Kirkby Stephen was a new area for us, and the White Lion Pub is probably the most friendly we've come across!

Diana Young on the "B" walk.

The ‘B’ group were dropped off on the B6259 at Aisgill approximately 11 miles from Kirby Stephen.  We made our way up to the Lady Jane Highway and along this route we came across the sculpture shown in the photo. 

Our route then took us down to the B6259 which we crossed and continued our walk along the River Eden, after having a short break at the old bridge which crosses the Eden.  We made our way to Pendragon Castle and from here we followed the same route into Kirby Stephen as the ‘D’ party.  Everyone enjoyed the day and were all agreed the scenery was spectacular.

 Peter Malone on the "D" walk.

The  ‘D’ walk was a delightful 6.5 mile, 10.5km linear walk from a point south of KS on the B6259. OS 19 NY 782 011. Our 52 seat coach had no problems with the road.

We followed the bridleway crossing the River Eden in a northerly direction towards Shoregill & then on to Pendragon Castle. The route followed north with the river close by & on to Wharton Hall.

Beyond Wharton Hall the R.O.W rejoined the river at Halfpenny House ( not Penny House) where we had lunch on the riverside before continuing on to Stenkrith Bridge.

On arriving at the road bridge we discovered a new millennium pedestrian crossing were could admire how the river below had carved it’s way through the limestone rocks. This is the last point that the breeding salmon can make their way up river to.

   We then continued north along the riverside to join a bridleway.

We had a choice of heading back to KS via the road but as it was a nice day we took the bridleway route in an easterly direction across the river following it south for 220yd before heading north to Franks Bridge for the last mile to our coach parked on the cattle auction car park.   

"A" walk climbed to the top of the ridge before dropping steeply down to follow "D" walks route into Kirby Stephan                          .

passing a farm with a parrot flying by and perching conveniently for photographs!

Oh, and happy birthday Clive!