Discover Mallerstang on the Wild Boar Fell Walk in the Yorkshire Dales
This fantastic 10½-mile Wild Boar Fell walk takes you through the stunning Mallerstang Common area of the Yorkshire Dales, just a few miles south of Kirkby Stephen. The route offers breathtaking views as it explores the higher ground on both the east and west sides of the Mallerstang valley. Below, you’ll find the River Eden, the Settle to Carlisle Railway, and the B6259 running side by side. Begin your Wild Boar Fell walk by parking near Cotegill Bridge on the B6259, located between Aisgill Farm and Aisgill Moor Cottages.
Start by heading south down the B6259 for about half a mile until you reach Aisgill Moor Cottages. After passing the cottages, turn left onto the path that leads to Hellgill Force. This superb waterfall plunges into a large circular pool. Next, follow the trail east, initially alongside Hell Gill Beck. Continue gradually ascending for just over half a mile until you reach Hell Gill Bridge. Here, you will join the Pennine Bridleway. Turn left and follow the track, known as Old Road, as it winds northward, offering stunning views of the valley on your left.
After approximately 2½ miles, the trail descends towards the B6259 road. Cross the road and take the path leading down to Thrang Bridge, a historic packhorse bridge spanning the River Eden. Once across, turn left and follow the path through the fields for just under half a mile until you arrive at Hazelgill Farm. Pass through the farmyard and continue on the path leading up to the railway tunnel. After passing through the tunnel, begin the one-mile climb westward up the fell side towards High Dolphinsty.
Upon reaching High Dolphinsty, turn left and join a path that leads south to The Nab. From there, continue south-east and further uphill to reach the top of Wild Boar Fell. The mountain features a large flat plateau with a shelter and a triangulation pillar towards the western side. If you’re up for a slight detour, head across the plateau to the eastern side to view a series of cairns overlooking Yoadcomb Scar and High White Scar. From these cairns, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Mallerstang valley.
After taking in the views, continue your Wild Boar Fell walk by heading south-west across the top of the mountain. The path will lead you downhill towards Swarth Fell Tarn, nestled in the dip between Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell. Continue along the trail as it ascends Swarth Fell’s summit, guiding you for about a mile until you reach the cairns on Swarth Fell Pike.
Although not marked on maps, a grassy path descends eastward from Swarth Fell Pike towards Aisgill Moor Cottages. On clear days, you’ll be able to see the white-painted cottages about a mile away, which can serve as a visual guide. Once you reach the cottages, turn left and follow the B6259 road northward, leading you back to your starting point at Cotegill Bridge, concluding your Wild Boar Fell walk.
Wild Boar Fell Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Wild Boar Fell Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 10½ miles
Distance: 17 kilometres
Duration: 5½ hours
Ascent: 2067 feet
Ascent: 630 metres
Type: Circular walk
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Howgill Fells & Upper Eden Valley, reference OS Explorer OL19, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
About Wild Boar Fell
Wild Boar Fell is a striking mountain located on the eastern edge of Cumbria within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Rising to 708 metres (2323 feet), it stands as the fifth-highest fell in the Yorkshire Dales. The Wild Boar Fell walk offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking dramatic landscapes and panoramic views.
Surrounding Peaks and Historical Significance
To the south of Wild Boar Fell, Swarth Fell stretches as a ridge roughly a mile long. To the east, across the narrow dale, High Seat and Hugh Seat provide additional prominent points of interest. Wild Boar Fell itself marks the boundary between the civil parishes of Mallerstang and Ravenstonedale.
According to Alfred Wainwright, the fell takes its name from the wild boar that roamed these lands over 500 years ago. In earlier centuries, likely until the mid-19th century, the Millstone Grit that forms the fell’s flat summit was quarried for millstone production. Even today, you can spot partly formed millstones on the fell’s eastern flank and across the dale on Mallerstang Edge. Locals once used sand from Sand Tarn’s beach, composed of Millstone Grit, to sharpen knives and scythes, creating ‘strickles’ by bonding the sand to wooden blocks with tar.
Wild Boar Fell’s Distinctive Profile and Views
Wild Boar Fell is an unmistakable landmark, visible for miles around. When viewed from the north, the fell appears deceptively as a peak. However, its true profile—similar to Ingleborough with its steep sides and flat top—becomes clear when seen from the south of the dale at Aisgill. The flat summit, capped with Millstone Grit, adds to its distinct character. Those embarking on the Wild Boar Fell walk are rewarded with breathtaking views from the top. The panorama includes the Howgill Fells, the Pennines, the Lake District fells, and the Yorkshire Three Peaks. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the sea at Morecambe Bay.
Wild Boar Fell Walk: My Photos
This is Hellgill Force, located just behind Aisgill Moor Cottages. The waterfall forms just before Hell Gill Beck turns north, joins Ais Gill, and eventually becomes the River Eden.
Here, my friends Michael, Leanne, and Mike stand beside Hellgill Force, which serves as an early highlight of our Wild Boar Fell walk.
As we move forward, Hell Gill Beck cascades downhill in Mallerstang, creating a picturesque scene on our Wild Boar Fell walk.
