• Ancient ruins in the valley
• Quiet & peaceful riverside
• Take some time in Kirkby Stephen

Mallerstang is a glorious valley, running south from Kirkby Stephen, steeped in history but also beautiful and unspoilt. 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. I set off from the train station but the walk is just as pleasant from the town centre of Kirkby Stephen. My ultimate goal was the ruins of Pendragon Castle but the valley is so attractive that an A to B walk may be preferable with a walk down the full length of the valley an attractive proposition. 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; both castles are however built on raised grounds with splendid views to the north. Both lie in peaceful and unspoilt spots which, if positioned elsewhere, would be frantic with visitors, have a tea shop and incur some kind of charge. I saw not another soul whilst sat under the castle walls – one of the great pleasures of walking in these parts.

Recommend: This is one of the few walks where it is a genuine pleasure to start from the train station with its views up Mallerstang.

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© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL19 Howgill Fells & the Upper Eden Valley
Start Point:	771075 at Croglam. This saves a mile each way which you may be grateful for. From here aim for Halfpenny house where the route becomes clear and is well signposted. Again aim for Halfpenny if you have arrived by train. I stuck to the west side of the Eden on the way out which I think is the best option.
Terrain:	Good, well sign posted.
Eating & Drinking:	Kirkby Stephen train station has a small cafe whilst the town itself has a wide choice of pubs and tea shops (and an excellent butty shop selling 'bigger' sized sandwiches! My choice).