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The ancient market town and royal borough of Appleby is right in the heart of the Eden Valley and serves as the focal point for all of the surrounding villages and hamlets. There’s a good selection of traditional shops, while the riverside is perfect for a stroll or a picnic – there’s also an indoor swimming pool if you want something a little more energetic. The biggest event on the calendar is the annual horse fair that takes place in June.
Outside of town, the North Pennines lie directly east, with Cross Fell (893m) the tallest point and the distinctive conical peaks of Knock, Dufton and Murton pikes jutting up from the edge – the whole area is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The valley floor is occupied by the Eden River and its tributaries. The Romans marched through this valley between Carlisle and Brough: traces of one of the finest settlements in the northwest are at Ewe Close, made up of a series of hut circles and enclosure walls.
Older still is the double-ringed Oddendale Stone Circle and other prehistoric cairns on the limestone plateau to the south-west of Crosby Ravensworth, where you can also see evidence of Iron Age settlements.
During the 9th century, Viking settlers drawn to the rich grazing lands around the river founded the first settlements of Temple Sowerby, Bolton, Appleby, Great Ormside and Sandford. In the 11th century the Normans built the first castle on a high vantage point overlooking a river crossing at Appleby. The castle passed into the hands of the Clifford family in the 13th century, and they held it for the next 400 years: its most famous member was Lady Anne Clifford, who fought a 40-year battle to inherit her father’s estate, finally doing so in 1643. She devoted the rest of her life to restoring her family’s five castles – including the one at Appleby. Thanks to her, the castle is still open for tours, weddings, functions and conferences.
Photo: Appleby Castle
Appleby was the county town of Westmorland until 1974, when the boundary lines were redrawn and the ancient counties of Cumberland and Westmorland disappeared to be replaced by Cumbria (which also includes bits of Lancashire). Its former high status is still in evidence in the elegant uphill sweep of its tree-lined main street (Boroughgate) from the Norman church of St Lawrence at the bottom to the defensive Norman castle at the top.
Appleby developed early as a market town to sell produce from the surrounding rural area. The strong tradition of milk, butter and cheese production led to the establishment of the Appleby Express Creamery in 1931. The bull tethering ring, which can still be seen between Low Cross and the Moot Hall, was last used in 1812. Further along, the old County Gaol incarcerated prisoners for various misdeeds. Prisoners were made to work for their keep by grinding malt for the brewery and pumping water. A treadmill was uncovered here by Channel 4's Time Team in 2003. Gallows Hill (now known as Fair Hill) was the site for public hangings, the last being in 1829. And finally, you might notice some narrow alleys off some of the main streets – these were known as ‘wiends’ and could be sealed off to protect the townspeople in case of attack.
Orton - The village of Orton stretches languidly in all directions but never loses sight of its focal centre, where several roads and footpaths converge. Here on the second Saturday of every month is one of the best farmers' market in northwest England with a huge array of local produce, complemented by a fine artisan chocolate factory and a traditional village shop.
Kirkby Stephen - Kirkby Stephen, an ancient market town at the head of the Eden Valley, possesses an air of historical intrigue. A fine church and busy market square lie at its heart. Narrow, twisting passageways await exploration and underground passages once provided refuge during Scottish raids and to smuggle in beer to the ale-houses to avoid paying taxes.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland. Click for more details.
Eden Valley The most peaceful haven of pastoral calm
Number of results: 63
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Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland
Across the valley floor and along its undulating sides, courtesy of stone bridges over the Eden and Lyvennet rivers (and
numerous becks that feed them), this ride has excellent views to the eye-catching contours of the North Pennines.
Temple Sowerby, Penrith
Join Bel Charlesworth, the Yorkshire Herbalist, to learn more about the medicinal uses of the herbs grown at Acorn Bank.
Brougham, Penrith
Join the HandleBards at Brougham Hall for a hilarious, high-octane production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Four young lovers find themselves lost in a magical forest, where the Fairy King and Queen are fighting for the possession of…
Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
114 reviewsAppleby-in-Westmorland
If you enjoy high level excitements then why not step boldly over the edge of a near-vertical rock face or abseil down the side of a railway viaduct?
KIRKBY STEPHEN
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands on the site of a Saxon church and contains many ancient relics.
Kirkby Stephen
The Carthouse is one of three luxurious cottages at The Green Cumbria. Super stylish barn conversion, idyllic rural location, dogs welcome, enclosed garden, wood-burner, pubs nearby and great walks from the door.
Penrith
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lake District, the George and Dragon is a beloved country inn that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Sink into our fabulous beds adorned with luxurious linens, and enjoy the convenience of en-suite…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
244 reviewsKirkby Stephen
3 luxury wood and canvas glamping yurts, with electricity, full size king beds and log burning stoves. They have access to a shared eco toilet and hot woodland shower. The yurts are situated right on the banks of our river, in a riverside woodland…
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Sound Bath event
Kirkby Stephen
6 Exclusive luxury log cabins on a beautiful seven acre private grounds, each with its own private outdoor hot tub, offering peace, tranquility and wonderful views, walking distance to three fantastic village pubs. National Park location.
Vicarage La, Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria Festival Chorus, conducted by Ian Jones, presents Rachmaninov's ethereal hymn of praise. With saxophone interludes by Lynne Williams.
Tickets £15 (under-18s free) via our website.
PENRITH
Tarmac car park overlooking Wet Sleddale reservoir. with space for up to 15 vehicles, no height barriers. 5 mins from M6.
No services available at this site so please ensure you take all waste away with you.
APPLEBY-IN-WESTMORLAND
Pay and display car park with 65 spaces. Charges apply 8am to 6pm.
Public toilets located adjacent to the car park.
Cumbria
The narrow dale of Mallerstang is the uppermost and remotest part of the Eden Valley (leading to the source of the River Eden on Black Fell Moss).
Cumbria
The only ride in this guide with some traffic-free sections, including the shared use dismantled railway route over two viaducts, once part of the coke carrying Stainmore Railway (more details from www.nvt.org.uk).
KIRKBY STEPHEN
Free car parking with 12 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Cumbria
Crossings of the Eden, Belah, Argill Beck, Swindale Beck and Scandal Beck rivers, plus medieval Brough Castle (English Heritage) all feature on this ride.
APPLEBY-IN-WESTMORLAND
Pay and display car park with 50 spaces.
KIRKBY STEPHEN
Electric bike charging point, located at The Fat Lamb Hotel, Ravenstonedale.
A donation to Mountain Rescue is requested for use of this facility.
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