Kirkby Stephen: Where Walkers are Welcome. For ramblers, hikers and walkers of virtually every persuasion, Kirkby Stephen is something of a pilgrimage. The pretty market town supports a population of just 1,800 yet is the starting point for many of the most beautiful walks not only in the Upper Eden Valley but also the Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Pennines, and the Lake District, all of which are within easy reach. In addition to an exciting array of footpaths and way-marked routes, visitors can enjoy excellent amenities that include shops, places to eat and drink and a good selection of cottages to rent. Read more
Surrounded by breathtaking views and gorgeous countryside, this charming 17th century farmhouse is a true gem. Perfectly combining character with modern day comforts, the owners of Hill House have created a cosy and welcoming holiday cottage in the beautiful Upper Eden valley. Hill House is located in the small village of Winton, just a 30 minute walk to the traditional market town of Kirkby Stephen. Explore a new footpath each day or enjoy meandering around the picturesque towns and villages. With the North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales on your doorstep, and the Lake District just a stone's throw away, there are endless opportunities for exploring this stunning part of the world.
A comfortable cosy holiday cottage in a lovely rural location within Cumbria near the unspoilt village of Ravenstonedale. Conveniently located for exploring the many attractions of both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District and ideal for walkers. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A beautifully furnished three bedroom property in a peaceful and idyllic position surrounded by fells and farmland. Perfect for walkers, cyclists or those who want to simply relax and slow down. With panoramic views and abundant local wildlife this fantastic self-catering holiday home is ideally suited to larger families or friends catching up. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
The Haystore sits in a fabulous tranquil position nestled amongst the farmland and fells of Cumbria’s Eden Valley. Positioned at the foot of the fantastic Howgill Fells, this magnificent holiday retreat offers comfort and luxury and is a truly special place perfect for a family break or getaway with friends. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
The Byre sits in a peaceful and idyllic position in Cumbria’s Eden Valley. Surrounded by fells and farmland this superb property has a vaulted ceiling, tall slate fireplace and offers a rustic yet luxurious place to escape. A great choice for couples, friends or families who will enjoy exploring the beautiful countryside on the doorstep. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Located amongst beautiful countryside within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Stoneyard is the perfect choice for couples and small families. Within easy driving distance of the Lake District National Park, the location could not be better for outdoorsy types with endless opportunities for adventure and a multitude of attractions for day trips out. The Fat Lamb Inn is just a 10-minute stroll through meadows.
Chapel Cottage is a wonderful holiday home in a beautiful location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines and within easy reach of the Lake District. It sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is furnished to a very high standard to be welcoming for families and friends, including those with children and dogs. Winton Common and the village pub are 100 metres from the door, with more amenities just over a mile away in the market town of Kirkby Stephen. It's a fantastic area for walking, cycling and mountain biking, with lots of sights and attractions to enjoy all year round.
Stable Cottage is a pretty 17th century detached holiday cottage in the heart of the market town of Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria. With the town centre just a short stroll away you have everything on your doorstep including shops, galleries, pubs, restaurants and cafes. Sandwiched between the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and two National Parks, walkers, cyclists and adventure seekers will be spoilt for choice with the huge number of things to do. Sleeping four guests in two bedrooms Stable Cottage is the perfect self-catering retreat for families, friends or even couples looking to explore this magical part of the country. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Farmhouse at Street Farm is perfect for large groups sleeping up to 15 guests. Stylish and beautifully presented, this luxury holiday home is ideal for catching up with friends or celebrating a special occasion with family. Sitting within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the farmhouse is a 10-minute stroll through meadows to the Fat Lamb Inn and just over half an hour's drive to the Lake District National Park. Fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventure on the doorstep and an abundance of opportunities for day trips out.
The Coach House at Street Farm accommodates groups of up to eight guests in three bedrooms. Surrounded by glorious Yorkshire countryside, this stylish holiday home sits in the Yorkshire Dales National Park but is conveniently located within half an hour drive of the Lake District, making it a great place for exploring the area and its many attractions. Whether you want to get out and about or simply stay put in the beauty that surrounds with fabulous walking and cycling, The Coach House is a popular choice for families and friends.
Sleeping two guests, Stone End is just perfect for couples who want to explore this beautiful part of the UK sitting within the Yorkshire Dales and being just half an hour away from the Lake District. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the area is perfect for those who enjoy walking, cycling and horse riding with a stylish holiday cottage to return home to at the end of the day (and The Fat Lamb Inn just a short walk away!).
Stoneheights is just perfect for couples but can also accommodate small families with a king-size bedroom plus single fold-up bed. Enjoying an idyllic position nestling amongst the glorious countryside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the cottage is one of a collection of five and just perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventure with endless opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. The Lake District National Park is only half an hour away by car and The Fat Lamb Inn is a ten minute stroll away through the meadows. Plenty of attractions, beautiful scenery and an abundance of fresh air await!
The versatile layout at Street Farm makes it ideal for large groups, giving guests the option of spending time socialising and celebrating together or relaxing on their own. Five luxurious properties sleep between two and thirty people, and there is also a spa suite with hot tub. The farm sits within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a 10-minute stroll through meadows to the Fat Lamb Inn and just over half an hour's drive to the Lake District National Park. With fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventure on the doorstep and a luxurious setting, Street Farm is the perfect venue if you are looking to celebrate and have fun away with friends or family.
