Like something plucked from a storybook, this thoroughly English village nestled in Cumbria offers everything from peaceful riverside walks to thrilling mountain treks, guiding visitors past cascading waterfalls, working farms and rolling dales.
The Yorkshire settlement itself provides an opportunity to journey backwards through time via its stone-paved lanes and postcard-worthy homes, serving as a tranquil haven between major expeditions.
Positioned within a steep and confined valley, it accommodates several welcoming pubs, charming tea shops, camping grounds, bed and breakfasts, plus a humble local museum.
Following their visit to the region, one traveller proclaimed it a “cyclists’ and walkers’ paradise”. They shared 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 visitor described their encounter with this “gem of a village”, writing: “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 picturesque trails near the village that attract avid ramblers is the route to witness the Arten Gill Viaduct, an impressive eleven-arch railway bridge. Built in 1871 to transport the Carlisle railway line across Artengill Beck, this towering structure reaches approximately 117 feet in height and remains a remarkable spectacle offering unparalleled panoramas whilst continuing to serve its original purpose.
The viaduct lies a thirty-minute cycle from the village centre and requires just under two hours on foot. Though it’s merely a fifteen-minute drive away, many visitors utilise the adjacent Dent Head Viaduct car park before making their ascent to marvel at this engineering feat.
Those fascinated by railway architecture and historical monuments might find it worthwhile to combine both viaducts in a single expedition. One recent visitor commented: “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 captivating outdoor enthusiasts is the Gastack Beck Waterfall, tucked away off the main paths yet accessible from Dent. This tranquil cascade attracts fewer crowds than other Yorkshire Dales waterfalls, 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 cobbles, the village houses the Dent Village Museum and Heritage Centre, a treasure trove of historical knowledge and artefacts that narrate the area’s past. The centre is the brainchild of Jim and Margaret Taylor, who have devoted years to salvaging and restoring these artefacts for display, ensuring the village’s vibrant history continues to thrive.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
