Kirkby Stephen is just a stone's throw away from the M6 and A66, yet set in stunning open countryside of fells and dales with far reaching views of the Pennines and the wild and beautiful Mallerstang Valley, Kirkby Stephen is well worth a visit. Stop and enjoy some lunch followed by a walk along the River Eden and then spend some time browsing around the town's interesting antique and curio shops.
Kirkby Stephen which has a station on the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway line, about 1.5 miles west of the town offers a good choice of places to stay including a popular youth hostel. There's a good selection of places to eat too.
The Parish Church, known locally as the "Cathedral of the Dales" is built on the site of an old Saxon church. Here you'll find the Loki stone, a symbol of an 8th Century Norse God, which is one of only two such stones in the whole of Europe. At the entrance to the churchyard are the attractive cloisters overlooking the market place, built in 1810, just one of the many historic buildings in the town and a market is held every Monday.
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.
A variety of activities are on offer in the town including cycle hire, bowls, golf, fishing, riding, trekking and tennis or venture out into the surrounding area to find some lovely villages such as Winton, Hartley, Nateby, Soulby, Raventonedale and Newbiggin-on-Lune.
Kirkby Stephen is an excellent base for walking and cycling in the surrounding countryside of fells, dales and quiet country lanes. Several themed walking and cycling routes pass through or near the town, the most famous being Wainwright's Coast to Coast walk. Enjoy the circular Poetry Path from Kirkby Stephen and discover 12 poems carved in stone along the way, celebrating a year in the life of a hill farmer or head up to Nine Standards Rigg, a magnificent fell walk with amazing views leading up to a line of nine mysterious tall cairns.
When you are out and about, look out for the unusual Eden Benchmarks, spectacular sculptures in dramatic settings or Andy Goldsworthy's "Sheepfolds".
Further Information on Kirkby Stephen and Surrounding Area
