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Kirkby Stephen

Kirkby Stephen is rich in history, culture, local legends and prehistoric settlements. Roman forts and Norman castles still stand on this strategic site, and the surrounding fields once produced crops for sale at local markets.

Livestock was also brought to Kirkby Stephen for sale, and packhorse trails carried goods across the Pennines and down the Eden Valley. Today, you can still find a maze of footpaths, bridleways and narrow lanes which cover the whole area.

Kirkby Stephen is situated at the head of the Eden Valley, and its historical importance is still evident today. An impressive church and busy central square lie at the heart of the town, while narrow, twisting passageways wind their way around the ancient centre. Underground passages once provided refuge for the locals during Scottish raids on the town.

Brough was once themain town in the area, as it was situated on an important trading route through Stainmore Pass, and the town was later divided into Church Brough and Market Brough. A Norman castle dominates Church Brough, along with a fort which guarded the road to York. Market Brough was a main stopover point for stagecoaches travelling over the Pennines.  The local economy is still based on farming and agriculture, and a busy farmer´s market is held every month. The annual events of Brough Show and Brough Hill Fair attract hundreds of tourists to the area.

Situated close to Kirkby Stephen and to the two Brough towns, are some of the most attractive villages in the Lake District. Take a trip to Musgrave and Wharton, with their prehistoric cultivation terraces,Warcop, with its narrow medieval bridge and the charming villages of Brough Sowerby, Hartley and Winton.

The Mallerstang Valley is also well worth a visit, and it follows the River Eden upstream to its source at Hell Gill, and boasts a wealth of prehistoric remains and Medieval houses.

Stenkrith Park 

At Stenkrith Park, the Eden flows down into the deep Coop Karnel Hole, where the strong current has eroded some impressive rock forms and potholes. The Millenium Bridge, which runs over the gorge, provides travellers with access to the Northern Viaducts and the Poetry Path.

Ewbank Scar

Ewbank Scar has been a popular beauty spot since Victorian times, and the area offers visitors stunning views and waterfalls. Limestone grasslands and semi-natural woodland combine to make this an area of great outstanding beauty. Access can be made by footpath from Kirkby Stephen or Nateby.

Wild Boar Fell

Wild Boar Fell (as its name would suggest) is where the last wild boar in England is said to have fell. It was killed by Sir Richard Musgrave in 1409, and the legend was made more believable when Sir Richard´s tomb was opened to reveal a tusk from a wild boar, which is still displayed in the local church.

Argill Woods

Argill Woods is a nature reserve situated on the sides of Argill Beck. Ash, birch and oak can be found here, along with old coal mining channels, which are now inhabited by bats.

Smardale Gill

Smardale Gill is a National Nature Reserve which is well known for its flora and fauna, and its flower-rich grasslands. Marshy areas and woodlands make up most of the area, and the disused Smardale Railway allows access to the reserve on foot, bike or horseback. The views from the viaduct are stunning, and in addition to the wildlife there is also an old packhorse bridge, a limestone quarry and lime kilns.

The town trail at Kirkby Stephen

For visitors who want to know more about Kirkby Stephen, the town trail is the ideal tour, and includes the Market Square, the Church, the ´Bull Ring´, Trupp Stone and Frank´s Bridge, which dates back to the 16th Century. Tours can be booked through the Tourist Information Centre.

The Parish Church

The Parish Church at Kirkby Stephen is one of the finest monuments in Cumbria, and is known as the Cathedral of the Dales. The church is home to several old and unusual stones, one of which is a stone carving of Loki, Norse God of mischief, which dates back to the times of the Vikings. The carving is said to represent Christianity overcoming evil, and is unique not only to the Lake District, but to Britain. Chapels within the church are devoted to the Wharton and Musgrave families.

Pendragon Castle

Pendragon Castle is, according to local legend, associated with Uther Pendragon, who was the father of King Arthur of the Round Table. Pendragon was said to have died after being poisoned by water from the castle well. The Norman castle which was later built here was said to have been constructed by Sir Hugh de Morville, one of the knights who murdered Thomas á Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. The castle was repeatedly raided by the Scots and rebuilt many times. The last restoration of the castle was by Lady Anne Clifford in 1660, although her successors demolished the castle soon after. Pendragon Castle is now privately owned, but can be seen from the road.

The Eden Benchmarks

Ten carved stone sculptures, known as the Eden Benchmarks can be seen along the lengh of the River Eden between Mallerstand and Rockcliffe. The intriguing sculptures were commissioned to mark the year 2000 Millenium. The sculptures also function as seats.

Andy Goldsworthy sheepfolds

Three restored sheepfolds are situated close to Kirkby Stephen at Outhgill, Warcop and Brough. All are sited on old enclosures, where stray sheep were once penned in until they were released to their owners on payment of a fee. Brough pinfold (enclosure) is situated in the grounds of the Church Bough Primary School, and Warcop pinfold is on the outskirts of the village beside a stream.

Poetry Path

Twelve poems, written by Meg Peacocke and celebrating the life of a hill farmer are hand carved onto blocks of stone and placed at regular intervals along the 2 mile route. The Poetry Path runs from Swingy Bridge to River Eden.

Accomodation in Kirkby Stephen

If you are looking for accommodation in Kirkby Stephen, or anywhere in the Lake District, including Windermere, Bowness, Grasmere, Ullswater, Penrith, Kendal, Ambleside, Ulverston and Hawkshead, why not book a boutique hotel close to the lakes, a b & b, a guest house or even pitch up a tent in one of the recommended campsites in the region.  Themed hotels in Windermere and Bowness and organic hotels in the Lake District can be booked online, and if you are looking for a weekend break, there is no better place in England to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

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