Shap to Kirkby Stephen Walk
This walk follows a section of the Coast to Coast Walk from Shap to Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria.
The walk marks a significant shift in landscape from the rugged Lakeland fells to the gentler, yet still wild, terrain of the Westmorland Limestone Plateau. Often described as a "recovery day" after the previous strenuous sections, this segment is nevertheless a long and absorbing journey, typically spanning around 20 miles.
Setting out from Shap, a small village often bustling with Coast to Coast walkers exploring the historic ruins of Shap Abbey, you'll soon leave the immediate influence of the M6 motorway behind, crossing it via a footbridge that signifies a departure from the Lake District's dramatic peaks.
The scenery rapidly changes to one of rolling moors, expansive limestone pavements, and vast, open skies. This unique geology is a highlight, with interesting fissures and grikes in the rock providing micro-habitats. The path, often wide and well-marked, leads through a sense of delightful isolation, punctuated by historical curiosities such as the stone circles near Oddendale, though they can be elusive to find.
As you continue towards Kirkby Stephen, the route takes you past Sunbiggin Tarn, a peaceful bird reserve, and through a mix of open moorland and traditional walled fields. You'll encounter further intriguing historical remnants, including old lime kilns and eventually pass by the impressive Smardale Viadiuct, a disused railway structure that stands as a testament to Victorian engineering. The final miles often involve a gradual descent into the attractive market town of Kirkby Stephen, a welcoming haven with its charming village square and ample amenities for weary walkers. This section, while less challenging in terms of ascent than the Lakes, demands endurance and offers a profound sense of traversing an ancient, less-trodden landscape.
Shap to Kirkby Stephen Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
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Shap to Kirkby Stephen Walk Open Street Map 
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Shap to Kirkby Stephen Walk OS Map 
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Shap to Kirkby Stephen Walk Open Street Map 
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Photos
Shap Market Cross (Built 1687)
Cairn circle, Oddendale
Sunbiggin Tarn
Kirkby Stephen