This village is described by visitors as a ‘walkers and cyclists paradise’ with historic viaducts and stunning valley views that create one of the most challenging cycle routes
It’s popular with ramblers as it offers some of the Dales’ best walks (Image: Chris Heaton / geograph.org.uk)
Like something plucked from a storybook, this charming English village in Cumbria offers everything from peaceful riverside walks to thrilling hikes, leading you past waterfalls, farmland and valleys.
The settlement itself lets you journey back through history via its stone-paved lanes and postcard-worthy homes, serving as a tranquil haven between major adventures. Nestled within a steep and slender valley, it boasts several welcoming pubs, tea shops, camping grounds, bed and breakfasts, and a small museum. One visitor, following their trip to the location, described it as a “cyclists’ and walkers’ paradise”. They posted on TripAdvisor: “Stunning little village, with views that normally you’d see in a holiday brochure. A wonderful lunch at the Heritage Centre as we cycled through the area. Barrowdale, Deepdale and the Yorkshire Dales are all within a very close distance.”
Another shared their encounter with this “gem of a village”, saying: “It’s like stepping back in time (apart from the cars! ). Beautifully kept cottages, a superb church, good pubs and a car park with clean toilets, all set in a simply stunning valley. There’s even a tiny but useful shop. I could spend all summer here.”
Among the numerous stunning walks near the village that attract enthusiastic hikers is the route to Arten Gill Viaduct, an impressive eleven-arch railway bridge. Built in 1871 to carry the Carlisle railway line across Artengill Beck, this towering structure stands approximately 117 feet high and remains a breathtaking spectacle offering spectacular panoramas whilst continuing to operate today.
The viaduct lies a thirty-minute cycle from the village and requires just under two hours on foot. Though it’s a fifteen-minute drive, tourists utilise the nearby Dent Head Viaduct car park before making their ascent to witness its magnificent splendour.Those fascinated by railway engineering and historic monuments might consider visiting both viaducts in a single excursion.
A recent guest said: “Lovely walk from Stone House. Park by the river, and having crossed the bridge, take the Arten Gill Viaduct signposted footpath. We continued along the track to where it is crossed by the Pennine Bridleway before turning back. Stunning views for miles!”.
Also attracting outdoor enthusiasts is Gastack Beck Waterfall, tucked away off the main path yet accessible from Dent. This tranquil spot receives fewer visitors than other Yorkshire Dales cascades, creating an ideal location for a refreshing plunge, though one explorer warned it’s so well-concealed that you could “blink and you’ll miss it”.
If you’re more inclined to stay near the quaint cobbled streets, the village boasts the Dent Village Museum and Heritage Centre. This centre provides a wealth of historical information and artefacts that narrate the area’s story. The centre was established by Jim and Margaret Taylor, who have devoted years to salvaging and restoring these displayed artefacts, ensuring the village’s vibrant history continues to thrive.