Pendragon Castle: A Guide to Mallerstang’s Romantic Ruin

There is a romantic, ruined castle, off the beaten track, set in the pure, vast wildness of the Mallerstang valley.

This is Pendragon Castle, and it’s a place I know well.

It’s located near Outhgill in Cumbria, not far from Kirkby Stephen. I drive past it often on the road over towards Hawes and the Yorkshire Dales.

It’s one of my favourite drives, to be honest—always quiet, away from the tourist crowds, with a wildness that feels ancient.

The ruin itself, standing against the backdrop of Mallerstang Edge and Wild Boar Fell, is steeped in legend.

But for anyone wishing to visit, its remote location means a bit of practical information is needed first.

Pendragon Castle: Visitor Fact Sheet

Before we get into the myths and history, here is the essential, at-a-glance information you need to plan your visit.

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How to Visit Pendragon Castle: A Practical Guide

Parking and Directions

Finding the castle is straightforward, but the parking is the most critical part of your visit. There is no formal car park.

You will find a small, free layby on the B6259 directly opposite the castle’s entrance gate.

This layby can fit maybe three cars at most. If it is full, you must find somewhere else safe to park that does not block the road or any gates.

A quick note on postcodes: Many walking guides list a car park with the postcode CA17 4HA.

Be aware that this is a public car park in Kirkby Stephen, intended as a starting point for a very long walk, not as parking for the castle itself. For drive-up visiting, use CA17 4JT.

The castle is best reached by car, located on the B6259 about 3 miles south of Nateby, which is just outside Kirkby Stephen. It’s a beautiful drive, but be prepared for a narrow, winding, single-track road with passing places.

Accessibility and Safety: What You Must Know

This is the most important advice I can give you. My original article mentioned you could “step directly around it”, but it’s crucial to be clearer:

• This is a Ruin: The castle is on private farmland, and while access is permitted, the structure is in a “potentially dangerous condition”.
• The Path: The route from the layby is across a field on a path that is grassy, uneven, and can be very challenging and muddy.
• Mobility: It is not suitable for wheelchairs, prams, or visitors with mobility issues. Please do not attempt it if you are unsteady on your feet. Adult supervision for children is essential.

The History and Legends of Pendragon

So, why is this ruin in the middle of nowhere so famous? It all comes down to its incredible legends and its link to one of history’s most formidable women.

The Legend of Uther Pendragon

Folklore and legend are what give this place its name. The story goes that the first castle here was built by Uther Pendragon, the father of the legendary King Arthur.

Uther supposedly tried (and failed) to change the direction of the River Eden to create a moat for his fortress.

This story is immortalised in an old local rhyme:

“Let Uther Pendragon do what he can,

Eden will run where Eden ran.”

Legend also claims Uther and a hundred of his men died here when Saxons poisoned the well.

The Real History: Knights, Raids, and Lady Anne

As romantic as the legend is, the first recorded building here was a Norman castle built in the 12th century.

But even this “real” history is packed with drama.

Roman Roots: Even before the Normans, this was a strategic spot. Roman coins have been found on-site, suggesting they likely had a small fort here to guard the road between Brough and Bainbridge.

The King’s Assassin: One of the castle’s earliest owners was Hugh de Morville, one of the four knights who famously murdered St. Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170.

The Scottish Raid: It’s often said the castle was destroyed by fire multiple times. However, recent research suggests this may be a popular misunderstanding. The primary damage likely occurred during one devastating Scottish raid in 1341, which left it a ruin for centuries.

The Great Restorer: The castle’s story would have ended there if not for Lady Anne Clifford. In 1660, she inherited the castle (along with Brough, Appleby, Brougham and others) and began a massive restoration, rebuilding it and adding a brewhouse, bakery, and stables.

The Final Ruin: After Lady Anne’s death, her heir, the Earl of Thanet, had no use for the remote castle. He stripped its valuable materials, including the lead from the roof, and let it fall into the romantic ruin we see today.

What to See Near Pendragon Castle

A visit to Pendragon Castle itself can be quite brief. The real magic is using it as your gateway to exploring the truly spectacular Mallerstang valley. This is a perfect “what’s next” itinerary.

1. Hike the Fells

The castle is dwarfed by the magnificent fells that hem in the valley: Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge.

For hikers, the view from these fells down onto the tiny castle is the real prize. There are several moderate walking routes from the nearby village of Nateby that incorporate the castle.

2. Explore Other Mallerstang Castles

If Pendragon gives you a taste for ruins, you’re in luck. Just a short way up the valley, you can find the remains of Lammerside Castle, a 14th-century Pele tower built to defend against Scottish raiders.

Further on, you can complete the “Lady Anne Clifford” tour by visiting the much larger ruin of Brough Castle.

3. Visit Kirkby Stephen

As there are no facilities at the castle, your best bet for a cup of tea or a pub lunch is the wonderful, historic market town of Kirkby Stephen.

While there, I’d recommend a stroll to see Frank’s Bridge (a 17th-century packhorse bridge) and a walk along the Poetry Path, which features 12 poems carved in stone.

4. Spot the Settle-Carlisle Railway

As you stand at the castle, you will almost certainly see or hear the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway line, which runs right through the Mallerstang valley.

It’s one of the most beautiful and iconic train journeys in the world.