Two self catering cottages peacefully located near the Yorkshire Dales National Park at the head of the picturesque Ravenstonedale Valley. Ashley Cottage sleeps twelve and Beech Cottage sleeps up to four accommodating parties of sixteen together. Set in large wooded gardens with spectacular views over the Howgill Fells this is the perfect venue for large groups to escape to the country for a holiday together.
An early-Victorian stone holiday cottage with gorgeous views of the Fells and Smardale Viaduct. 1 Smardale Cottages has recently been renovated to a high standard and sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms. It is ideal for couples or families who want a self-catering holiday in the Yorkshire Dales National Park with easy access to beautiful walks and cycling routes. A gate at the bottom of the garden opens into a nature reserve, and red squirrels are regular visitors. Scandal Beck, Pendragon Castle, Kirkby Stephen and Wild Boar Fell are all nearby, while Ullswater, Kendal and Penrith are about 45 minutes away.
Run away to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and this lovely stone holiday cottage. The Fold offers welcoming accommodation for couples and solo travellers with stunning views of The Pennines. The cottage is in a quiet spot on the edge of the pretty village of Crosby Garrett and just a few miles from Kirkby Stephen. Gorgeous footpaths and cycling routes lead from the village and with the Lake District National Park less than half an hour's drive away, visitors have their choice of natural playgrounds to enjoy.
This period holiday cottage is ideal for a walking holiday as it's close to the North Pennines, Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. However, you don't have to be active to appreciate the quiet village location within walking distance of a shop, cafe and pub with Kirkby Stephen just a few minutes away. Clifford Courtyard is excellent for a family self-catering holiday, a romantic escape or a fun holiday with friends. There are castles and museums, fantastic footpaths, rivers to fish and lots of other sights and attractions nearby to ensure you'll always have something to see and do no matter what the weather.
This 'away from it all' holiday cottage is off the beaten track and perfectly positioned to give access to some of Cumbria's favourite footpaths and cycling routes. Pendragon View sits between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, with good access to the North Pennines. The landscape is spectacular in all seasons, with plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. Pendragon View is only four miles from Kirkby Stephen, is dog-friendly, and sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms. The high standard of accommodation, incredible views and location make it perfect for couples, families or friends wanting to get away from it all. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AmblesideApplebyBowness-on-WindermereCartmelCockermouthConistonGrange-over-SandsGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadKeswickKirkby StephenPenrithUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWindermereSome local suggestions:
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Walking in Kirkby Stephen & the Eden Valley - There’s a view for every season in Kirkby Stephen and the surrounding area. The town was the first in Cumbria to embrace the Walkers are Welcome (WaW) ethos and local groups are happy to share their knowledge with visitors who respect the environment. There is a wealth of information available on the Walk Eden website. Popular trails include the Northern Viaduct Round, Poetry Path, and the Hartley Circular, while other routes lead to Smardale Gill, Howgill Fells and Cautley Spout. Kirkby Stephen is also a popular point along long-distance footpaths such as Lady Anne’s Way, the Pennine Journey, Alfred Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Path, The Eden Way and the Yoredale Way.
To get the most out of their holiday, some visitors choose to take advantage of local knowledge by people such as Richard Tolley, who knows the area as if it was his back garden, and mountaineer Graham Uney.
Cycling in Kirkby Stephen - Mile after glorious mile of breathtaking scenery awaits cyclists who come for a cycling holiday in the North Pennines, Eden Valley and the north of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and there is no better place to stay than Kirkby Stephen. The Pennine Cycleway and Walney to Wear (W2W) routes both pass nearby, with local loops including the Eden Valley Ride, Orton Fells Ride, and Mallerstang and Pendragon circuits. Those who need to can hire bikes at Coast to Coast Cycles in the centre of town, while the Coast to Coast Packhorse provide guided tours.
Mountain bikers can access bridleways and paths across fells and through woodland, as well as the dedicated mountain bike trails at Whinlatter Forest.
Things to Do in Kirkby Stephen - While walking and cycling are two of the more popular activities in Kirkby Stephen, they are far from the only choice. Fishing and horse riding are two more delightful ways to spend time in this beautiful landscape, with the River Eden being especially suitable for wild brown trout and grayling. Water babies will appreciate that Windermere, the biggest body of water in the Lake District National Park, is only 30-miles away, with boat trips and sailing possible all year round.
Enjoy a journey on the Stainmore Railway, marvel at the beauty of Aira Force, or take time to explore the Dales Countryside Museum in nearby Wensleydale. Kirkby Stephen has a good variety of shops selling everything from teabags to vintage tea sets.
Day trips can include exploring Hadrian’s Wall and the Birdoswald Roman Fort, shopping for mint cake in Kendal, enjoying Carlisle’s shops and museums, or taking in the sights of historic Appleby-in-Westmoreland.
Everyone deserves the chance to spend time in such a beautiful environment. Choosing to stay in Kirkby Stephen puts you in the heart of some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK so even if you only stay for a weekend you can make the most of your time.
