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Villages and Viaducts Ride

The only ride in this section with some traffic-free sections, including the shared use dismantled railway route over two viaducts,Bikes at the Upper Eden Visitor Centre, Kirkby Stephen once part of the coke carrying Stainmore Railway (more details from www.nvt.org.uk). You've also the option of a short walk to the dramatic disused Smardale Gill Viaduct through a national nature reserve.

The route, climbing steadily over to Smardale at first, links five village, crosses a ford (footbridge alternative) and runs on a grassy track to where Scandal Beck and the River Eden meet. Partly on National Route 71 and the Walney to Wear and Whitby Cycle Route (20).

  • Start/finish: The Upper Eden Visitor Centre, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen (see town plan) in the town centre (free car parking is signed)

  • Distance: 12.4 miles (20km)

  • Grade: Medium - Hard (on and off road)

  • Refreshments: Pub in Winton

  • Go prepared for a waterside picnic

  • Public loos: Kirkby Stephen

Download this cycle route and map:

Further information 

The Upper Eden Visitor Centre, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen
Telephone: 017683 71199 
Email: visit@uecp.org.uk

Appleby Tourist Information Centre, Moot Hall, Boroughgate
Telephone: 017683 51177
Email: tic@applebytown.gov.uk