Looking East from Kirkby Stephen the highest point on the skyline is dominated by a line of tall dry-stone cairns known as the Nine Standards. They lie at a height of 2172 ft on the Coast-to-Coast route; they are also close to the Pennine Way. The origin of these nine “stone men” or columnar cairns on the summit, is a mystery. One theory is that they were constructed by the Roman army to look like troops from a distance. The suggested 11 mile walk from Kirby Stephen involves only 1850ft of ascent.

Mallerstang Valley - 14.7 miles with 3000ft of total ascent [Map OL 19]. A circular high level tour of Mallerstang’s glorious valley, running south from Kirkby Stephen and steeped in history. The upper reaches of the River Eden flow through the valley and the unspoilt banks offer some very attractive views and places to soak in the peaceful atmosphere. You will visit Wild Boar Fell, where reputedly, the last wild boar in England was caught. Pendragon Castle and nearby Lammerside Castle are crumbling reminders of the difficulties of living in medieval times in northern England. The towers were built to keep out the marauding Scots and were part of a system of Pele towers strewn across northern England. Allegedly Pendragon was first built much earlier by King Arthur’s father but this is probably just a romantic story. Parking at GR NY770747. Lammerside Castle is only a short 2 minute walk away from the return path. Cross the railway bridge and proceed to Greenlaw Rigg, then hug the boundary wall to Little Fell, Low Dolphinsty and The Nab, with it’s magnificent collection of large cairns, their builders unknown, from the misty past. The Trig is set back from the escarpment about 300mtrs. From there, follow the track SW which eventually takes you to a wall and hence to Swarth Fell Pike. Turning east, head down over the railway bridge, and on up to Hell Gill Bridge. From here turn North on a broad track (known locally as Lady Anne’s Way). On your route on your left, you will pass a large sculpture by Mary Bourne, called “Water Cut”, which; if you stand on the plinth and look down the valley, you will notice that it mimics the course of the River Eden stretching away to the North. Cross the river at Thrang Bridge and go West up to the track parallel to the railway, on to the ruin of Pendragon Castle. From here, return to the bus via Birkett Bottom.