Great Knoutberry and Sportsmans Inn Circular
Walk 4
- Great Knoutberry and Sportsmans Inn Circular [672m] from Dent Station
- 6 miles circular [by car or train] - 3 hours - A very easy upland walk
to the summit of Great Knoutberry Hill returning via Arten Gill and the
Sportsmans Arms. There are no particular problems route-finding with a
handy fence to follow most of the way. There is the possibility of a visit
to the remote Widdale Great Tarn for the more adventurous! Back
to Dentdale 
.JPG)
- Widdale Tarn located just below the summit of Great Knoutberry
If arriving by car it might be best to find a pull-in place along Cowgill and join the route. Otherwise, alight at Dent Station and turn right up the Coal Road for nearly 1 mile. At the top of the hill at a bend in the road turn right through a gate and along a bridleway for 1/4 mile or so. At a gate turn left through a cattle enclosure and proceed uphill with the fence on the left. The going is fairly good apart from one short boggy section and eventually the summit of Great Knoutberry will be attained
- Dent Station
- Great Knoutberry trig point
The views of the Three Peaks are magnificent on a clear day. Behind the trig point is a useful seat and a windbreak.
Alternatively: For those wishing to take in Widdale Great Tarn an alternative route is possible. After leaving the Coal Road and passing through the gate bear left and proceed straight up the rough pasture to the high ground. You should maintain roughly the same line as the Coal Road but bearing slightly to the right and negotiating recently installed stock fences. Upon reaching the crest of the hill Widdale Great Tarn will come into view. From the tarn bear right and follow a fence up the ridge eventually emerging at the wind break and trig point at the summit of Great Knoutberry. This is a worthwhile diversion.
- IIngleborough from Great Knoutberry
- Cairn overlooking Dentdale
- Widdale Little Tarn with unusual shooting butt in middle with causeway
From the summit trig point continue onwards, downhill with fence/ wall on the left until a stile is reach at the old drovers road from Dentdale to Wensledale. Turn right and proceed down the recently restored bridleway passing under Arten Gill viaduct. Pass through the small picturesque hamlet and turn right at the minor road towards Cowgill passing Stone House Bridge. After 1/4 mile the Sportsmans Inn will come into view a delightful establishment and worth a visit!
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| Arten Gill | The Sportsman |
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| Arten Gill | Arten Gill |
Upon departing the pub continue along the road to Lea Yeat Bridge at Cowgill and then turn right up the steep Coal Hill to Dent Station. From the pub it would be best to allow 40 minutes for the steep uphill walk!
The Sportsmans Inn [015396 25282] is a hidden gem welcoming walkers and passersby The pub has a good selection of real ales and bar food. Whilst it is always best to phone in advance to check on opening times it is understood that the pub is open most days including afternoons.
For walkers based in Kendal, Sedbergh or Dent the Saturday S1 bus can be used to reach Dent Station from Kendal. For current timetables see Western Dales Bus
Important note:- Whilst the author has taken every care in assembling the information on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for any error or omission herein. If in any doubt walkers should always consult the relevant OS map. All timings are approximate and for a person of average fitness and ability.
This page was last updated on 26-Jun-2021
© John Carey 2010