The valley is served by a narrow minor road which runs as far as the farm of Dale Head.

[2][3] Just before reaching Sandwick, Martindale is joined by the side valley of Boredale, which enters from the south.

The upper part of Martindale around The Nab is a deer reserve which is not open to the public and contains no rights of way.

Hill walkers are requested by the Dalemain Estate, which owns the reserve, to keep to preferred routes which avoid the herds when climbing The Nab, to which there is now open access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

[6] Half a kilometre further up the valley is the restored St Martin's Church, the present building dates from the end of the 16th century.