Kirkby Stephen tourist guide (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Kirkby Stephen tourist guide

3:30pm Wednesday 18th March 2009

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Situated on Wainwright's famous Coast to Coast walk, this busy market town is a great starting point for many interesting rambles.

Lying at the head of the beautiful Eden Valley, the source of the River Eden can be found in the Mallerstang Valley to the south east of the town.

Kirkby Stephen has its own livestock auction and many pubs and antique shops.

It is also well served with tearooms and coffee shops.

A regular weekly open-air market is held on Tuesday in the Market Square near the Cathedral of the Dales, as the Parish church of St Stephen's is known.

The Market Square is surrounded by an ancient collar of cobblestones.

These mark the area used until 1820 for bull baiting - a sport which ceased after a disaster when a bull broke free.

Main attractions

Nine Standards Rigg, a line of Cairns of unknown origin can be found to the south of the town.

Kirkby Stephen Golf Club has a newly-developed nine hole, 35 Par, 2,896 yard, pay-as-you play course.

Franks Bridge and picnic area provides a great place to enjoy the beautiful river, with access from behind the Market Square.

And if it's wet...

Hartley Fold Craft Centre, where traditional skills such as wood and stone carving take place with a showroom of locally-produced furniture and other work.

A tearoom also provides light refreshments.

Walks

Short - Smardale Gill. A five-mile route along a former railway. A car park at the start of the walk at Smardale Cottages Nature Reserve leads on to the path and takes you into an area important for the limestone grassland, ancient woodlands and riverside habitat.

Long - River Eden and Pendragon Castle. This 6.5 mile walk starts from Nateby and follows the River Eden into Mallerstang, passing Wharton Hall and Pendragon Castle, with panoramic views across to Wild Boar Fell.

For more information

Kirkby Stephen Tourist Information Centre, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen, 017683 71199