|
The market town of Kirkby Stephen lies at the top of Mallerstang, at the source of the River Eden. From the square there are many narrow winding passageways, some leading down to the famous Franks Bridge, an ancient stone footbridge surrounded by a delightful picnic and recreational area.
The square has a number of historic buildings, one of which is the Cloisters built in 1810 to provide shelter for market and churchgoers. The Parish Church is known locally as the Cathedral of the Dales and is home to the 8th century Loki Stone, one of the few remnants of the Vikings who settled in the area.
There are many interesting antique, curio and art and craft shops, plenty of places to eat and drink and a traditional Monday market.
The Coast to Coast Walk, devised by Alfred Wainwright, passes through the town, and the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway stops at a station 1.5 miles from the town centre. There is a bowling green, a golf course and tennis courts, miles of footpaths for walking and a myriad of country lanes for cycling. The Eden Valley Circular Route, designed for all ages and abilities of cyclists, passes through the area. Horse riding and fishing are also available.
For more information, contact Kirkby Stephen Information Centre Tel: 01768 371199 or see www.visiteden.co.uk
To search for accommodation in and around Kirkby Stephen, click here
DON’T MISS:
- Kirkby Stephen Town Trail - the best way to discover the towns hidden gems.
- The Loki Stone at Kirkby Stephen Parish Church, one of only two left in Europe! All the surrounding villages have ancient churches to discover, including St. Oswalds Church, Ravenstonedale beside which are the foundations of a Gilbertine Abbey. The last female burnt at Tyburn came from nearby Brownber so the church was a sanctuary to assure a fair trial (assuming of course, that the accused could toll the bell once!)
- The Settle-Carlisle Railway, one of the England’s most scenic railways - give your car a holiday and take the train!
- The picturesque villages of Nateby, Ravenstonedale and Brough. The imposing ruins of Brough Castle have beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding Pennine Hills.
- Pendragon Castle, reputedly the Castle of Uther Pendragon, King Arthur’s father!
- Lammerside Castle, the ruin of a 12th century castle keep, which lies on the bridle path between Pendragon Castle and Wharton Hall.
- Stenkrith and High Stenkrith, an informal park with public fly-fishing and a spectacular river gorge.
- Eden Benchmarks, spectacular sculpture in spectacular settings, and the brand new Poetry Path.
- West of the town, Smardale Nature Reserve provides a home for many rare species of butterflies and wild flowers. Nonmembers need a permit to visit - contact Cumbria Wildlife Trust Tel: 01539 816300 or mail@cumbriawildlife.org.uk
Back to the Western Dales
|
Northern Dales
