Cycling

Cycling

 Kirkby Stephen is an excellent base for both road cycling and mountain biking. 

Some great rides can be enjoyed along the quiet highways and byways of the Eden Valley and surrounding areas and we have information for rides of varying distance and difficulty starting from the door or nearby. One our favourite loops is from Kirkby Stephen to the highest pub in the country, the Tan Hill Inn and back via Keld, we usually cycle this to kick start our Spring cycling but it make take until Summer until we have forgotten the uphill!! 

 The Visit Eden website has some cycle rides that you can download including the Villages & Viaducts with sections along the dismantled railway with great views over Kirkby Stephen.  The Eden Rivers & Brough Castle provides a scenic route along quiet country lanes over five Eden Valley rivers and alongside Brough Castle were you can stop for a much needed ice cream from the ice cream parlour in Church Brough.

 As well as having lovely quiet roads to cycle on there are plenty of off road routes within easy reach to provide a more muddy alternative for all abilities, the Howgill Fells are a short drive from us and Mountain Bike Rider Magazine rated as one of their top 20 routes in the UK, "A classic ride in the Howgill Fells is a loop which can rival the best the Lakes has to offer but without the traffic that can blight the best Lakeland trails"

For those enjoying a longer challenge Kirkby Stephen is on the Walney to Wear (W2W) - a coast to coast cycling route and the central section of the Pennine Cycleway passes through the town.

 We have secure storage for your bike and should you have any mechanical problems during your stay we have an excellent bike repair shop opposite us. 

What our guests thought of us

  • "I arrived colder than an Eskimo's nose and wetter than an otter's pocket; never was a welcome felt so warm."

    Colin

  • "A haven after a very trying day. Fantastic welcome, fantastic place. I will be back"

    Vicki

  • "Nick & Rachel made me feel so welcome for my prolonged stay here. There enthusiasm and interest in visitors, walking in the fells etc are infectious. This has been a super stay in a lovely home - thank you so much and I look forward to staying again next year.

    Philip J

  • "Really wonderful! Thank you for the lovely welcome and hospitality. Amazing Sunday roast, lots of laughs! Great night's sleep (and afternoon) & the footspa was just heaven!"

    Cath & Jeff, Manchester.

  • "This is just lovely. Thanks Nick and Rachel for your kind hospitality, lovely tucker and for sharing this fascinating abode."

    Alex & Cath, Canberra, Australia.

  • "2nd stay in a week. Wonderful hospitality - fantastic dinner - thank you both so much."

    Nick & Kathryn

  • "Hiking Coast to Coast - arrived after a long day on trail due to losing our way! Great hot shower and dinner! Fantastic room and bed. Thanks to our Host & Hostess - GREAT INN, we will return.

    Mike & Christina, Orlando, FL USA.

  • “Wonderful stop, good company & facilities. Pity only one night”

    The Hill family

  • “FANTASTIC! THANKS!!!”

    Wally and Sue

  • “A perfect last night to our holiday!"

    Chris & Jude

  • “Thanks for a super stay – especially the kippers!”

    Harry and Pat, Tuscon AZ

  • “This is the loveliest spot we’ve found on the Coast to Coast walk, thank you so much for your outstanding hospitality”

    The Copleys, California

  • Best overnight stay on the C to C. Great house, food and very friendly

    Steve & Jane
  • Nothing like this in Australia. Fantastic!

    Dan & Robyn
  • 6 Stars. This place is heaven. Thank you so much.

    Nicky & Karen
  • Just what a perfect guest house should be, we'll be back!

    Alan
  • Fantastic comfortable room and a wonderful breakfast. Thank you.

    Paul
  • Fantastic, definitely lived up to recommendations and reputation!

    Ian & Lindy, Australia
  • Stylish and beautiful, excellent breakfast and coffee! Many thanks.

    Julie, USA
  • 2 stops here on the C2C - how lucky we are. Fully revived for the next stage. Thankyou so much.

    Ros & Gordon
  • Great stay - best stopover by far. Many thanks .

    Bill, Canada
  • Fantastic Place! Our favourite on the C2C. Thank you.

    Foster & pam, USA
  • So warm, welcoming & helpful. A lovely home Rachel & Nick!!

    Ian, Australia
  • What a lovely warm welcome, hidden gem, fantastic B&B. Loved it and fabulous porridge.

    Linda & Rick
  • I Just knew I'd be back!!. Lovely night, breakfast just sets up a body brilliantly. Many thanks.

    Ian
  • We had a great relaxing evening in your cosy house. Thank you very much.

    Silvia & Willy, Germany
  • My second visit in 2 years and as always a fantastic stay. Thank you very much andhope to be back in 2017.

    Paul
  • Once again a wonderful stay - great hosts! 
    Thank you

    Gill & Andrew
  • Lovely house, thank you for a great stay, taking care of our hiking gear, superb breakfast.
    A wonderful rest.

    Annabel & Sandy
  • Wonderful welcome & hospitality. Home comforts and a glorious location.

    Trevor & Lorraine
  • 10/10 in every aspect, fantastic food, surroundings and food.
    A defintie return is planned.

    Alan & Dawn
  • A wonderful welcome and great advice for walkers.

    Tracy
  • So nice to return here and spend a little longer. Thank you Rachel & Nick for your kindness. The advice on walks, maps and leaflets were much appreciated. 
    Best wishes to you both...and Dylan.

    Lynn & John, Australia.
  • Now we've found you we will be back. A beautiful B&B and wondrous hospitality.

    Helen & Guy.
  • Lovely stay- integral part of our C2C planning to stay at The Old Croft House. Cake, Porridge , Nick & Rachel- Fantastic!
  • Thank you for an exceedingly warm welcome, value and a wonderful stay.

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