October
8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30) Return
12 miles (19.3km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.
There is something of the Cairngorms about Wild Boar Fell - not the eponymous Wild Boar (or should that be Wilde Bore??) though they may well have roamed Am Monadh Ruadh, but the vastness of the place, a massive upland plateau that contrasts starkly with the adjacent Howgill Fells to the west.
Starting from Cotegill Bridge on the B6259, north of Garsdale Head, we ascent Swarth Fell alongside Far Cote (coyote?) Gill before heading northwards to Wild Boar Fell. The ridge continues to Little Fell and a descent of High Intake Gill to High Cocklake near Pendragon Castle (who named these places?), the latter in legend, the ancient abode of King Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon.
We then follow the River Eden to Kirkby Stephen via various ruins, fortified farms and the like, eventually crossing Frank Gillibrand's bridge into the town!
10 miles (16km) with 2000ft (610m) Ascent.
Starting in Kirkby Stephen we follow the coast to coast path which takes us to Hartley and then along a quiet cul-de-sac past the quarry. We then go along a bridle way and a well defined footpath up to 9 Standards Rigg. After this we head south for a short distance and then north west over a boggy area which brings us back to the bridle way which we leave to go to Ladthwaite, Ewbank Scar and then the old railway track back to Hartley where we follow the footpaths to Kirkby Stephen.
10½ miles (16.9km) with 800ft (245m) Ascent.
The walk leaves Kirkby Stephen and proceeds south along the valley of the River Eden, passing Wharton Hall (mid 16th century), Lammerside Castle (14th century) and Birkett Common before eventually reaching Pendragon Castle (12th century) after 5 miles of gently undulating walking.
The first part of the return leg starts with a half mile climb along the Tommy Road before levelling off and heading north to pass under the Settle to Carlisle railway (the highest and most costly to be built in England). After another mile the walk heads down to the river again and leads back to Kirkby Stephen through Stenkrith Park.
5½ miles (8.9km) with 155ft (508m) Ascent.
We begin our walk from the car park in Kirby Stephen. From the High Street we make our way to Franks Bridge (with a brief toilet stop on the way).. After the crossing the bridge we follow the River Eden South to the Ford. Here we veer left up a gentle hill to a bridge over the dismantled railway and then we continue along a track to the woods above Ladthwaite Beck. Staying on the higher path we head to Lockthwaite where we turn south westish across the fields to the B6270. Turning right we have a very short road walk before taking a path on our left just before the pretty village of Nateby. This path crosses yet more fields, down to the B6259. After another short road walk we turn south west to Mire Close Bridge , crossing the River Eden once more.
From here we begin our journey back into Kirby Stephen, passing the impressive Wharton Hall and its Tower on the way. The path directly North leads us to the River Eden once more. We then follow the course of the river which meanders back towards the village where there are several shops and places to purchase refreshments. This is a leisurely walk with a number of small/moderate stiles. Although the total climbing is 508 feet, there are only two small climbs, as the rest is spread very gradually over three or so miles. On a clear day, there are lovely views of the surrounding countryside.