The Eden Valley has a range of activities including walking (from strenuous mountain paths to gentle riverside strolls), cycling, golf, fishing, horse riding, paragliding and canoeing.
There is a wealth of local history including the remains of many castles. In Kirkby Stephen the parish church, sometimes known as ‘The Cathedral of the Dales’, you will find the ancient ‘Loki Stone’, symbol of an eighth century Norse god.
Kirkby Stephen is a traditional market town with a post office, greengrocers, butchers, pharmacy, bakers, newsagent, florist, bookshop, gift shops, hairdressers and a large co-op supermarket. There are also a number of cafes, pubs, restaurants and take-aways.
The Eden Valley is on the edge of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks and the North Pennines area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Photo of Pennine Way footpath sign by Kreuzschnabel (Own work)
Every Easter weekend, Kirkby Stephen and Brough host a ‘Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally’ attracting a wide range of vehicles from across the UK. The rally, which is free to both the public and exhibitors, has vehicles displayed in about 7 locations in the two towns. All the locations are connected by a free, regular, classic bus and coach service.