Itinerary: Explore the Eden Valley - Appleby and Kirkby Stephen

Discover the beautiful Eden Valley with its mix of lush green countryside, traditional towns and attractive sandstone villages some dating back to Viking times.

Kirkby Stephen in the Upper Eden Valley is an ideal base to explore not only the local area but further afield.

Appleby in Westmorland offers the peace and quiet of beautiful riverside walks within five minutes of the town centre, as well as historical significance.

Take a ride on the Settle-Carlisle Railway described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in England.  There are stations at both Kirkby Stephen and Appleby.

Appleby in Westmorland

Famous for its annual Horse Fair with origins circa 1685, the main street of Boroughgate, in Appleby has been described as 'one of the finest in England'. 

Appleby Castle was once the home of Lady Anne Clifford who played a major part in shaping Appleby in the 17th century.  This included the building of a group of Alms Houses (St Anne's Hospital), in the town in 1651 for the accommodation of thirteen widows. The houses are still occupied today and the Chapel in the courtyard may be visited.

The Moot Hall is central to Appleby's history. The plaque dated 1179 commemorates Appleby's first written charter and council still meet in the Moot Hall, to conduct official business. The ground floor houses Appleby Tourist Information Centre and Exhibition Room.

Discover more of the history of Appleby with one of our Appleby Heritage Trails.

Walk around the town, explore the shops and galleries.  Enjoy a coffee or lunch in one of the  cafes or Inns.  There are some lovely riverside walks to enjoy with abundant wildlife.  There’s also a leisure centre, golf course and fishing to enjoy.

Nearby the village of Orton is home to Kennedy’s Fine Chocolates and a monthly Farmers’ Market.

Kirkby Stephen

Kirkby Stephen was Cumbria's first "Walkers are Welcome" town.  Enjoy a riverside walk down to Frank’s Bridge, believed to be named after Francis Birkbeck, a popular local brewer and philanthropist in the early 19th century.  The perfect place for a picnic.

Nearby is Smardale Gill (a Site of Special Scientific Interest), The Poetry Path, The Watercut and Nine Standards Rigg all offering lovely walks.  Or enjoy a Town Trail taking in the shops, galleries and antiques shops along the way.   

Look out for a new set of interpretation panels highlighting stories, heritage and little-known facts about the town as well as giving practical directions.

Enjoy a mid-morning coffee in one of the cafes, tea rooms or coffee shops.  The Parish Church is home to the 10th Century Loki Stone, which is one of only two such stones in the whole of Europe. Thought to date back to Viking times, legend says, it shows a carving of the Norse God of Mischief, Loki bound in chains. 

Walks around the town include a Town Trail and an Old Ale Trail that explores Kirkby Stephen Conservation Area with ‘a step back in time with pubs, inns and breweries of the 18th to 21st century.’  There’s also the Kirkby Stephen Lynchets Walk, a 4 mile circular walk to Wharton taking in the medeval landscape.

Discover more of the history of Kirkby Stephen with one of our Kirkby Stephen Heritage Trails.

Visit the Upper Eden Visitor Centre in the town to make the most of your visit.

Nearby is Brough Castle, restored in the 17th century by Lady Anne Clifford.  A statue by Diane Lawrenson titled 'Lady Anne's Way' after the long distance trail stands in front of the Upper Eden Visitor Centre. 

Now ruined, Brough Castle is an interesting site to explore.  Pop into neighbouring Brough Castle Ice Cream Parlour for a tasty treat.