Kirkby Stephen Tourist Information

Kirkby Stephen

Kirkby Stephen, positioned at the head of the Eden Valley enjoys the best of both worlds with the fells and waters of the Lake District to the west, and the valleys and moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the east.
This ancient market town is not generally regarded as one of the Lake District “honeypot” locations, but for those who know, it stands on the doorstep to one of the few remaining uncrowded wild and unspoiled landscapes in the region.
Here, hundreds of miles of quiet paths and trails are at the disposal of those who are seeking the calm and peace of a walking holiday well away from the rigours of the larger towns. However, although Kirkby Stephen is a little way off the beaten track, it is a self sufficient community offering a broad range of shops, stores, restaurants, cafés, inns, a post office, 2 banks and of course good quality tried and tested holiday accommodations all ready to roll out the red carpet for their guests.

Bus Services
Connections to Penrith, Appleby, Brough, Sedbergh, Kendal. Timetable information from
www.kirkby-stephen.com  or www.sedbergh.org.uk

Rail Services
The railway station on the Settle to Carlisle route is one mile from the town. Details of destinations and timetables from
www.settle-carlisle.co.uk

Nearby Villages
Nateby, Hartley, Ravenstonedale, Newbiggin-on-Lune, Mallerstang.

For more information on Kirkby Stephen, visit: www.walkeden.org

For information on nearby Mallerstang, visit: www.mallerstang.com

Local Kirkby Stephen links:

Click the following links or scroll down the page.
Kirkby Stephen Accommodation Kirkby Stephen Attractions
Kirkby Stephen Food and Drink Kirkby Stephen Transportation

Attractions in Kirkby Stephen
Popular Walks
Northern Viaducts Round - This pleasant walk includes rather more than a mile of the former Stainmore Railway and crosses the Merrygill and Podgill viaducts.
The Eden Way. A long distance trail to Carlisle via Warcop, Appleby, Langwathby, Kiroswald, Armathwaite and Wetheral.
The Poetry Path. Poet Meg Peacocke's celebration of the Eden Valley. Her 12 poems marking the farming calendar, are carved into a set of stones, some of which are placed in walls, stiles and upright in the ground along the route similar to milestones. For information and a booklet, visit the Tourist Information Centre.
Lady Annes Way. A 100 mile walk from her birthplace in Skipton via Wharfedale, Wensleydale and Brougham Castle near Penrith.
Lady Anne Clifford Westmorland Heritage Trail. Runs from her former home at Appleby Castle to Kirkby Stephen.
Wainwright's Coast to Coast. Kirkby Stephen is a stop over on this long distance walk along the backbone of England.
For details of many other walks in the area go to www.walkeden.org/ or contact the Tourist Information Centre.
Historical Monuments
Pendragon Castle.  The ruins of the 12th C castle are in nearby Mallerstang Dale. If legend is to be believed, it was founded by Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur. It stands on private land but access is allowed. A song alluding to the restoration of estates and castles to Lord Clifford of which Pendragon was one, goes as follows.
“How glad Pendragon-though the sleep
 Of years be on her-she shall reap
 A taste of this great pleasure, viewing
 As in a dream her own renewing,
 Rejoicing in Brough, right glad I deem
 Beside her little humble stream;
 And she that keepeth watch and word
 Her statlier Eden's course to guard;
They both are happy at this hour
Though each is but a lonely flower”.
Fishing
The River Eden is a major game fishing river. Salmon and brown trout. More information at
www.cumbriaflyfishing.co.uk
Town Attractions
Kirkby Stephen Parish Church - Dating from 1175, it stands on the site of a former Saxon Church.
The Loki Stone - An 8th C carved stone relic of the Viking occupation depicting a figure with beard and horns is in the west end of the church.
Franks Bridge - A 17th C pack horse bridge close to a child friendly recreation area and riverside picnic spot.
Stoneshot Alley - A hiding place beneath here was used by the towns inhabitants as a refuge during raids by the Border Reivers.
Settle - Carlisle Railway - The town is a station stop on this famous 72 mile route which passes through the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and the lush Eden Valley. Check for steam train excursions, and, book early.
Eden Benchmarks - 10 carved stone sculptures, not in the town, but easily accessed. All by different sculptors and designed to reflect local pride in the countryside are placed on public foot paths along the River Eden between Mallerstang and Carlisle. “Passage”, one of the works by Laura White, has been placed  in Stenkrith Park close to the town. For more information visit www.discover.edenrivertrust.org.uk


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Food and Drink in Kirkby Stephen


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Transportation in Kirkby Stephen

 

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