Walk 2538 - printer friendly version

Nateby & Waitby Common from Kirkby Stephen Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.2 miles / 10.1 km

Ascent - 600 feet / 182 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference NY775087
Lat 54.4731580 + Long -2.3487012
Postcode CA17 4QT (approx. location only)

This circular walk starts from the market town of Kirkby Stephen and follows a circular route to explore the rolling country to the south-west of the town. The route uses riverside paths, paths across the rolling country and a short section of road walking. The views are generally good.

Kirkby Stephen usually has plenty of parking including a car park to the west of the main road (grid ref. NY772088). Wherever you park locate the entrance to the parish church in the Market Square. With your back to the church turn left and walk down the narrow road next to the newsagents. Follow the sign for River Eden and Frank's Bridge down an alley, Stone Shot. At the bottom turn left and cross Frank's Bridge. Turn right along a path following the River Eden which is on your right.

Continue along the riverside path to reach a footbridge over Ladthwaite Beck (grid ref. NY779082). Here you join a walled track that leads you to the main B6259 through Nateby (grid ref. NY774069). Turn left along the road for a short distance and take the signed bridleway leading down to a bridge below Wharton Hall (grid ref. NY771064). Cross the bridge and walk up to a track which leads south to Wharton Hall. Turn right along this track for about 300 yards and take the track/footpath on your left which will take you gently uphill to a path junction at grid ref. NY766063. Here take the path on your right following the wall to take you under the Settle and Carlisle railway to Easegill Head. Continue through the buildings here and follow the access track up to the A683.

Turn right along the A683 to Lane Head. Turn left here along the A685 and almost immediately turn right down a quiet lane leading to Waitby to cross the eastern flank of Waitby Common. After three quarters of a mile, take the lane on the right. This is the first lane on the right since leaving the main road. Follow this lane for about 200 yards to turn right onto a signed footpath. The path goes under the Settle and Carlisle railway. Ignore the path on your left and continue half right across the field to a wall (grid ref. NY756074). Here go half left and follow the path to Greenriggs. Go between the buildings and follow the access road back into Kirkby Stephen.

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.