Lying with the Pennines to the east and the Lake District Fells to the west, the beautiful Eden Valley around the River Eden is a mix of lush green countryside, traditional towns and attractive sandstone villages some dating back to Viking times. To the south are the peaceful Howgill Fells, a favourite of Wainwright.
The River Eden which has its source in the Mallerstang Valley, is one of the finest salmon and trout rivers in the North of England and you can enjoy some great riverside walks. Look out for Lacy's caves, carved out of sandstone right on the riverbank or go in search of the Eden Benchmarks, ten intriguing sculptures in dramatic settings which act as welcome seats.
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Walking - Eden in Cumbria The Lake District is a paradise for walkers. As well as Lake District walking, Eden also offers the limestone landscape of the Orton Fells, the beautiful River Eden, countryside and attractive villages of the Eden Valley, and part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Alfred Wainwright's guides feature numerous fells around Ullswater (arguably England's most beautiful lake) and Haweswater. The northern fringe of the Howgill Fells as far as the Yorkshire Dales National Park is an area for quiet uninterrupted walking. Travel on the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway and walk from stations along the Eden Valley section of the line. Kirkby Stephen has 'Walkers are Welcome' accreditation, the first town in Cumbria to have obtained this.Eden has an extensive public rights of way network, plus a range of maps and guidebooks, expert help, outdoor shops and welcoming places to stay to help you get the most out of your visit.
Cycling - Riding a bike over rolling terrain on quiet rural roads and bridleway tracks is an exhilarating way to enjoy Eden’s epic scenery. The Eden Valley and Orton Fells, spread as they are between the tougher terrain of the Lake District and North Pennines, are especially good for circular rides from places like Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen market towns, which are all accessible by train too. Higher altitude Alston offers adventurous outings for the more experienced cyclist. Where these rides coincide with sections of the three long distance cycle routes which pass through Eden, the Sea to Sea (C2C), Walney to Wear and Whitby (W2W) and Pennine Cycleway, you will be following the blue signs of these challenging National Cycle Network routes and maybe sharing a few words with those who are touring along them. Plenty of Land’s End - John O’Groats cyclists pass through Eden as well.
