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.
Walks from the Door & Nearby
Nine hand-picked routes ranging from easy riverside wanders to full upland days. Each walk links directly to OS Maps and includes a downloadable GPX file.
Direct from Kirkby Stephen
Leave the car behind and walk straight from the town centre or your Muddy Boots accommodation.
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.
Plan for changing conditions
Distances, times and ascent are taken from the supplied OS Maps routes. Weather, ground conditions and navigation can materially affect walking time, especially on Nine Standards Rigg, Cautley Spout, High Cup Nick and Wild Boar Fell.
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