Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Great Asby Scar NNR on the Orton Fells in east Cumbria contains some of the finest examples of intact limestone pavement in Britain. Limestone pavements are nationally rare and have been extensively damaged in the past by their removal for use as garden rockery stone. They present a wonderful, wild landscape that was once typical of upland northern England. The limestone pavement is home to rare plants such as angular Solomon’s seal, dark red helleborine, bloody crane’s-bill, rigid buckler fern and limestone fern. On top of the limestone pavement you can find other specialities including bird’s-foot sedge, autumn gentian and salad burnet. Dwarfed trees dot the limestone landscape, their growth stunted by the rock itself and the very dry conditions found here. Great Asby Scar is also home to a rich diversity of bird species. Meadow pipit and skylark can be seen alongside birds of prey such as buzzard and merlin. Waders including golden plover and curlew haunt the upland landscape, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a red grouse in the heather.
About the area
Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes', but other lesser-known areas in the south, such as the Lune Valley and the coastal towns, are secret gems of wide cobbled streets and rolling hills.
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Nearby places to stay
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Glamping
The Pods by The Stream at Flakebridge Farm
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- Hairdryers
- Dishwashing area
- Barbeque
Nearby places to stay
The Pods by The Stream at Flakebridge Farm
The Pods by the Stream at Flakebridge Farm is on the border between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. It is a friendly family-run site located on a traditional working farm. Each n...
The Black Swan
Set in the heart of this quiet village, set between the Lakes and the Dales, the inn is popular with visitors and locals alike and offers a very friendly welcome. The bedrooms are indiv...
Waitby School
An historic and luxurious holiday cottage, Waitby School is the perfect all-season getaway. Built in 1680, this Grade II listed building sleeps six to seven people and has two bedrooms ...
Waitby School
An historic and luxurious holiday cottage, Waitby School is the perfect all-season getaway. Built in 1680, this Grade II listed building sleeps six to seven people and has two bedrooms ...
The Byre
The Byre sleeps 4 and is a perfect base for a couples retreat or for families wanting to explore the countryside from the doorstep or family attractions nearby. The magnificent double h...
The Carthouse
The Carthouse sleeps up to 6 guests and is perfect for larger families or friends catching up. The ground floor has a cosy living room with original stone fireplace, open plan kitchen/d...
The Green Cumbria
Three dog friendly cottages in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and within easy reach of the Lake District. In a rural location with walks onto the fells from the entrance, on the ou...
The Haystore
The vaulted ceilings and tall slate fireplace are the stars of the show in this rustic yet luxurious property. Laid out on two floors plus cosy mezzanine, there is plenty of space to re...
