Walk Straight from Town
Choose from four routes beginning in Kirkby Stephen, from the shorter Stenkrith Park circuit to the challenging Nine Standards Rigg walk.
Walks from Kirkby Stephen & Nearby
Nine hand-picked walking routes from Kirkby Stephen and the surrounding countryside, ranging from easy riverside wanders to full upland days. Every walk links directly to OS Maps and includes a downloadable GPX file.
Walking from Kirkby Stephen
Kirkby Stephen makes a practical base for walkers because several rewarding routes begin directly in or around the town, while more demanding hill days are only a short drive away. The routes on this page range across the local Upper Eden and Westmorland Dales landscape and towards the Pennines, Mallerstang, the Howgills, North Pennines and Teesdale.
Four of the nine walks can be started from Kirkby Stephen without using the car: the Viaduct and Stenkrith Park circuit, Nine Standards Rigg, Long Rigg and Wharton Hall Wander. The remaining five include Cautley Spout and The Calf, Wild Boar Fell, High Cup Nick, Smardale Gill and the Cotherstone to Barnard Castle route.
Choose a Walk to Suit Your Day
Use the distance, estimated time, ascent and difficulty shown on each route card as a starting point, then open the OS Maps route before setting out.
Quieter Local Landscapes
Long Rigg, Wharton Hall and Smardale Gill offer rewarding countryside, river, open-access and nature-reserve walking without always following the best-known headline routes.
Full Upland Days
Nine Standards Rigg, Cautley Spout and The Calf, Wild Boar Fell and High Cup Nick are the more demanding outings and deserve suitable weather, equipment and navigation planning.
Direct from Kirkby Stephen
Leave the car behind and walk straight from the town centre or your Muddy Boots accommodation.
Kirkby Stephen Viaduct Walk & Stenkrith Park ↗
A varied circular walk from the centre of Kirkby Stephen, taking in Stenkrith Park, riverside scenery and the old railway landscape. A very good introduction to the countryside immediately around town.
Nine Standards Rigg ↗
The classic Kirkby Stephen challenge: a long out-and-back route to the iconic Nine Standards cairns, with huge views across the Pennines. Best saved for a clear day and walkers comfortable with exposed upland terrain.
Long Rigg ↗
A Muddy Boots favourite that climbs onto open access land for one of the best local views of the Pennines and Wild Boar Fell. Quieter and less obvious than the headline routes, but exceptionally rewarding.
Wharton Hall Wander ↗
A relatively easy circular walk with river scenery, open views and a pleasant finish through Nateby. Drop into the Black Bull afterwards for an afternoon drink in its lovely beer garden.
A Short Drive Away
Five exceptional routes reached by car, with approximate distance, drive time and parking links.
Cautley Spout & The Calf ↗
A dramatic fell circuit beneath Cautley Spout, widely described as England’s highest cascade waterfall. The climb is steep and serious, but the scenery is superb. The Cross Keys Inn is a welcome stop for tea or coffee before or after the walk.
Wild Boar Fell from the A683 ↗
A substantial high-level circuit of one of the area’s most distinctive fells. Expect a long climb, exposed ground and outstanding views across Mallerstang, the Howgills and the Pennines.
High Cup Nick from Dufton ↗
A magnificent walk into the great U-shaped valley of High Cup Gill, one of the most impressive landforms in the North Pennines. Dufton’s village pub makes an excellent post-walk stop.
Smardale Gill Viaduct & Nature Reserve ↗
A beautiful nature-reserve circuit combining limestone grassland, woodland, the disused railway and the spectacular Smardale Gill Viaduct. Look out for the bird-feeding station beside the car park.
Cotherstone to Barnard Castle ↗
A scenic riverside route between Cotherstone and Barnard Castle. The castle, independent shops, pubs and cafés in Barnard Castle make it a perfect halfway stop for a rest and a look around.
Stay in Kirkby Stephen for a Walking Break
Muddy Boots Escapes has three two-bedroom self-catering properties in Kirkby Stephen for up to four guests. Scarpa and Arcade Royale are dog-friendly, while La Petite Mews is exclusively pet-free.
Muddy Boots – Scarpa
Dog-friendly accommodation in Kirkby Stephen, well placed for walking directly from town and with views towards Nine Standards Rigg.
Explore Scarpa →Muddy Boots – Arcade Royale
Dog-friendly accommodation in central Kirkby Stephen, convenient for starting local walks without moving the car.
Explore Arcade Royale →Muddy Boots – La Petite Mews
Exclusively pet-free boutique accommodation in Kirkby Stephen for walkers who prefer a pet-free stay.
Explore La Petite Mews →Frequently Asked Questions About Walking from Kirkby Stephen
Can I walk directly from Kirkby Stephen without driving?
Yes. Four routes on this guide start from Kirkby Stephen: the Viaduct Walk and Stenkrith Park, Nine Standards Rigg, Long Rigg and Wharton Hall Wander.
Which is the easiest walk on this guide?
The route cards identify the Viaduct Walk and Stenkrith Park as easy–moderate, while Wharton Hall Wander is another gentler option. Always check the current OS Maps route and conditions before setting out.
Which walks are best for a full hill day?
Nine Standards Rigg, Cautley Spout and The Calf, Wild Boar Fell and High Cup Nick are the more demanding routes in this collection, with greater distance, ascent or exposed upland terrain.
Do the walks include GPX files?
Yes. Each of the nine route cards includes a downloadable GPX file as well as a link to the corresponding route in OS Maps.
Are walking times guaranteed?
No. The displayed times, distances and ascent figures come from the supplied OS Maps routes. Weather, ground conditions, navigation, fitness and stops can all change the actual walking time.
Plan for Changing Conditions
Distances, times and ascent are taken from the supplied OS Maps routes. Weather, ground conditions, visibility and navigation can materially affect walking time, especially on Nine Standards Rigg, Cautley Spout, High Cup Nick and Wild Boar Fell. Check the route and current conditions before setting out and carry equipment appropriate to the walk.
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