Walking

The area surrounding Kirkby Stephen is fantastic walking country and the town has official “Walkers are Welcome” status. You can enjoy anything from a pleasant stroll along the river to a fell top hike or a longer distance themed route.

Kirkby Stephen has a number of narrow passageways waiting to be explored, some of which lead down to the River Eden. There are some lovely riverside walks and Franks Bridge picnic area is a delightful spot to spend some time. Stenkrith Park, on the edge of town is a natural park with a deep river gorge and is well worth a visit.

There are recognised trails and walks of various lengths enabling hikers to explore the landscape, villages, culture and history of the area. Wainwright's famous Coast-to-Coast route crosses the surrounding fells and passes through Kirkby Stephen and Hartley. Classic fell walks such as Nine Standards Rigg, Wild Boar Fell, High Cup Nick and routes in the Howgills are on the doorstep. Much of the surrounding upland is open access land, giving walkers the freedom to roam.

• Poetry Path - Twelve poems are hand carved onto stone, celebrating a year in the life of a hill farmer, along a two mile circular route either side of the River Eden
• The Northern Viaduct Round is a fully accessible path following the disused Stainmore Railway with viaducts and great views
• Smardale Gill National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest has a walk with a spectacular viaduct and old lime kilns
• Enjoy an exhilarating walk up to Nine Standards Rigg - nine very old and unique mysterious cairns on Hartley Fell
• Several long distance routes pass through or near Kirkby Stephen, including: Alfred Wainwright's Coast to Coast, Lady Anne’s Way, Pennine Journey, The Eden Way and Yoredale Way