The best walks and hikes around Kirkby Stephen

Yes, many trails in the area are great for walking with dogs, but be mindful of farmland. The region is known for its pastoral fields, so you'll likely encounter livestock. It's best to keep your dog on a lead, especially on routes like the Dog Stone – Scenic Grassy Path loop from Nateby. Always check for local signage regarding dogs.

Absolutely. The area offers several gentle walks perfect for families. A particularly good choice is the Frank's Bridge, Kirkby Stephen – Kirkby Stephen loop from Nateby. This short, easy trail follows the river and is a great way to experience the local scenery without a strenuous climb.

Yes, Kirkby Stephen is an excellent base for circular hikes, meaning you can start and end in the same place without needing to arrange transport. The Waitby Intake and Wharton Hall loop is a great moderate option that showcases the classic rolling landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The walk through Stenkrith Park is a local highlight, known for the dramatic limestone gorge carved by the River Eden, sometimes called the 'Devil's Hole'. The main path is well-maintained and offers fantastic views of the rock formations. It's a key feature of the popular River Eden – Frank's Bridge, Kirkby Stephen loop.

While the immediate Kirkby Stephen area is more known for its rivers and fells, a short drive will take you to some impressive waterfalls. Cautley Spout, England's highest cascade waterfall, is a highly-regarded local attraction offering a beautiful valley walk with a steep final climb to the falls. For a different experience, Low Force Waterfall is another popular spot, famous for its appearance in the film '1917'.

Hiking in Kirkby Stephen offers a distinctly different experience. While the Lake District is famous for its rugged, mountainous peaks and large lakes, the Kirkby Stephen area, nestled in the Upper Eden Valley, is characterized by gentler rolling hills, open moorland, and quieter trails. It's an ideal choice if you're seeking beautiful scenery with fewer crowds.

The hike to the mysterious cairns at Nine Standards Rigg is one of the classic challenges in the area. A popular route is the Dog Stone – Nine Standards loop from Nateby. This is a demanding hike with significant elevation gain, so be prepared for a full day out and check the weather, as the summit on Hartley Fell is very exposed.

For walks starting in the town itself, there are several public car parks. For trails slightly further afield, dedicated parking is often available. For example, the walk through Smardale Gill Nature Reserve has its own small car park. Similarly, Stenkrith Park offers free parking at the trailhead, which is convenient for riverside walks.

Yes, Kirkby Stephen is very accessible. The town has a station on the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway line, which is a scenic attraction in its own right. Arriving by train puts you right in the heart of the walking country, with many trails starting directly from the town or a short walk away.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the variety of the landscape, from the peaceful riverside paths along the Eden to the expansive views from the tops of the fells. The well-maintained paths and the relative quietness of the trails compared to other nearby national parks are also frequently mentioned.

There are over 30 curated hiking routes around Kirkby Stephen available on komoot. These range from easy, short strolls suitable for all abilities to difficult, full-day treks over the fells, ensuring there's a trail for every type of hiker.