Local Area
Kirkby Stephen is a market town and civil parish in Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria, England. Historically part of Westmorland, it lies on the A685, surrounded by sparsely populated hill country, about 25 miles (40 km) from the nearest larger towns: Kendal and Penrith.
Walking
Kirkby Stephen is in the heart of spectacular countryside with miles of footpaths and bridleways and thousands of acres of open access land.
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 and routes in the Howgills are on the doorstep. Much of the surrounding upland countryside is open access land, giving walkers the freedom to roam.
Cycling
Kirkby Stephen is on the Walney to Wear (W2W) – a coast to coast cycling route and the central section of the Pennine Cycleway passes through the town.
Some great rides can be enjoyed along the quiet highways and byways of the Upper Eden Valley and a free cycling leaflet available from Eden TICs describes five ‘Do in a Day’ cycle routes’ from Kirkby Stephen and Appleby.
Kirkby Stephen
Kirkby Stephen is a market town and civil parish in Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria, England. Historically part of Westmorland, it lies on the A685, surrounded by sparsely populated hill country, about 25 miles (40 km) from the nearest larger towns: Kendal and Penrith. The River Eden rises 6 miles (9.7 km) away in the peat bogs below Hugh Seat and passes the eastern edge of the town.
The Monday market, with livestock sales at the Mart in Faraday Road and stalls on Market Square, remains an important event in the town and surrounding countryside.
The town has a range of shops: several antique shops, restaurants, cafés, pubs, and an Upper Eden Visitor Centre. Kirkby Stephen has won several awards from Cumbria/Britain in Bloom.
Kirkby Stephen serves as a base for tourism in the Upper Eden Valley area and for walking tours of the Valley.
Kirkby Stephen West station, on the Settle–Carlisle line, is located over 1 mile (2 km) south-west of the town. The line keeps to high ground, avoiding any descent into the valleys where possible.
