Walking in Kirkby Stephen

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. Visit the Upper Eden Visitor Centre in Kirkby Stephen for more information about these and other walks. 

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.

• 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.  These include Alfred Wainwright's Coast to Coast, Lady Anne's Way, Pennine Journey, The Eden Way and Yoredale Way
  
  
• A lively walking programme of guided walks and talks takes place throughout the year. Useful information on walks around Kirkby Stephen can be found on www.walkeden.org

• Poetry Path - Twelve poems are hand carved onto stone, celebrating a year in the life of a hill farmer.
  These are along a two mile circular route either side of the River Eden
  
  
• Geocaching: Six Geocaches are available along the Kirkby Stephen Poetry Path and can be searched via the Geocaching website