

The Yomp Mountain Challenge is an annual event held in June that involves a walk, or run, over 23 miles of beautiful Cumbrian fells in the Upper Eden Valley near Kirkby Stephen. For those who prefer a gentler aim there are walks of 11.5 miles (Half Yomp) and 6.5 miles (Short Yomp). The Yomp Mountain Challenge, formerly known as the Mallerstang Horseshoe and Nine Standards Yomp, was established in 1983 by the Rotary Club of Upper Eden to commemorate the achievements of the British Forces engaged in the Falklands Campaign. The Yomp is a community event open to all.