Kirkby Stephen to Keld Walk
This walk follows a section of Wainwright's Coast to Coast from Kirkby Stephen to Keld.
The Kirkby Stephen to Keld section of the Coast to Coast Walk is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding segment, famously taking walkers out of Cumbria and into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Spanning around 11 miles, this stage is a significant climb, often starting with a substantial ascent out of Kirkby Stephen towards the formidable Nine Standards Rigg. These nine enigmatic stone cairns, perched at over 600 metres, are a major landmark, their purpose still debated but providing panoramic views on a clear day, though they are often shrouded in cloud, adding to their mystique.
Beyond the Nine Standards, the character of the walk shifts dramatically as you traverse the notorious Pennine peat bogs. This section can be challenging, particularly in wet conditions, requiring careful navigation through deep peat hags and potentially very squelchy ground. The Yorkshire Dales National Park often recommends different coloured routes depending on the time of year to manage erosion. Eventually, the path descends into the stunning Swaledale, one of the most picturesque valleys in the Dales. Here, you'll encounter the charming and remote Ravenseat Farm, famously home to the "Yorkshire Shepherdess," offering a potential stop for refreshments.
The final approach to Keld follows the beautiful Whitsundale Beck, often leading past old stone barns and offering views of Wain Wath Force waterfall, before finally reaching the secluded and welcoming hamlet of Keld, a true haven for weary walkers.
Kirkby Stephen to Keld Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
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Kirkby Stephen to Keld Walk Open Street Map 
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Kirkby Stephen to Keld Walk OS Map 
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Kirkby Stephen to Keld Walk Open Street Map 
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Photos
In Kirkby Stephen
Cairns on Nine Standards Rigg
The farm at Ravenseat
East Stonesdale, Keld, North Yorkshire