From Hell Gill Bridge, we witness a deep, narrow ravine carved out by the persistent flow of Hell Gill Beck.
Next, we come across the ‘Water Cut’, one of ten stone sculptures placed at intervals along the River Eden, stretching from Mallerstang to the Solway Firth. The space carved between the two vertical pillars mimics the shape of a meandering river in the sky, offering a window to the real river below. This sculpture symbolises the River Eden’s power as it cuts through rock on its journey through East Cumbria. Crafted from limestone quarried near Shap, its outer curve echoes the viaduct arches of the nearby Settle to Carlisle railway line.
As we continue, the breathtaking views of Mallerstang Common and Wild Boar Fell unfold before us, seen from the Pennine Bridleway on the eastern side of the Mallerstang valley.
We cross the historic Thrang Bridge over the River Eden. Interestingly, this bridge has only one parapet. It’s also a perfect spot to take a break during our Wild Boar Fell walk.
Moving on, we encounter limestone pavement on Mallerstang Common, which showcases a geological wonder. During glaciation, ice scraped away the topsoil, revealing the bare rock beneath. Rainwater, weakly acidic, began to dissolve the limestone. Over time, this process widened and deepened the cracks, forming grykes and leaving exposed blocks known as clints. Limestone pavement like this is common in the Yorkshire Dales.
The uphill path from High Dolphinsty to the top of Wild Boar Fell is not too challenging and offers fantastic views as we ascend.
Reaching The Nab on Wild Boar Fell, we are rewarded with stunning views of the Mallerstang valley, a sight that makes the climb well worth the effort.
Here’s a photo capturing Mike, Leanne, and Michael at The Nab on Wild Boar Fell, a moment of achievement during our Wild Boar Fell walk.
Next, we reach the welcoming shelter and triangulation pillar on Wild Boar Fell, which stands at 708 metres (2323 feet). In the Yorkshire Dales, there are only seven mountains taller than 700 metres:
- Whernside, 736 metres (2415 feet)
- Ingleborough, 724 metres (2375 feet)
- Great Shunner Fell, 716 metres (2349 feet)
- High Seat, 709 metres (2326 feet)
- Wild Boar Fell, 708 metres (2323 feet)
- Great Whernside, 704 metres (2310 feet)
- Buckden Pike, 702 metres (2303 feet)
As we explore further, we notice a series of tall cairns perched on the eastern edge of the Wild Boar Fell plateau, above Yoadcomb Scar and High White Scar, adding to the dramatic landscape.
Here’s the view of Swarth Fell from Wild Boar Fell. The route between these two mountains generally follows the course of the dry stone wall visible on the right-hand side of the photo.
Continuing our Wild Boar Fell walk, we cross the plateau of Wild Boar Fell, taking in the expansive views around us.
We follow a grassy path as we begin our descent from Swarth Fell Pike towards Aisgill Moor Cottages, which we see about a mile away down in the valley.
During our descent, we are treated to fantastic views of Wensleydale from the Swarth Fell Pike area, a highlight of the Wild Boar Fell walk.
Next, we enjoy striking views of Wild Boar Fell as seen from Swarth Fell Pike, capturing the beauty of the landscape.
Finally, we reach Aisgill Moor Cottages on the B6259 road in the Mallerstang valley, close to the end of our rewarding Wild Boar Fell walk.
Amazon’s Top Walking Boots: Four Standout Choices for Men and Women
For walking and hiking, the right boots are essential for both comfort and safety. While Amazon boasts a wide range, certain boots emerge as top-sellers. From those, here are four I personally favour. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These fully waterproof leather walking boots feature a Gore-Tex lining, ensuring no water enters whilst allowing feet to breathe and stay cool. Made from full-grain leather, they promise unmatched durability and comfort. The boots come with memory foam tongues and cuffs that mould to your feet for a tailored fit, and the Vibram Hillmaster outsoles offer confidence on challenging terrains.
Salewa Men’s Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Made from durable suede and abrasion-resistant textile, these men’s hiking boots are both lightweight and sturdy. The upper material is enhanced by a 360° full rubber sheath. Their dual-layer midsole with Bilight technology ensures ergonomic cushioning and grip, especially on extended hikes. The Vibram Wrapping Thread Combi outsoles allow a natural walking feel, and the Gore-Tex lining provides waterproofing, breathability, and optimal weather protection. Furthermore, the patented Salewa 3F system ensures flexibility, a secure heel grip, and a blister-free fit.
Berghaus Women’s Supalite II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Specially designed for women, these hiking boots offer waterproofing and breathability, thanks to their Gore-Tex lining. Crafted from full-grain abrasion-resistant leather, they’re durable enough for the toughest hikes. The Supalite soles ensure stability and traction, and the EVA midsoles add comfort for extended walks.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These hiking boots incorporate a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, blending breathability with superior waterproof performance. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh on the uppers, along with the suede outer material, ensure durability and style. Enhancements include 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining. Additionally, bellows tongues, protective toe caps, and Vibram TC5+ rubber soles ensure protection and ease on any terrain.