Beat 18
Scandal Beck, Smardale Mill
2 Tokens
Brown Trout
Wading Difficulty 3
1750m right bank fishing, 450m left bank fishing
SCANDAL BECK: This is a long section of the Scandal Beck, which starts below Smardale Mill and finishes at the Smardale viaduct. This river does not always have large amounts of cover so it is probably best fished when there is a bit of colour in the water or when the river is running higher than usual.
STOCKS: There should be some wild, easily spooked upland brownies in the river; make sure any catches are recorded on the catch return form.
USEFUL INFORMATION: Provisions can be found in the village of Kirkby Stephen where there are several bakeries, shops and pubs for you to choose from.
ACCESS & DIRECTIONS: Make your way towards Kirkby Stephen, from the A66 heading east, turn right at the village of Brough for the A685 and continue on this road for around 6.5km .When entering Kirkby Stephen on the A685 take the main right turn past the school towards Crosby Garrett. Go over the small Sandwath Bridge and take the right-hand fork in the road. Carry along this road for around 2km until you come to Smardale Mill farm on the right hand side.
There are two yard entrances here, take the smaller, first entrance and park beside the fence marked ‘Go Wild Parking’. The gate to the small yard here may be closed, if so open it and be sure to close it when parked. The Go Wild token box is located just downstream of the parking sign on a large gateway post.
From here the river can be fished up or down stream on the near-side bank. Down stream continues for around 250m until the Beat End sign. Up stream there is some 1500m of single bank fishing, this continues from the yard to the ford and small footbridge, on the right hand bank when facing downstream. To progress upstream you will first have to pass through part of the yard to gain access to the field and river, make sure that you close any opened gates behind you.
From the ford and footbridge upstream to Smardale viaduct the fishing changes to the left hand bank and continues for 450m until you reach the Beat End sign just below the viaduct. This area is also popular with tourists and holiday makers in the summer.
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