Kirkby Stephen

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Introduction

Poetry path

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Farming village, Viking settlement, railway town and tourist centre, Kirkby Stephen has undergone a surprising number of tranformations during its short history. Thankfully the result is a charming and interesting market town with plenty of local attractions.

Sights and Activities

Kirkby Stephen Parish Church

Known as the 'Cathedral of the Dales', Kirkby Stephen's attractive church is a carefully preserved Norman building dating from 1240. It's the second largest church in Cumbria (the largest is located in Kendal). One unique feature of the church is the Loki Stone, a representation of the Norse god of mischief and one of the best preserved Viking artefacts in the UK.

Stenkrith Park and Poetry Path

Stenkrith Park is a lovely, tranquil green park cooled by waterfalls and pools. The Poetry Path leads through Stenkrith and out towards the village of Nateby - it is so named as it leads past a number of artefacts incsribed with poems written by noted local poet Meg Peacock.

Frank's Bridge and the River Eden

Set in a picturesque spot on a bend in the River, Frank's Bridge is a great place to sit and watch the water flow by. Several pretty paths lead along the River Eden from Frank's Bridge to the villages of Hartley and Nateby.

Nine Standards Rigg

The track to the Nine Standards Rigg, a rugged 2000ft fell with great views across the valley, begins just outside the village of Hartley, a ten-minute walk from Frank's Bridge. Those ascending to the summit will be greeted by nine great cairns, thought to be very ancient (possibly Roman). The standards' intended purpose is not entirely clear, but the most popular theory is that they were erected to give the appearance of an army approaching over the fells.

Events and Festivals

nineStandards Music Festival

Small but lively music festival mostly showcasing local talent with some big names thrown in.
Annually, end of August/beginning of September

Kirkby Stephen Walking Festival

A series of guided walks and events.
Annually, during May

Getting There

By Train

Kirkby Stephen's station is on the Settle-Carlisle line, connecting to destinations including Carlisle, Appleby and Leeds. Note that the station is over a mile away from the town, so unless you're happy to walk make sure that a bus connects with your train.

By Car

The main A685 route connects Kirkby Stephen to the A66 at Brough and the M6 at Tebay. A winding network of country lanes lead to many traditional Cumbrian villages in the surrounding countryside.

By Bus

Regular bus services connect Kirkby Stephen to Penrith, Appleby, Brough, Sedbergh, Oxenholme and Kendal.

Getting Around

Kirkby Stephen is small and compact enough to explored entirely on foot, and this is a pleasant and relaxing way of seeing the sights.

Eat

• The Old Forge, 39 North Road, Tel: 017683 71832. The closest thing Kirkby Stephen has to fine dining.
• Acoustic Bistro, 41 Market Street, Tel: 017683 72123. Serves tasty homemade food. Acoustic music twice per month.
• Pendragon Tea Rooms, Market Square. A good place for coffee and cake.
• Croglin Castle Hotel, South Road, Tel: 017683 71389. Traditional homemade pub fayre.

Drink

• Pennine Hotel, Market Square. Newly refurbished, this 18th Century coaching inn is a good place to stop for a pint in the town centre.
• Croglin Castle Hotel, South Road, Tel: 017683 71389. Decent traditional boozer at the South end of town towards the station.
• The Kings Arms, Market Street, Tel: 01768 371378. Kirkby Stephen's principal hotel has a cosy public bar, and opens late at weekends.

Sleep

Budget

• Kirkby Stephen YHA, Market Street, Tel: 0845 371 9525. The official hostel is set in a converted methodist chapel in the heart of town.
• Pennine View Caravan Park, Station Road. The town campsite is located at the South end of town, towards the station.

Mid-Range

There are plenty of Bed and Breakfast options in the area, also:

• The Kings Arms, Market Street, Tel: 01768 371378. Kirkby Stephen's principal hotel, a 17th Century coaching inn.
• The Jolly Farmers, 63 High Street, Tel: 017683 71063. A characterful Guest House near the town centre.