Kirkby Stephen in the Upper Eden Valley has been hailed as a gateway to walking trails in the Lake District. The market town is in a less visited part of Cumbria and surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, walks route planner Visorando recommends several routes, including a circular walk from Kirkby Stephen to the village of Nateby and Waitby Common.

Another route takes in the Howgill Fells which follows Bowderdale before climbing to the highest point in the group of hills.

Besides a treasure trove of walks to choose from, Kirkby Stephen offers a jumping off point to visit historic sites in the area, including the castles of Brougham, Brough, Pendragon, and Lammerside.

Kirkby Stephen East is just one of the town’s attractions. The museum is home to vintage locomotives.

The station was built in 1861 and served the community for 100 years. Kirkby Stephen East also includes a glamourous 1930s buffet car.

The local parish church is known as the “Cathedral of the Dales” and was built on the site of an old Anglo-Saxon church, boasting one of Europe’s two Loki stones.

Kirkby Stephen’s Loki stone is an 8th-century carved image of the Scandinavian god Loki, bound and chained.

Excursions recommended by the town website include Ingleton Falls, Skipton, Alston Lead Mines, the rope works at Hawes, and Hadrian’s Wall.

Kirkby Stephen offers an “excellent” choice of places to eat and drink, according to kirkby-stephen.com. Berry Grape & Grain, Mango Tree and Pennine Bistro are among the options.

There are a few places to stay in and around the town, with kirkyby-stephen.com recommending B&Bs Bollam Cottage, Fletcher House, The Fat Lamb at Ravenstonedale, Lockholme Bed and Breakfast and The Old Croft House.

Kirkby Stephen also offers hostel accommodation in a converted former Methodist chapel in the centre of the town.

Self-catering accommodation recommended by the town website includes Black Bull Barn, Blandswath Cottage and Low Mill.

On the A685 between Brough and Nateby, Kirkby Stephen is about 30 minutes by car from Penrith and a 40 minute drive from Kendal.

Kirkby Stephen Railway Station serves the town with Northern trains operating on the Settle-Carlisle Line.