Kirkby Stephen

In a remote corner of Cumbria on the borders of North Yorkshire and Durham, tucked beside the Pennines lies the Upper Eden Valley Kirkby Stephen, a village sized ancient Westmorland market town that has won numerous prizes for its blooms and was recently voted Calor Northern Village of the Year; here you will find unspoilt countryside with low valleys, Pennine peaks, the Howgills and upland fells all waiting to be explored in their tranquil and unspoilt setting.

The area is steeped in mystery and heritage with legendary castles, the Cathedral of the Dales, tunnels and the towns building conservation area. Above all, there is a very warm welcome for all visitors who, having found us, are reluctant to leave.

Footpaths vary from a gentle meander along the River Eden or in a Nature Reserve to climbing over the Nine Standards on the Coast to Coast footpath or using your navigation skills on open access fells, our local Mountain Rescue Team even run courses to teach you new skills. Old drover’s ways, packhorse routes and ancient roads are still here to be discovered anew. Enjoy the nationally acclaimed Poetry Path, Eden benchmarks or Andy Goldsworthy’s Sheepfolds. Old railway walks and industrial heritage, red squirrels, Curlews and rare butterflies all await you. We look forward to seeing you.

Further information and the latest Kirkby Stephen Walking Programme available from www.walkeden.org or  www.kirkby-stephen.com, Kirkby Stephen Community and Council Centre 017683 71775